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CLEMSON FOOTBALL GAMEDAY NUGGETS
By: Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
**** Interested in seeing how right tackle Blake Miller responds.
Miller looked like a rookie in his debut against Georgia Tech, then quickly rebounded with several solid performances. Then came last week's game at Boston College, where struggles again seemed to snowball through the course of the game.
That those showings both came on the road in two of the three away games so far makes one wonder if the environment and gravity of the moment impacts Miller tonight.
FSU might be experiencing personnel issues on the interior. But we have respect for redshirt sophomore defensive end Derrick McLendon, admittedly influenced by spending some time with him at a Rivals.com camp during the offseason.
Clemson has felt compelled to keep its running backs in for pass protection a ton already this season. The Tigers have been better off when the back can survey for a blitzer rather than focusing attention on whether Miller can hold up with his edge match-up.
Either way, another test for the talented freshman. -- PAUL STRELOW
**** Yes, the Miller angle has been prominent in our minds as well as we've further digested the struggles he had last week at Boston College.
The video, which we detailed Thursday, doesn't lie. And neither does Dabo Swinney when he says publicly that a player had a bad game.
And maybe this will be a classic case of a player hearing all week about how bad he was over the previous 60 minutes, only to turn around and summon his vengeful best over the next 60 minutes. Certainly wouldn't surprise us.
The arrow continues to point upward with true freshman wideout Adam Randall whose responsibility is growing. (Getty)
In addition to McLendon, the guy that really sticks out to us on the edge is Jared Verse. His snaps have been limited in recent weeks because of a knee injury, but if he's anywhere close to full strength he's going to be hard to block.
Pass rush could really be viewed as one of the top two keys for Florida State in this one. And my hunch is the Seminoles load up to stop the run and bring pressure with extra guys while making the bet that their coverage guys can match up with a group of receivers who haven't yet reminded anyone of Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams, Tee Higgins and others.
Through six games it's become evident that most of DJ Uiagalelei's poor decisions and mechanics have come when he's under duress. Hard to see Florida State just sitting back and not trying to force the issue -- and force errant throws. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
**** Our calls for more of freshman receiver Antonio Williams came rather quickly amid Clemson's opening game, and that quietly materialized with Williams escalating to three consecutive starts at the slot receiver position.
By his second game upon return from ACL surgery, we began suggesting Adam Randall should see his usage grow, too, upon witnessing his contested catch efforts compared to some peers.
Alas, note last week's snap count among the receivers:
Beaux Collins 47
Antonio Williams 40
Joseph Ngata 38
Adam Randall 23
Brannon Spector 19
E.J. Williams 15
Coaches tend to lean on veterans in hostile environments or intense situations because of trust and/or equity.
But after breaking into the 20s in the snap count for the first time a week ago, let's see if Randall follows the Antonio Williams trajectory for increased opportunities. -- PAUL STRELOW
**** Seven weeks in, Clemson's injury list is finally getting cleaned up.
In recent weeks it's been hard to get a great read on things early in the week because the head coach plays it more coy nowadays than he used to (a defensible philosophy, given how some other coaches tried to game the disclosure system in the past).
The big item is of course Bryan Bresee, who is expected to return after a kidney infection. Our main question about him tonight would be just how much stamina and conditioning he has after missing so much time in recent weeks. It sure feels like they ease him back in gradually over the next couple weeks.
From what we've gathered, Tyler Venables and R.J. Mickens will be back after missing last week's game at Boston College.
Malcolm Greene is a source of some mystery because he traveled to Boston College but did not play. Everything we've gathered is that he's been ready, so not sure what's going on there.
Swinney said Sheridan Jones was on a path to returning this week, but we are still viewing his situation with some caution. A series of shoulder stingers is not a minor thing, at least in our eyes.
But Nate Wiggins and Toriano Pride have progressed so much that you start to wonder if they might be the best options anyway.
Florida State's diverse and explosive group of receivers do present a stern test of all this inexperience, so maybe it's prudent to wait until late tonight before issuing a firm opinion on whether Wiggins and Pride should be the starters moving forward. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
Clemson will pick up additional safety help tonight with the return of R.J. Mickens. (Getty)
**** Through his tenure as offensive coordinator, we felt some of Tony Elliott's best work was his feel for play-calling in goal-to-go situations.
Last season was a struggle on so many offensive fronts, of course. But with DJ Uiagalelei not amounting to much of a running threat and no trust in the passing game near the goal line, the Tigers produced touchdowns on just 63 percent of red-zone drives.
As ESPN's David Hale pointed out this week, that percentage has risen to 75 percent this season, with Clemson leading in the ACC in scoring touchdowns on 89.5 percent of its trips into goal-to-go situations.
That has come via several factors: tight ends Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool being utilized as weapons for their reliability as well as catch radius; Uiagalelei counting as a running threat and regaining everyone's confidence to throw in that crowded space; and the offensive braintrust putting the whole puzzle together.
Clemson's offense had trouble generating much rhythm last week, so maybe the story is rather just getting close this week. But in a game where it feels like Florida State could legitimately challenge, the Tigers' ability to maximize their chances feels important. -- PAUL STRELOW
DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON gear at THE TIGER FAN SHOP HERE!
