Clemson, a perennial powerhouse in college football, finds itself in an unfamiliar position this season: unranked. For fans accustomed to seeing the Tigers contend for national championships, the absence from the Top 25 rankings is a jarring sight. So, what exactly has led to Clemson’s unranked status?
Several factors contribute to Clemson’s current ranking predicament. The most significant is the team’s inconsistent offensive performance. After years of explosive offenses led by quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson, the Tigers have struggled to find their rhythm in 2023.
Quarterback play, a hallmark of Clemson’s success in recent years, has been a notable area of concern. While the current signal-caller possesses talent, he has yet to consistently perform at the level expected of a Clemson quarterback. Inaccuracies, poor decision-making, and an inability to extend plays have hindered the offense’s ability to sustain drives and put points on the board.
Adding to the offensive woes is a lack of a consistent running game. Without a reliable ground attack to balance the offense, opposing defenses have been able to key in on the passing game, making it difficult for Clemson to establish any offensive rhythm.
While the offense shoulders a significant portion of the blame for Clemson’s unranked status, the defense hasn’t been entirely immune to struggles. While still a formidable unit, the defense has shown some vulnerability this season, particularly against the run.
Opposing teams have found success running the ball against Clemson, controlling the clock and keeping the Tigers’ offense off the field. This inability to consistently get off the field on third down has put additional pressure on the offense, further exacerbating their struggles.
Another factor impacting Clemson’s ranking is their strength of schedule. The ACC, while still a competitive conference, hasn’t been as strong this year compared to previous seasons. Consequently, Clemson’s victories haven’t carried the same weight in the eyes of the ranking committee.
Despite the challenges, it’s premature to write off Clemson entirely. The Tigers still possess a talented roster and a coaching staff with a proven track record of success.
“Clemson is too well-coached and too talented to stay down for long,” says ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “They’re a few adjustments away from being right back in the national conversation.”
If Clemson can find a way to jumpstart their offense, solidify their defense, and string together some impressive wins, a return to the rankings is certainly within reach. However, if the current inconsistencies persist, the Tigers might find themselves on the outside looking in when the College Football Playoff picture begins to take shape.