According to ESPN, Clemson football suffered its first 30-point loss since 2013 on Saturday to Georgia in Atlanta.
The network’s football analyst Booger McFarland pinpointed exactly what ails Dabo Swinney’s Tigers during a broadcast segment after the loss.
McFarland pointed to the lack of creativity on offense that held Clemson back in part to only three points against the Bulldogs. Sure, Georgia has an excellent defense, but only Clemson scoring three points is eye-opening.
“I’m afraid to say it’s the same old thing,” McFarland astutely pointed out when talking about Clemson’s problems on the broadcast. “[There is] no creativity on offense. It’s been the same stale offense for four or five years. … If you’re a Clemson fan, you have to ask yourself, when are we going to change?”
The fact that Clemson and Swinney in particular has been so hesitant to utilize the transfer portal was also discussed, as the broadcast pointed out the team has no starts for incoming transfers since 2018. That’s absolutely wild.
To McFarland, the talent gaps on the Clemson roster that don’t get fixed with general recruiting can be amended through the transfer portal.
“Dabo chooses not to [use the portal], therefore, you’re going to have those lulls in the program,” McFarland said. “And I’m afraid, right now, they have a little bit of a lull.”
Booger McFarland had some criticism following Saturday's 34-3 loss to Georgia.
One of Booger's main issues was how coach Dabo Swinney uses (or more specifically doesn't use) the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/zajp1aoKw3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 31, 2024
Swinney’s resistance to change his offensive scheme and add any starters via the highly popular transfer portal looks to be a major thorn in his side as he continues to lead the Clemson program. Is it possible he could change his mind? Sure, but will he before time runs out, if at all?
If the Tigers continue to disappoint this season, replacing Swinney with a more forward-thinking coach could be the change Clemson needs to move ahead into this new era of college football.
Feature image courtesy of ESPN.
