Five takeaways from Clemson’s win over Louisiana Tech
Clemson improved to 3-0 Saturday as Swinney and the Tigers defeated Louisiana Tech 48-20 in Death Valley.
It was a solid outing for the No.5 ranked Tigers, who showed some good signs against the Bulldogs though it wasn’t a complete performance from Swinney’s team.
Teams will have their struggles this early in the season, so seeing the Tigers overcome theirs and remain undefeated is a clear positive. Game after game, we learn a little bit more about this Clemson team, the things they are doing well, and the things they struggle with the most.
Here are five takeaways I believe to be some of the most important from Clemson’s Week 3 win over Louisiana Tech.
The offense looks at its best when Shipley is involved
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Plain and simple, Clemson looks at its best when Will Shipley is getting touches. Time and time again, he came up big for the Tigers in this matchup; sooner rather than later, he should be getting more opportunities. Shipley had 139 yards on just 12 carries averaging 11.6 yards per carry while breaking off multiple 20+ yard runs. Shipley scored two touchdowns and was the best player on this offense Saturday. Finding ways to get Shipley in open space should be priority number one for this offense.
Clemson's defense is a takeaway machine
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Though this Clemson defense hasn’t performed as well as we know they can, they have been a menace creating turnovers. The defensive line has been a disruptive force allowing the team to take advantage game after game, producing some critical turnovers. In this matchup against Louisiana Tech, the Tigers picked off Tech quarterbacks three times throughout the game. Winning the turnover battle can make or break some games, so it’s great to see the Tigers dominating this part of the game.
Uiagalelei still lacks a number one option
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We are only three games into the 2022 college football season, so things can change. Right now, however, there is no clear go-to guy for starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Clemson would benefit tremendously if someone in the group elevated their play and gave DJ a reliable go-to target. So far, Beaux Collins and Antonio Williams have led the way for Tigers receivers, but overall, the production just isn’t there yet. There’s a lot of potential in Clemson’s wide receiver room; they have to have someone show up and live up to that potential.
Antonio Williams needs more playing time
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To pivot off the last takeaway, we need to see more opportunities for freshman wide receiver Antonio Williams. Of all the players in this unit we’ve watched this season, Williams has done a ton with fewer opportunities than others. When it comes down to it, the freshman makes plays when he’s on the field and should be utilized more and more throughout the season. This Clemson team needs a guy from that group to take the next step to help Uiagalelei perform his best, and I think Williams can be that guy.
The Tigers have lacked consistency so far this season
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Through three games, consistency is a key piece missing from this Clemson team. One minute the team will look amazing; the next, they’ll have me scratching my head. Many teams deal with inconsistent play early in the season, so it isn’t something to be overly worried about…it’s college football. A complete performance out of this team would help them build much more confidence down the road, knowing they can do it when they need it the most.
