My grades by position. Not good.

Sep 5, 2023, 8:36 AM

Coaching. F
In the past 20 years - I cannot recall seeing Clemson look like they had never practiced, or had a plan. How many times have we seen a Dabo team come out with precision and execute? Almost always. I expected the offense to be creative and exciting. Wow, was I wrong.
Offense coaching. F
We bring a new coach in to create and be new wave. We got high school plays. I can only recall 1 throw down field and it was into double coverage. Beaux Collins - our deep threat - caught a few quick passes. Nothing that allowed him to run. No plays to stretch the defense. No creative plays. Nothing over the middle. Throwing 2 yard passes, lots of screens, etc.
Defensive coaching. D+
I get first game issues. All teams had breakdowns. But not covering the running back out of the backfield - on multiple occasions - wow. Not getting pressure or sacks? Not addressing the QB runs. Someone should have popped that QB. The lone bright spot was the D Backs. In man to man coverage - were good.
Special teams F.
Wow. What needs to be said about 2 blocked FG and catching a ball inside the 5 - not coming forward to catch a short punt?
Position groups - players.
D Backs - A.
Tight coverage most of the night. Not much separation and not receivers running free.
D Line. D-
No pressure. Lost edge. Allowed QB out. No sacks.
Linebackers - D-
Missed tackles , bad lines, not filling gaps.
QB - F
Poor throws. No progression. Bad handoff. Interception and could have had a couple more. Poor decisions on when to slide. Looked like he had not practiced.
RB - B
Decent numbers, but simply - don’t fumble.
O line - C
Too much pressure allowed on QB. Run blocking was decent.
Receivers - D
Given the benefit of the doubt here. How much was receivers and how much was play calling?
Place kicker - F
2 blocks. You don’t miss those. They were not 60 yarders which would need to come out low. They were short so even penetration should not have been an issue. One was extra point length.

I have never been more disappointed in a game and being 65 - that is saying a lot. Even the WV orange bowl. Many years, the games balanced with expectations. This game - with the heightened expectation of a new offensive coordinator, dynamic QB, strong running backs, seasoned line, strong d line, great linebackers, experienced DBs - the expectation was to be strong, win. There was probably not a single player on Dukes team we would have in our 2 deep. So, how did his happen?
I don’t know what they practiced. But it was not football.

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My grades by position. Not good.

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