Clemson’s passing offense is in hassle, rating 138th within the nation for passing touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris admits the unit has not discovered success within the air. The staff faces Virginia Tech this weekend and should repair these points to maintain their season hopes alive.
The numbers inform a transparent story of a stalled assault. The Tigers sit at 111th in common passing yards per recreation. They’re final within the nation for scoring through the cross. Even in a 37-0 win over Charleston Southern on Oct. 17, the staff threw for less than 207 yards and nil touchdowns. Greater than a month in the past, particularly on Sept. 19 versus North Carolina, they final scored a landing.
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A stark distinction to the previous
Present struggles look nothing like the beginning of Morris’ first stint at Clemson again in 2011. In his preliminary six video games throughout that 12 months, quarterback Tajh Boyd accomplished 15 touchdowns. The staff began 6-0 with a significantly better air assault. Morris notes the distinction in manufacturing between then and now.
“There hadn’t been a lot success in any respect in that regard,” Morris stated, in response to s. He factors to timing and execution as the principle hurdles. The receivers and quarterback should be on the identical web page for performs to work. Morris believes the unit remains to be a piece in progress as they attempt to get everybody aligned.
Head coach Dabo Swinney has defended the freshman quarterback, Tait Reynolds. Swinney praised Reynolds’ poise and decision-making after the current recreation. He didn’t blame the younger participant for the shortage of scores. “I assumed it was Tait’s greatest recreation,” he stated. The coach sees enchancment in how Reynolds handles strain in comparison with his first begin.
The receiver room must step up
Whereas the quarterback will get some credit score, the huge receiver group faces harsh criticism. The staff took many deep photographs in opposition to Charleston Southern, however the catches didn’t come. Junior receiver T.J. Moore was the goal on a number of performs that failed resulting from drops or robust protection.
Swinney and Morris didn’t sugarcoat the problems with Moore. They count on extra from a place group that was alleged to be the staff’s greatest. “T.J. most likely had his worst recreation as a Tiger,” Swinney stated. He added that it was possible the worst efficiency the participant has had since becoming a member of this system.
Your entire receiver room should enhance to assist the offense. Swinney in contrast the state of affairs to basketball, noting that one participant can’t carry the load alone. The unit must make the catches when the ball comes their manner. With out this, the passing recreation will stay caught on the backside of the rankings.
Looking forward to Virginia Tech
Clemson enters the again half of the season with a troublesome check in opposition to Virginia Tech. Nationally, the Hokies’ dashing protection ranks because the No. 10 unit. They provide up 227.3 passing yards per recreation and have allowed 9 passing touchdowns. The Tigers must discover a method to transfer the ball by the air to win.
A loss would possible finish any likelihood of being within the combine for the ACC title come November. A win retains the dream of a 10-2 season and an ACC Championship recreation alive. The staff has to repair the passing recreation shortly to have a shot at these targets. Protection and particular groups have carried them to this point, however that may not be sufficient in opposition to a robust opponent.
The trail ahead requires higher execution on each play. Morris is aware of the performs are there to be made, however the staff should make them. The timing of the receivers and the quarterback must be excellent. If they’ll get on the identical web page, the offense might lastly begin to transfer ahead.
What followers can count on
Followers have seen the staff win video games, however the passing recreation has been a weak level. The teaching workers is conscious of the issue and is working to unravel it.