Clemson's offensive threats: Klubnik, Mafah...who else?

[18IsTheMan]

Looking ahead to Clemson (because there doesn't seem to much to discuss about Wofford...at least I don't know anything about them..no disrespect, I just don't follow them), Mafah will be among the best backs we have faced this year, maybe the best. That's concerning, considering how Noel ran the ball on us, putting up his 2nd best game of the season.

Klubnik presents challenges as well with his mobility. Hope we can rediscover our pass rush and cause some disruption back there.

Don't think we can afford another defensive performance like we had against Mizzou. Our pass rush wasn't a factor for much of the game. They did get after the QB a few times, but he was mostly mobile enough to neutralize the threat. We weren't that effective in stopping Noel.

They don't seem to have any lethal threats at WR. Certainly not like they've had at that position past years.

In the past, they had explosive offensive threats all over the field, which doesn't seem to be the case this year. Still more than good enough to beat us if we don't bring our A game.

 

[Specockular]

I do think their lack of talent at WR will help. Our secondary can shut them down, so we should be able to blitz a linebacker or corner some. And agree on Cade being mobile, but we've faced mobile QBs and done well (hoping last week was a combo of Cook being very good and experienced and their OL above average). Their OL is decimated with injuries (don't know if some are coming back or not for our game), so I think the Gamecock pass rush will affect Cade much more than we did vs. Mizzou.

And Mafah is nursing some injuries as well

I'm oddly optimistic about our chances. I think we match up well with them. I may be alone in that though

 

[Piscis]

Clemson's best days are behind them. They are still good but now they are "ACC good". Pitt held them to 17 points for the whole game until Klubnick's miracle run late. I don't think Pitt's D is anywhere near as good as Carolina's. Mafah is a good back but they can't give it to him every play. Their WRs are good but not great like they were when that Lawrence girl was their qb.

Their defense is still pretty good so it won't surprise me to see a low scoring game.

 

[92Pony]

Looking ahead to Clemson (because there doesn't seem to much to discuss about Wofford...at least I don't know anything about them..no disrespect, I just don't follow them), Mafah will be among the best backs we have faced this year, maybe the best. That's concerning, considering how Noel ran the ball on us, putting up his 2nd best game of the season.

Klubnik presents challenges as well with his mobility. Hope we can rediscover our pass rush and cause some disruption back there.

Don't think we can afford another defensive performance like we had against Mizzou. Our pass rush wasn't a factor for much of the game. They did get after the QB a few times, but he was mostly mobile enough to neutralize the threat. We weren't that effective in stopping Noel.

They don't seem to have any lethal threats at WR. Certainly not like they've had at that position past years.

In the past, they had explosive offensive threats all over the field, which doesn't seem to be the case this year. Still more than good enough to beat us if we don't bring our A game.

I have the very same concerns; Our (in)ability to stop the run, and our DL's (in)ability to affect the QB. Another performance like we had against Mizzou, and we'll take the "L".
Clemtech will be fired up.... I sincerely hope our guys are more fired-upper!

 

[PrestonyteParrot]

I have the very same concerns; Our (in)ability to stop the run, and our DL's (in)ability to affect the QB. Another performance like we had against Mizzou, and we'll take the "L".
Clemtech will be fired up.... I sincerely hope our guys are more fired-upper!

I don't think Clemtech has the personnel Mizzu has to replicate what happened on Saturday and think the Clemson would lose if they played each other.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I don't think Clemtech has the personnel Mizzu has to replicate what happened on Saturday and think the Clemson would lose if they played each other.

Mizzou does have 3 legit big time playmakers in Noel, Wease and Burden, and Cook is a solid QB. Clemson has Klubnik and Mafah. Still dangerous, but easier to account for when the playmakers are all in the backfield.

 

[92Pony]

I just feel like I'm setting myself up for a classic Gamecock kick-in-the-nuts-letdown. I'm secretly drinking the koolaid..... and it scares me to death.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I just feel like I'm setting myself up for a classic Gamecock kick-in-the-nuts-letdown. I'm secretly drinking the koolaid..... and it scares me to death.

I feel like we should reasonably expect a competitive game. I'm not buying into the "we should win" yet, but I do feel it should be competitive.

 

[Mr. Belvedere]

Clemson's Oline is a big weakness. They do have a solid Defense, but not any better than what we've seen already. The matchup favors us in many ways. Mizzou overall is a better team than Clemson especially on offense.

