AUSTIN – Clemson’s return to the College Football Playoff was short-lived.

Texas basically ran it at will, rushing for 292 yards while picking up more than six yards per carry. The Longhorns had eight runs of 10 yards or more, one of those being a 77-yarder by Jaydon Blue in one of the game’s biggest moments, as Clemson had just pulled to within a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

The offense did its part, having more success against that Longhorns defense than anyone else did all season. Cade Klubnik was no doubt the best quarterback on the field and had he just gotten a little help from his defensive counterparts, who knows what happens.

You can make the argument that T.J. Moore was the best receiver on the field last night too. The true freshman had his most productive day yet, going over the century mark for the first time in his young career. A bright future is awaiting that young wideout.

However, at the end of the day, this was just another example of the defense failing to play to its potential. Especially down the stretch, seeing as SMU ran for 154 against this defense. South Carolina had 267 rushing yards. Even The Citadel had a lot of success running it on the Tigers, rushing for over 300 yards.

Not All Doom and Gloom

As bad as the defense was last night, there were also some things we saw that have to make you feel good about next season. Barring some unexpected portal departures, of course.

Klubnik was really good and the quarterback showed he can deliver on the big stage. The Longhorns had allowed just four passing touchdowns all season and Klubnik had three against them. That passing attack has shown signs of a lot of growth throughout the season. And Clemson was actually able to generate some rushing yards without Phil Mafah.

Those two freshmen receivers have been exactly what was expected and if you can somehow get Antonio Williams to come back, you’re offense is in a really good spot. There is a lot to like about where this team stands on that side of the ball right now.

Randall to RB?

Early in the week, I would have thought the chances of Adam Randall seeing any time at running back were somewhere between slim and none. That’s exactly what happened, though, as the wide receiver flashed a little potential on the one long run.

Dabo Swinney then said after the game the Tigers were looking to move Randall to running back once spring ball starts. I am a fan of this move seeing how Randall has been passed by those younger receivers. With Mafah set to move on, that room will be short on experience and seeing if Randall can make an impact out of the backfield is one of those no lose type of situations. If it works, great, you’ve got some depth. If it doesn’t, no harm done.

The Next Punter

Maybe this is an area that needs to be addressed in the portal. Aidan Swanson just finished up his career at Clemson but the fact that no one else got a shot despite some of the inconsistencies speak volumes.

Swanson had four punts on Saturday. His longest was just 41 yards and his other three were less than 40. Those are valuable yards lost in the field position battle. And it’s happened far too often this season.

Jack Smith is next in line, but again, the fact that he never got a shot all season gives you an idea of how much the staff trusts him at this point.

The Elephant In the Room

Somehow, some way, Clemson has to be better on defense next season, especially against the run. Wes Goodwin is going to take some heat from those on the outside, and some of that has been earned for sure. However, this defense has some serious issues and they might run deeper than who’s calling the plays on that side of the ball.

The Tigers defensive front was pushed around by Texas. The linebackers were just not very good and the coverage on the backend was hit and miss. There were issues at all three levels and that has been a common theme much of the season.

Clemson ranks outside the Top 50 in scoring defense, and outside the Top 60 in total defense, rush defense and pass defense. However, the most telling stat is the 4.7 yards per carry allowed, which doesn’t even rank inside the Top 100.

It’s a far cry from where this unit was two years ago after Goodwin’s first season at the helm. The Tigers have gotten worse statistically in each of his three seasons now.

With this year over, now is the time for Swinney to take a long, hard look at that side of the ball. Identify any issues and address them.

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!