5 things we learned from Clemson’s win over The Citadel
Clemson jumped out to an early 28-0 first-quarter lead and cruised to a 49-0 victory over The Citadel Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.
The game was a blowout from the start, but we still learned plenty about the Tigers.
Here are five things we learned from Saturday’s game as Clemson heads into its first of two open weeks.
1. Travis Etienne can be a weapon at punt return
The Tigers’ star running back was given one opportunity to return a punt against The Citadel and he made the most of it, going 44 yards to set up a Clemson touchdown. Etienne is as dangerous as anyone in college football with the ball in his hands, and he showed why during his punt return, juking and dodging would-be tacklers. Etienne could be a nightmare for opposing special teams coaches to defend against, and he could also help his draft stock by showing off his versatility.
It’s “something he’s been working on really all fall camp and kind of earning my trust a little bit. I wanted to get him a live rep. It’s just another opportunity for him to touch it,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He did a great job. That’s a good option for us moving forward to know he can not only be a kick returner guy but a punt return guy as well if we need him. That puts a lot of pressure on people.”
2. DJ Uiagalelei gives Clemson another option in the power running game
The Tigers have gone to a jumbo package near the goal line to mix things up in recent years, but Clemson could call upon Uiagalelei — a quarterback — for a different look in 2020. Handing the ball to Etienne or letting Trevor Lawrence throw or run are great options at the goal line, but Uiagalelei’s size makes him unique. The 250-pound freshman QB rushed for a pair of touchdowns on Saturday, and Swinney hinted that we could see Uiagalelei called upon near the goal line during closer games in the future.
“I’d say anything is possible,” Swinney said. “He’s 250 pounds. He’s a big, strong man. But anything is possible, that’s for sure.”
3. This could be one of Clemson’s best defenses under Venables
With several new starters, this idea might not appear to be the case on the surface, but Clemson has been completely dominant defensively through two games. The Tigers recorded their first shutout of an opponent since 2016 on Saturday, limiting The Citadel to 162 yards of offense.
Clemson did this while subbing regularly — more than 30 players recorded a tackle on Saturday. Clemson is also playing a ton of true freshmen, including defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee, and the highly-ranked prospects should only get better as the season goes along.
“The ceiling for this group is so high,” senior linebacker James Skalski said.
4. Trevor Lawrence’s accuracy has reached another level
The star quarterback and Heisman favorite completed 8 of 9 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns against The Citadel. He also rushed for a touchdown. Lawrence’s only incomplete pass was a drop by Amari Rodgers, and through two games he has thrown one inaccurate pass all year. Other incompletions were due to a receiver slipping, drops, etc. For the season Lawrence is 30 of 37 passing for 519 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also has three rushing scores.
“He’s really playing exactly the way he’s practicing. What you’re seeing on game day is exactly what we see in practice, just incredible focus,” Swinney said. “Complete ownership of what we’re doing. Great poise, discipline. Great feel for the defensive structures and protections and just really throwing the ball with a lot of confidence. He’s special. He’s a joy to watch.”
5. The second-team Clemson offense is a work in progress
Swinney has said that his biggest concern is the backup offensive line and it was easy to see why on Saturday. The Tigers offensive reserves struggled mightily against The Citadel. Clemson was shut out and outgained 126 yards to 107 in the second half.
Clemson turned the ball over twice in the second half, turned the ball over on downs twice and had a trio of three-and-outs.
“The biggest thing offensively is just developing our depth, especially on that offensive line,” Swinney said. “Not turning the ball over, continuing to develop our quarterbacks. Cause we’ve gotta have everybody ready to go.”
Clemson football 2020 schedule, game scores
Sept. 12: Clemson 37, Wake Forest 13
Sept. 19: Clemson 49, The Citadel 0
Sept. 26: Open
Oct. 3: vs. Virginia
Oct. 10: vs. Miami
Oct. 17: at Georgia Tech
Oct. 24: vs. Syracuse
Oct. 31: vs. Boston College
Nov. 7: at Notre Dame
Nov. 14: Open
Nov. 21: at Florida State
Nov. 28: vs. Pitt
Dec. 5: at Virginia Tech