 

[HI Cock1]

If they block well for the run, we'll be in trouble. Mizzou was able to run up the middle and around the edges. We strung plays out to the side only to have the back sneak through or break a tackle and get 6+. With Cook they also had/have a good passing game. Their O-line is bigger and better than Clemson's. Clemson hasn't faced a defense like ours yet... except Pitt, which has a lot of the same pieces we do. ACC vs. SEC trenches matchup?

Don't sleep on Clemson D either. They will want to tackle and hurt guys. Maybe even grab a few sacks in the pile. We definitely will get their best shot. I hope they get ours!

 

[Maccmaine12]

I think Williams at wideout. But I think White scheme is tough on that offense for whatever reason just like Mizz offense is tough on our defense. Their QB struggled against White defense since he’s been here

 

[18IsTheMan]

Controlling/Limiting the run game might be the key to this one.

Klubnik's passing was a non-factor last year. Our defense did not allow a TD, but Clemson dominated time of possession 38 minutes vs 22 minutes, largely b/c they ran for 219 yards and 4.8 ypc. They kept our already anemic offense off the field.

Our defense is certainly better this year, but so is Klubnik.

 

[BftCocks09]

I think Williams at wideout. But I think White scheme is tough on that offense for whatever reason just like Mizz offense is tough on our defense. Their QB struggled against White defense since he’s been here

I second Williams at wideout. I don’t tune in to Clemson games much, except to see them lose, but I feel like every time I do Williams is dicing someone up. Not exactly sure why, as he hasn’t really done anything of significance against us since he’s been there (outside of fumbling us the ball in 2022), but he just makes me uneasy for whatever reason.

 

[Maccmaine12]

I second Williams at wideout. I don’t tune in to Clemson games much, except to see them lose, but I feel like every time I do Williams is dicing someone up. Not exactly sure why, as he hasn’t really done anything of significance against us since he’s been there (outside of fumbling us the ball in 2022), but he just makes me uneasy for whatever reason.

He’s a good wideout. It’s a reason we recruited him. Clemson abandoning the state almost costed them their best wideout the last 3 years. This is the first time I’m confident in beating them since 2013. They peaked as a team in the middle of their season and dealing with a lot of depth issues due to injuries. Our defense is going to have a good day against them. Their pass rush is still pretty good but they’re not as good stopping the run and overall defense like they were in the past.

 

[Island cock]

As a Lifelong Gamecock fan, I know it’s unwise to feel confident. Hell, even 2010-2013, I always had a nervous feeling playing them. Even though our talent level was better then, Clemson always puts a lot of emphasis on this game. It’s their season. What scares me this year, is Clemson will use the quick passes to nullify our pass rush. Mizzouri did it to an extent. I don’t see Klubnik dropping back in the pocket with their dismantled Oline. Mafa scares me. He’s solid, runs hard, and great size. We just have to be able to defend the quick screens.

 

[Maccmaine12]

As a Lifelong Gamecock fan, I know it’s unwise to feel confident. Hell, even 2010-2013, I always had a nervous feeling playing them. Even though our talent level was better then, Clemson always puts a lot of emphasis on this game. It’s their season. What scares me this year, is Clemson will use the quick passes to nullify our pass rush. Mizzouri did it to an extent. I don’t see Klubnik dropping back in the pocket with their dismantled Oline. Mafa scares me. He’s solid, runs hard, and great size. We just have to be able to defend the quick screens.

I don’t remember too many quick passes from Mizz. I think their OL held up pretty good against us. Clemson also don’t have 3 players better than Theo, Burden, or their RB. Imo

 

[Ronin A10]

I don't think Clemtech has the personnel Mizzu has to replicate what happened on Saturday and think the Clemson would lose if they played each other.

Clemson's Oline is a big weakness. They do have a solid Defense, but not any better than what we've seen already. The matchup favors us in many ways. Mizzou overall is a better team than Clemson especially on offense.

Mizzos online was the most disciplined we have seen all season . I don't think Clemson's is better considering the creampuffs they play. Name one team they have faced accept maybe Georgia. Have they faced a team with our team speed? They have played nobody's and lost to a nobody. There are reasons your Clemson buddies haven't been talking ****.

 

[Forkcock]

Guys, Mizzou is a very good football team. Their defense is solid and their OL is one of the best we've played. This Clemson hasn't beaten anybody but has struggled against some average ACC teams. I'm looking for a big win here.

 

[Greer]

Looking ahead to Clemson (because there doesn't seem to much to discuss about Wofford...at least I don't know anything about them..no disrespect, I just don't follow them), Mafah will be among the best backs we have faced this year, maybe the best. That's concerning, considering how Noel ran the ball on us, putting up his 2nd best game of the season.

