CLEMSON — Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke confirmed the Tigers tried to get a couple of players out of the transfer portal in the off-season. However, as everyone knows, they were unsuccessful in doing such.
Luke, however, does not regret they were unsuccessful in bringing in some experienced offensive linemen to help, especially at right guard and right tackle, where they have struggled the most this season.
“I don’t think there was regret. We obviously, looked at some guys and it didn’t work out,” he said. “We got some good young talent and that’s why (Swinney) hired me – to get these guys ready to play. And try to put a product on the field that everybody is proud of.”
So far, there are not many who are proud of the Tigers’ offensive line. Through five games, Clemson has allowed 42 tackles for loss—last in the ACC and 136 nationally—and 17 sacks, which is next to last in the league and tied for 129th in the country.
But it does not end there. Clemson ranks 13th in the ACC in rushing yards per game (137.6) and 13th in yards per carry (3.82).
“Again, starting with this open date, and that is what our focus is, how do we be the best that we possibly can — in this open date, then Charleston Southern and moving forward. That is my job and that is my focus.
“We have some talented young players. It is not like there is no hope. I feel like these guys can come along and we can bring this thing together and play really, really well because we have at times. We just have to put it all together and be consistent.”
To be fair, Clemson’s young offensive line has gone up against two of the best defenses in the country in LSU and Miami. The Hurricanes lead the country in rushing defense (42.6 ypg) and yards per carry allowed (1.84). They also rank ninth nationally with 16 sacks.
LSU is fourth nationally in rushing defense (58.4 ypg) and fourth in yards per carry allowed (2.01). The Bayou Bengals are also second nationally in sacks (22) and eighth in tackles for loss (40).
Knowing he was going to have face two top 10 defenses in the first five weeks of the season, was Luke banking on getting a portal acquisition on the offensive line?
“You are not banking on it,” he said. “I feel comfortable because we do have a lot of young talent on this team, so it was not like you were banking on it. If you do not get them, you know you are going to play these young guys and you may take some lumps, but these guys will continue to grow and get better and when they do get better, you are going to have them for three more years and they are not going to be leaving.”
The Tigers (3-2, 2-1 ACC) did show improvement when not playing top 10 defenses. Against North Carolina and Cal, the offensive line allowed a combined five sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
The good news for Clemson’s offensive front, it will not see a collective defensive line similar to LSU’s and Miami’s the rest of the regular season.
“I think that is huge, so we will continue to build on the things we need to build on and get these young guys some good experience and keep playing.”
Clemson will play again on Oct. 17 when it hosts Charleston Southern (noon, ACCN) at Memorial Stadium.