Clemson’s issues on the offensive side of the ball are no secret, and they have played a major role in why the Tigers are off to their first 1-3 start since the 2004 season.
The play-calling has been a big topic of discussion and concern among Clemson fans on social media, message boards and radio call-in shows, with the offense not even coming close to living up to its preseason billing through four games.
During his weekly Tuesday press conference, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked how he evaluates the offensive play-calling and what has to get better there.
“It’s not good enough,” Swinney said. “I mean, we’re 1-3, so nothing’s good.”
Last season, with virtually the same players and coaches, Clemson averaged 34.7 points and 451.9 yards per game.
This season, the Tigers currently rank 116th nationally in scoring offense (19.8 points per game), 112th in rushing offense (116.25 rushing yards per game), 55th in passing offense (249.0 passing yards per game) and 87th in total offense (365.3 total yards per game).
When it comes to the play-calling, Swinney says “there’s been good play-calling and there’s been bad.”
“There’s always good and bad,” he added. “But when you’re 1-3, it’s not good enough.”
Swinney says the Tigers simply haven’t made a lot of plays that have been there to be made.
“And that’s frustrating as a coach when you watch the tape, and you’re in position to be successful, but it doesn’t happen,” Swinney said. “Well, still, that’s [on] us as coaches, period.”
The Tigers will try to make more plays and put more points on the board Saturday when they take on North Carolina in Chapel Hill (noon, ESPN).