Klubnik presents challenges as well with his mobility. Hope we can rediscover our pass rush and cause some disruption back there.

Don't think we can afford another defensive performance like we had against Mizzou. Our pass rush wasn't a factor for much of the game. They did get after the QB a few times, but he was mostly mobile enough to neutralize the threat. We weren't that effective in stopping Noel.

They don't seem to have any lethal threats at WR. Certainly not like they've had at that position past years.

In the past, they had explosive offensive threats all over the field, which doesn't seem to be the case this year. Still more than good enough to beat us if we don't bring our A game.

Wesco and Moore are good receivers, So is Antonio Williams. Tyler Brown has been hurt. In a better offense these three could really light it up but the play calling, QB play, and OL play have limited the Clemson offense. Their OL is OK and maybe 2-3 of thier starting OL would make the two deep here. Just look at the head to head OL recruiting over the past few years and you will get the picture, also look at the other offers for several of the Clemson OL. Briningstool is a good TE but he will drop the ball at times in critical situations. It will be a close game and will come down to turnovers and who can make a heroic play. The Clemson offense is not what it has been in past years and the Clemson fans I know would be OK with Riley moving on. He has not seemed to make the huge difference that was expected, some would say that is from Dabo meddling in the play calling but who knows.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I second Williams at wideout. I don’t tune in to Clemson games much, except to see them lose, but I feel like every time I do Williams is dicing someone up. Not exactly sure why, as he hasn’t really done anything of significance against us since he’s been there (outside of fumbling us the ball in 2022), but he just makes me uneasy for whatever reason.

Haven't seen much of Clemson this year, so I can't say I've seen him. He's only got 53 receptions and 600ish yards. Pretty average numbers. Not saying his skills are not good, but whatever they run offensively, he hasn't been lethal so far this year.

Having said that, he'll have 20 catches for 200 yards against us.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Wesco and Moore are good receivers, So is Antonio Williams. Tyler Brown has been hurt. In a better offense these three could really light it up but the play calling, QB play, and OL play have limited the Clemson offense. Their OL is OK and maybe 2-3 of thier starting OL would make the two deep here. Just look at the head to head OL recruiting over the past few years and you will get the picture, also look at the other offers for several of the Clemson OL. Briningstool is a good TE but he will drop the ball at times in critical situations. It will be a close game and will come down to turnovers and who can make a heroic play. The Clemson offense is not what it has been in past years and the Clemson fans I know would be OK with Riley moving on. He has not seemed to make the huge difference that was expected, some would say that is from Dabo meddling in the play calling but who knows.

There was definitely lots of hand-wringing on our side when we picked up Dowell and Clemson picked up Riley. But Riley hasn't produced the results they thought they'd get. I figured he'd be a 1-2 year guy there then off to a head coach gig somewhere. Obviously that won't happen.

Maybe both Riley brothers were overrated.

 

[BftCocks09]

Haven't seen much of Clemson this year, so I can't say I've seen him. He's only got 53 receptions and 600ish yards. Pretty average numbers. Not saying his skills are not good, but whatever they run offensively, he hasn't been lethal so far this year.

Having said that, he'll have 20 catches for 200 yards against us.

Yea I mean, again, it’s more of a gut thing than anything else. No eye popping stats, no highlight reel catches, or anything like that. I guess he just seems like the shifty, quick WR that would give us fits. Or maybe I just need a TUMS.

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

We don't want that WR from Dutch Fork doing anything good against us. Think he wears #0.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Yea I mean, again, it’s more of a gut thing than anything else. No eye popping stats, no highlight reel catches, or anything like that. I guess he just seems like the shifty, quick WR that would give us fits. Or maybe I just need a TUMS.

Could be both! I have not followed them all that closely this year, other than their record, but they certainly don’t seem like their teams of previous years where they had explosive playmakers at skill positions all over the field.

That does not mean one will not emerge next Saturday though.

 

[Piscis]

Clemson hasn't beaten a team with a pulse this season. I think we have our signature win against them.

 

[will110]

I'm proud to say I haven't watched an entire Clemson game this year since week one against Georgia. Outside of Klubnik and Mafah I couldn't name you one guy on their roster.

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

I'm proud to say I haven't watched an entire Clemson game this year since week one against Georgia. Outside of Klubnik and Mafah I couldn't name you one guy on their roster.

Samesies.