Finding a way. That’s what the Clemson offensive line did in 2023, and the group deserves more credit than it got flack throughout the season.
Starting with the root of the struggles, injuries to starters Walker Parks and Marcus Tate made it challenging for the group to find its bearings. Parks went down early while Tate went down later in the year.
The Tigers rushing game was a venture as a reearin the season and quarterback Cade Klubnik was often in a scramble. That’s a major reason why Clemson started 4-4.
Losses to Miami and NC State were the two greatest examples. The Tigers had 34 carries for 31 yards with Klubnik’s sacks included in Hard Rock Stadium. Manhandled up front would be an understatement as the revolving door was still spinning to find the right five heading into the final stretch of the season.
Numbers don’t truly do it justice because eclipsing 100 rushing yards was something Clemson did practically every week. Missed assignments were a consistent issue but the lack of push was the biggest problem that any fan could notice. The moment the ball was snapped, the Tigers front was the one being moved back, not the other way around.
That was until something finally clicked, among many things late in the year. Harris Sewell and Trent Howard entered the lineup and the group found its rhythm. Running back Phil Mafah was sprung for 186 rushing yards against Notre Dame right around this time as Clemson found its feet up front.
Two weeks later, the Tigers ran at will against North Carolina and Klubnik’s jersey was clean again in that one. Icing on the cake was the 219 rushing yards against South Carolina.
Still, there’s a reason Dabo Swinney parted ways with Thomas Austin and added the expertise of Matt Luke. The attention to detail was lacking and it’s why Clemson was often imperfect up front even with the injuries in mind. There’s no reason for this talent to be incapable of manhandling its opponents.
Without recency bias, the Tigers offensive line was mediocre at best early in the season. The final five would earn a B grade on its own, but that’s not fair to the full product.
Final OL Grade: C-