When a football powerhouse like Clemson finishes a season at 9-4, it's inevitable that critics will start questioning the program's direction. However, for the Tigers, it's a matter of more than just numbers on the scoreboard. Over the past three years, Clemson's performance has noticeably shifted, leaving fans and analysts pondering the cause.
Many attribute this change to a decline in talent, but Clemson's recruitment remains strong. Others point fingers at the quarterback position, which, while not entirely unfounded, doesn’t paint the whole picture. Not every year will produce a Trevor Lawrence or Deshaun Watson, yet even with Kelly Bryant, who was less stellar on paper, the Tigers still managed a 12-2 season and a No. 1 seed in the CFP in 2017-18.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney believes the team is still within striking distance of their peak performance from the 2015-2020 era. He points out that the Tigers have been beating themselves, a habit not present during their six straight College Football Playoff appearances. Swinney emphasized the importance of winning close games and protecting the ball, areas where the team struggled last season.
“We were terrible at taking care of the ball last year,” Swinney noted. He highlighted that Clemson's recent record of 30 wins over three years puts them in the 94th percentile in college football. "If you got a 94 on a paper, that's an 'A.' That's good," Swinney explained. Yet, the high percentile underscores how close they are to being great again. The last three seasons have been marred by narrow losses—double overtime defeats, last-minute turnovers, and unprecedented errors.
Another critical area for improvement is the team's big-play ability and red-zone efficiency. In the past, Clemson thrived on making crucial plays and scoring when it mattered most. Last season, despite a strong defense ranked eighth nationally, they faltered in the red zone, allowing opponents to capitalize and failing to convert their own opportunities.
During Clemson's glory years, they consistently edged out opponents in tight contests. Iconic moments like stopping Lamar Jackson late in the game or holding off Notre Dame in torrential rain are now distant memories. Recently, those close games have swung the other way.
Reflecting on the 2021 season, Swinney lamented, "We lose on one play to Georgia, 10-3, with a pick-six being the difference. A few plays here and there, and the narrative changes." The fine margins are evident; in high-stakes games, a handful of plays often determine the outcome.
As Clemson enters fall camp, there's a renewed focus on the minutiae. Correcting these small mistakes could be the key to reclaiming their elite status in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
"Some of it's just good luck. Sometimes, things just bounce your way," Swinney admitted. Despite a 9-4 record, the Tigers haven’t been outclassed. Even in 2022, they won their league. Swinney emphasized that the team is a few corrections away from making a return to the CFP. "You have to coach through, recruit through, and practice through these disappointments," he said.
With a clear-eyed focus on the details and a commitment to improving key areas, the Tigers aim to turn those narrow losses into victories and reestablish themselves as a dominant force in college football.
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