FSU football: Q&A with Clemson experts at Rubbing The Rock 2023
By Kelvin Hunt
Chop Chat: Dabo Swinney tabbed Garret Riley as the new offensive coordinator in the offseason. Riley has an excellent reputation. How do you think the addition has changed Clemson’s offense from the past few years? How do you think Cade Klubnik has adjusted from last year through the first few games with Riley?
Rubbing The Rock: The offense definitely plays with more spacing and more tempo. They have sprinkled in two-back sets and four-receiver sets. Klubnik’s biggest problem has been consistency. He’s only starting his fifth game, so it’s just going to take some time. When he’s good, he’s really good. When he’s bad…woof.
Chop Chat: What would you consider the biggest strengths and weaknesses of the Clemson team through three games? Which players have to play well if Clemson wants to continue its winning streak over FSU?
Rubbing The Rock: The defense is solid. The defensive line play hasn’t dropped off much since last season, they have very good linebackers and the backfield is very experienced. The biggest weakness has been the gaffs by the offense. In the Duke game and first half of the Charleston Southern game, the offense (specifically Klubnik) didn’t protect the football and they were outscored 45-31. In the second half of the CSU game and the Florida Atlantic game, they protected the ball and outscored their opponents 90-14. The turnover battle will likely decide the game. Klubnik must play smart football and he needs Antonio Williams and Beaux Collins to be clutch catching the ball. On defense, Clemson needs Jeremiah Trotter and Barrett Carter to shine. It will be their job to contain Jordan Travis.