CLEMSON FOOTBALL GAMEDAY NUGGETS
By: Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
**** Interested in seeing how right tackle Blake Miller responds.
Miller looked like a rookie in his debut against Georgia Tech, then quickly rebounded with several solid performances. Then came last week's game at Boston College, where struggles again seemed to snowball through the course of the game.
That those showings both came on the road in two of the three away games so far makes one wonder if the environment and gravity of the moment impacts Miller tonight.
FSU might be experiencing personnel issues on the interior. But we have respect for redshirt sophomore defensive end Derrick McLendon, admittedly influenced by spending some time with him at a Rivals.com camp during the offseason.
Clemson has felt compelled to keep its running backs in for pass protection a ton already this season. The Tigers have been better off when the back can survey for a blitzer rather than focusing attention on whether Miller can hold up with his edge match-up.
Either way, another test for the talented freshman. -- PAUL STRELOW
**** Yes, the Miller angle has been prominent in our minds as well as we've further digested the struggles he had last week at Boston College.
The video, which we detailed Thursday, doesn't lie. And neither does Dabo Swinney when he says publicly that a player had a bad game.
And maybe this will be a classic case of a player hearing all week about how bad he was over the previous 60 minutes, only to turn around and summon his vengeful best over the next 60 minutes. Certainly wouldn't surprise us.
The arrow continues to point upward with true freshman wideout Adam Randall whose responsibility is growing. (Getty)
In addition to McLendon, the guy that really sticks out to us on the edge is Jared Verse. His snaps have been limited in recent weeks because of a knee injury, but if he's anywhere close to full strength he's going to be hard to block.
Pass rush could really be viewed as one of the top two keys for Florida State in this one. And my hunch is the Seminoles load up to stop the run and bring pressure with extra guys while making the bet that their coverage guys can match up with a group of receivers who haven't yet reminded anyone of Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams, Tee Higgins and others.
Through six games it's become evident that most of DJ Uiagalelei's poor decisions and mechanics have come when he's under duress. Hard to see Florida State just sitting back and not trying to force the issue -- and force errant throws. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
**** Our calls for more of freshman receiver Antonio Williams came rather quickly amid Clemson's opening game, and that quietly materialized with Williams escalating to three consecutive starts at the slot receiver position.
By his second game upon return from ACL surgery, we began suggesting Adam Randall should see his usage grow, too, upon witnessing his contested catch efforts compared to some peers.
Alas, note last week's snap count among the receivers:
Beaux Collins 47
Antonio Williams 40
Joseph Ngata 38
Adam Randall 23
Brannon Spector 19
E.J. Williams 15
Coaches tend to lean on veterans in hostile environments or intense situations because of trust and/or equity.
But after breaking into the 20s in the snap count for the first time a week ago, let's see if Randall follows the Antonio Williams trajectory for increased opportunities. -- PAUL STRELOW
**** Seven weeks in, Clemson's injury list is finally getting cleaned up.
In recent weeks it's been hard to get a great read on things early in the week because the head coach plays it more coy nowadays than he used to (a defensible philosophy, given how some other coaches tried to game the disclosure system in the past).
The big item is of course Bryan Bresee, who is expected to return after a kidney infection. Our main question about him tonight would be just how much stamina and conditioning he has after missing so much time in recent weeks. It sure feels like they ease him back in gradually over the next couple weeks.
From what we've gathered, Tyler Venables and R.J. Mickens will be back after missing last week's game at Boston College.
Malcolm Greene is a source of some mystery because he traveled to Boston College but did not play. Everything we've gathered is that he's been ready, so not sure what's going on there.
Swinney said Sheridan Jones was on a path to returning this week, but we are still viewing his situation with some caution. A series of shoulder stingers is not a minor thing, at least in our eyes.
But Nate Wiggins and Toriano Pride have progressed so much that you start to wonder if they might be the best options anyway.
Florida State's diverse and explosive group of receivers do present a stern test of all this inexperience, so maybe it's prudent to wait until late tonight before issuing a firm opinion on whether Wiggins and Pride should be the starters moving forward. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
Clemson will pick up additional safety help tonight with the return of R.J. Mickens. (Getty)
**** Through his tenure as offensive coordinator, we felt some of Tony Elliott's best work was his feel for play-calling in goal-to-go situations.
Last season was a struggle on so many offensive fronts, of course. But with DJ Uiagalelei not amounting to much of a running threat and no trust in the passing game near the goal line, the Tigers produced touchdowns on just 63 percent of red-zone drives.
As ESPN's David Hale pointed out this week, that percentage has risen to 75 percent this season, with Clemson leading in the ACC in scoring touchdowns on 89.5 percent of its trips into goal-to-go situations.
That has come via several factors: tight ends Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool being utilized as weapons for their reliability as well as catch radius; Uiagalelei counting as a running threat and regaining everyone's confidence to throw in that crowded space; and the offensive braintrust putting the whole puzzle together.
Clemson's offense had trouble generating much rhythm last week, so maybe the story is rather just getting close this week. But in a game where it feels like Florida State could legitimately challenge, the Tigers' ability to maximize their chances feels important. -- PAUL STRELOW
DEALS on officially-licensed CLEMSON gear at THE TIGER FAN SHOP HERE!
