College Football

Clemson Football vs Troy: Offensive Grades

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:47 p.m. ET

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Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott reacts during the first quarter against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Each week we will grade Clemson football’s offensive and defensive efforts versus their opponents.

I watched it just like you did. Drop after drop. Missed block after missed block.

Clemson football team stumbled to a 30-24 win Saturday versus an opponent that many, including myself, thought the Tigers should have blown out by halftime.

I think that’s where the problem lies. It’s in our own expectations. As fans and analysts alike, we pick apart each and every play, each drive and the errors jump off of the screen.

Let’s look at the good, the bad and the ugly of Clemson football’s game against Troy.

Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Tyshon Dye (22) carries the ball during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

Last week if you remember, Coach Swinney seemed really bummed that he didn’t play more guys versus Auburn. He commented that he was disappointed in himself for not playing some guys that he thought should have seen some good playing time.

However, he didn’t quite trust them in a big game situation on the road, in the opener. Now we can see why. If you pay close attention, almost the entire roster flip-flopped every other series. The starting offensive line: Hyatt, Hearn, Guillermo, Crowder and Fruhmorgen would play a series and the next series, the backups would see time.

When the 2nd string was in, you could see the drop off.

Running lanes were nonexistent, Watson was pressured and hit and there was zero rhythm to the offense. So what do you do?

This was supposed to be a game that talent would take over and the more inexperienced players would see some valuable playing time. You had to play these guys this week. You have to play them next week. It is imperative that they get meaningful game time experience. However, they’ve got some growing up to do.

Simpson, Falcinelli, Morris and the other combos of offensive lineman, other than the starting five, underwhelmed a packed Death Valley.

Something has to give with the line, whether it’s confidence, focus or more time in the film room, something is off. Something is missing.

The one glaring thing that’s missing is aggressive, physical run blocking. There is no excuse in not blowing the opponent off of the line and physically imposing your will. Run blocking is simple. You physically move the man in front of you out of your way.

It’s mano y mano, a 6 second street fight, you physically whip the man in front of you. Clemson football has yet to do that this season.

It’s time for the offensive line to grow up and play like the grown men that they are. It’s time for them to hit somebody in the mouth and play Clemson football. Tough, physical, and imposing.

Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Backfield

The trickle down effect of the poor offensive line play is poor quarterback play.

When Watson can’t set his feet, when he’s releasing the ball early in order to get it out before he gets hit by a linebacker that’s running free, that results in overthrowing your receivers.

That also results in leading your receivers too far or throwing behind them. You saw it all this week. There were passes thrown that an 8ft tall receiver couldn’t catch. There were passes that were mis-reads, there was mis-communication between Watson and his receivers and a complete lack of rhythm from the offense as a whole.

There is no reason Watson should be attempting 53 passes against Troy. Clemson football lives and dies with its running game. Gallman had nine carries. Nine.

Think about that for a second.

The running back, who last year set the single season rushing record at Clemson, got nine carries for 34 yards. Inexcusable. Period. Again, it’s a trickle down effect.

If there are no holes to run through you can’t continue to run the ball and punt series after series.

Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Artavis Scott (3) carries the ball during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of punting. I don’t think I even have to mention the McCloud gaffe. That was a huge mistake that he has already learned from. I’m just glad that if that had to happen in a game, it happened in this game.

And while I’m mentioning McCloud, who had a pretty good game at receiver,  I may as well talk about the rest of the receiving corps. Unfocused and passive.

That’s my honest assessment. When Watson puts the ball in between the numbers, they have to be caught. For the second week in a row there were too many drops.

I don’t know the exact number, but I’d go out on a limb and say that Clemson receivers have dropped more balls this year, in two games, than they dropped in 15 games last season. Inexcusable, and something that must be corrected.

Now for the bright spots. Artavis Scott looks great. He’s fast and dialed in. McCloud is finally developing into a reliable receiver and I like our starting five on the offensive line.

Clemson football also may have the best goal line offense in the nation.

The play action pass to Christian Wilkins was a perfectly executed play call, and it gives future opponents something else to try to scheme for. Unfortunately, that, and the TD catch by Renfrow was the bright spots on the day, offensively. I am glad that the Tigers haven’t peaked in mid-September. It’s a growing process and with time, they will develop into a great football team.

However, they aren’t there yet and that’s why for this game against Troy the offense will get a grade of C-.

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