Walker and Freeman expect a more physical line against Auburn |
CLEMSON –
Landon Walker
Landon Walker Despite encouraging numbers – the Tigers are ranked 28th in the nation in total offense – the offensive line has failed to produce the kind of bulldozer moments Clemson fans were expecting from a unit with four seniors, and two less-than-physical games have many wondering if a supposed strength has now turned into a weak link. Walker admitted this past week that the line hasn’t been as physical as he would like, but sees a different edge this week simply because the competition will be better. “Obviously, the first two games we were not as physical as we are capable of being, especially on the offensive line and the receivers,” Walker said. “We go through this every year – it’s hard for everybody to get up for the first two games. Now we are going into the meat of our schedule with Auburn, FSU, Virginia Tech and UNC, so we shouldn’t have too much trouble motivating guys.” Junior center
Dalton FreemanDalton Freeman “It hasn’t been where we want,” Freeman said. “I think everyone’s been disappointed with us, and they should be. We’re supposed to be the core group on this team - we’ve got the most experience and the most maturity coming back. We haven’t performed the way we want to.” Walker said that the first two opponents did a good job in scheming ways to blunt the size advantage of the Clemson line – including stunting and looping – and that he expects a different type of game this week. “I think we look forward to a defense that sits still and says ‘Knock us off the ball. If you want to win this game, then you are going to whip us in a lot of one-on-one battles.’” Walker said. “The first two teams changed the physicality of the way we played. That is not an excuse – that is just the truth. But there is always room for improvement, and this week will be a big determining factor for the rest of the year.” Freeman said, however, that he hasn’t seen the level of commitment he would like to see from the group. “I don’t know if its guys getting complacent or what, but last year we’d have guys up here 24-7, it seemed like, in the film room, watching on our own,” he said. “We always knew what to expect. This year, I hate to use the word complacent - I don’t think we’ve gotten complacent - but we’re kind of doing what we have to do to get by, and I think that’s catching up with us.” Freeman said that being successful at the collegiate level requires independent initiative, especially with a new offense to learn. “I think that’s why guys need to get in here, watch more film and take on an ownership role.” He said. “The NCAA only allows us 20 hours a week [with the coaches]. You do that, you’re not going to be very good. You’ve got to spend a lot of time to be great. Last year we were always prepared and it might have been because we were so used to our system. “This year is a different ballgame - completely different blocking assignments and pass protections. For us, we’ve got to come in here and get familiarized with that. When we’re playing slow, playing tentative, that’s when we get beat. When we know what we’re doing, go out there and know what to expect, we’re a very good group.” Freeman then echoed Walker by saying he believes this is the week that Clemson fans see the offensive line they were expecting to see in the first two games. “Good thing about it is, we’re a pretty mature group and you don’t have to call anybody out,” he said. “I think they know what’s at stake. I think this week, being the Auburn game, as much hype as it’s getting, they understand how big a deal it is. They know what we’ve done the past two weeks isn’t acceptable. “It’s on us right now, and it has to change. You can’t play this game hesitant or tentative, ‘Maybe I’ve got to change, and maybe I’ve got to do this or that.’ You’ve got to go line up and play. It all comes from preparation, and getting guys in there that they’re confident that they know what they’re doing and do their job.”
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#72 6-6, 310
North Wilkesboro, NC
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says Saturday’s matchup against No. 21 Auburn should be the tonic the Clemson offensive line needs
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#55 6-5, 285
Pelion, SC
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said he understands the disappointment.
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