It would seem that dramatic improvement or regression is unlikely at this point in the season. Given that, what would be areas for realistic improvement possibilities that would allow us to spring the upset and shock the world!?
1. We have a great defense, even with the missing pieces. I love the fact that we have all of our corners (and safeties) healthy for this game. Plus, I would imagine the defense we ran last week gave Pitt something else to prepare for. A bit of confusion from Pickett today with a pick by our defense?
2. The matchup with Pitt's defensive line allows Clemson to run the ball somewhat effectively with fewer mistakes and penalties, taking a modicum of pressure off of DJ allowing him to process things more smoothly. Our backs don't have great speed, but they have enough to bust a few chunk plays against this defense.
3. DJ is a bit more accurate and his receivers have a few less drops allowing us to make some plays more than 15 yards down the field. Also, the humiliation of the Larry Williams video tweets showing our receivers complete lack of effort to block for their own teammates could cause them to come out with a bit more intensity. Tyler Grisham coaching a group with no toughness doesn't seem to go together.
On a general note, it seems we have to work so hard to move the ball down the field and score. Wouldn't it be nice, (and statistically likely? "> ), that we get some "easy" chunk plays and points that we have not gotten all year?
I like to see the O get going today but with some key players missing that might be a challenge. Hopefully everyone on O will bear down, focus, and score enough anyway.