Game Review: Clemson vs. Citadel
Clemson concluded their 2024 Senior Day and Military Appreciation Game with a big 51-14 win over the Citadel Bulldogs. The Tigers honored 31 Seniors, and the sea of purple was too much for the Bulldogs. Clemson got off to a fast start Offensively scoring very quickly on each of their possessions, but the lack of rush defense is worrisome heading into the South Carolina game. Quarterback Cade Klubnik continued his dominance in just a little over of 2 quarters of play, throwing for almost 200 yards, 3 TDs, and rushing for 34 yards on 4 carries (ESPN). The Tigers looked primed to go as far as Cade Klubnik can take them with all the chaos happening around them. Heading into a game against South Carolina, a playoff spot may be on the line for both squads.
Key Tiger Takeaways:
Taking Care of Business: In a game like this one, there are so many opportunities for players to look ahead and not focus on the task at hand. However, the Tigers were able to stay locked in on the present as they continue to take care of their own business as chaos occurs around them. Clemson did not dip in production either as they continue to protect the football Offensively, and they got turnovers when needed Defensively. As mentioned above, Quarterback Cade Klubnik continues to shred opposing defenses, but a big help for him today were the limited amount of drops from the Receiving Core. Clemson finished the game with only one or two drops coming from the back-ups as they try to build confidence for the upcoming game. The Tigers also had multiple starters out again during this contest, and it did not seem to effect their performance. The Offensive Line was able to give Klubnik plenty of time, and their run blocking was stellar. Injuries have also effected the Tiger Secondary, and while there was a couple of busted coverages, the tackling and overall performance was pretty good. Clemson’s main goal coming into this game was to get healthy and to stay healthy. So far, no new injuries have come to life, and the already injured Tigers did not see the field much. Clemson took care of their business without getting more hurt before their biggest game of the season.
Bright Spots for Future: With a game against a FCS team, teams are able to get in young guys that represent the future of a roster. The Tigers started to get in their young guys during the second half, and there was plenty of bright spots. The Running Back room and their production eased the worry about replacing Senior Phil Mafah. RS/Fr Jay Haynes got most of the spotlight today rushing for 118 yards and 2 TDs on just 5 carries (ESPN). Haynes’ production has been limited throughout this season, but this type of breakout performance eases the concern about that position next season. Behind Haynes, the other three guys fighting for playing time did not get too much action, but their performances were not lacking. Freshman David Eziomume showcased his quick burst, and he has developed mightily since this year’s spring game. With the addition of a highly rated Running Back in Gideon Davidson, this position group provided some confidence that they will be fine next season assuming they do not lose more than one guy to the Portal. Defensively, there was a good amount of Freshmen that played that have not been seen very often this season. Freshman Safety Ricardo Jones is solidifying his spot as the clear back-up Safety playing good football. Former 4-star Cornerback Corian Gibson has finally gotten healthy, and while his production today was limited because of the Citadel’s throwing ability, his coverages and footwork looked promising for the future. Linebackers RS/Fr Dee Crayton and Sophomore Jamaal Anderson are getting the experiences they need to improve and eventually replace Wade Woodaz and Barrett Carter. On the Defensive Line, tall 6’7 Freshman DE Darien Mayo looked quick off the edge and even got half a sack (ESPN). Within the interior DL, Hevin Brown-Shuler got involved in tackles as soon as he could totaling three in limited action (ESPN). While Clemson gets trashed for their back-ups a lot, there are plenty of bright spots for the future that were showcased today. The Tigers need these guys to live up to their hype to continue living up to the Clemson Standard.
Worries for Future: There are plenty of bright spots, but there are also some worries for the future going forward. The first and most noticeable is the future Quarterback for the Tigers. Behind Cade Klubnik, the production from the Quarterbacks has been lacking. RS/Fr Christopher Vizzina looks primed to replace Klubnik after next season, but his performances so far do not give Tiger Fans hope. Vizzina has showcased his rushing attack which is one of the best on the roster; however, his ability to throw the football does not look ready to play College Football. His passes do not have the zip or speed that is needed for this level, and this must improve before he can run out there first. Vizzina has the potential to be a great dual-threat QB, but he has not showcased the most important feature of a Quarterback yet. While the young guys on the Defensive Line performed well, there is little to no depth behind those players. Clemson has been gutted in recruiting these past couple of seasons, and the DL depth has suffered. The Tigers are lucky enough to have one more season of “Super Senior” players, but after next season, that saving grace is over. Clemson has to get back to recruiting enough players to fill out the roster or using the Transfer Portal is going to have to happen. This thought could be said about almost every position group on the roster, but I believe that the DL is suffering the most from this currently. This shift because of a lack of guys will not be seen next season, but it is 2 years down the road that the effect from this will be seen.
Can’t Stop the Run: Clemson’s Defensive starters did not generate enough pressure or push to stop and diminish the Citadel rushing attack. The Bulldogs have moved to a Shotgun team, but the option is till prevalent within their attack. The option combined with the lack of push from the Clemson front enabled the Citadel to rush for 288 yards on 55 carries (ESPN). After their poor performance against Louisville, the Tigers have held their opponents to under 100 rushing yards until this past weekend. Looking ahead, South Carolina incorporates the rushing attack very often with their physical Quarterback, and a performance like the one today is not encouraging for next weekend. Clemson did not have have four defensive starters today, and they are expected to return three of those players next week that will effect each level of the Tiger Defense. Clemson and Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin need to take it personally to stop the Gamecock rushing attack next week. Expect the Gamecocks to adapt some option plays within their play calling next weekend since Clemson has struggled stopping it all season long. The Tigers did not come to stop the run this past weekend, but it will be needed to win against South Carolina.
Sources:
ESPN. “ESPN.” ESPN.com, 2019, www.espn.com/.
“Clemson Tigers | Clemson University Athletics.” Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site, clemsontigers.com. (for Pic)