It is hard to believe that the midway point of the 2019 season is approaching for the Clemson Tigers, but with that comes the exciting chance at another playoff run and a potential third national title in four years.
As Clemson finishes up its first bye weekend of the season, The Tiger Sports takes a look at the 2019 team through its first five games, and projects how the second half of the season could unfold.
The Tigers survived a scare last weekend in Chapel Hill as Brent Venables’ defense starved off UNC’s late rally to preserve a 21-20 victory over the Tar Heels. Although Clemson won on the scoreboard, the Tigers certainly lost in other aspects. The questions about the loaded Clemson offense could be heard loudly throughout the week as Dabo and the team faced much criticism for their performance.
The reality is clear: offensively, Clemson has some kinks to work out. Yes, the Tigers are averaging 38.0 points per game and 486.0 yards of offense per game, both of which are some of the highest for any Clemson offense in recent memory, but there are still plenty of questions to be had. For instance, where has Trevor Lawrence been this year? The star sophomore quarterback has struggled to find his rhythm through the first five games after lighting up college football one year ago. Travis Etienne was a force in Clemson’s season opener against Georgia Tech, but the running back has virtually vanished from the Tiger offense ever since. Justyn Ross has also been quiet in the receiving game, although he has dealt with injury at different points this season.
Following last week’s close call, Clemson dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the AP poll, replaced at the top by none other than Alabama. Many experts dropped the Tigers even further. The drop is understandable; despite being in the midst of a 20-game win streak, Clemson has not looked like everyone thought it would. The good news? There has only been six weeks of football played. There are still tons of opportunities left for this team.
In all reality, the Tigers early struggles matter little unless they turn into season-long struggles. With an offense as talented as Clemson’s, it is only a matter of time before the floodgates open.
The biggest storyline this season has been the revamping of a Tiger defense that lost tons of talent from 2018’s team. The entire front seven for Clemson, outside of Isaiah Simmons, is new to the spotlight. Chad Smith and Xavier Thomas each have experience, but neither have played a tremendous role until this season.
The Tigers sit at No. 8 in total defense this season, holding opponents to just 255.2 yards of offense per game. Clemson has racked up 19 total sacks and five interceptions on the year. Not bad for a defense that was supposed to take a step back from last year. Brent Venables has done a heck of a job retooling his unit.
Clemson sits at 5-0 (3-0 ACC) after taking this weekend off. The Tigers more than likely spent the off weekend working out the kinks of the offense. It has been a struggle for Lawrence and the rest of the offense so far, but it is reasonable to believe that will end soon.
Despite the struggle, Clemson has easily won every game except for UNC, and the Tigers needed that wake up call. It may upset some, but Clemson is right where Dabo Swinney and the program like themselves to be: overlooked. Some are saying the Tigers’ playoff chances are dwindling and this team is not capable of a repeat.
The rest of the season looks upward still. Clemson will be favorites in all of its remaining games and has a great shot at finishing unbeaten again. Florida State will certainly provide a test for the Tigers, as will a potential unbeaten Wake Forest team in November. Clemson should get a ranked matchup with Virginia or Duke in the ACC Championship Game. There is not a reason for the Tiger faithful to worry yet.
Time will tell if this Clemson team is up to the task of defending its title. One thing is for sure, though: this program thrives off having a chip on its shoulder. Luckily, the Tigers probably just got their chip in Chapel Hill. If seasons past are an indication of where this team is most likely headed, the next couple months should be a nice ride.
