Joel Klatt predicts spark on offense could make Clemson a contender in 2023

Clemson could get a spark on offense in 2023 from Garrett Riley to make the Tigers a contender again, according to Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.

Head coach Dabo Swinney made a big change to his staff. Brandon Streeter was out as offensive coordinator and Riley was in. Riley joined the staff after breaking out as the TCU offensive coordinator this past season.

Klatt explained what it would take for Clemson to get back to the College Football Playoff with a new offensive regime.

“Clemson with Garrett Riley as offensive coordinator,” Klatt said on podcast. “Cade Klubnik at quarterback … Maybe a spark on that offensive side will be just what they need to get back to what they have been and what they had been in the six years previous to the last two.”

Klubnik is the guy now that D.J. Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State. Klubnik, a former five-star prospect, saw playing time in 10 games last season.

He finished 61-of-100 passing for 697 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, 139 rushing yards and two touchdown runs.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Klubnik was a five-star prospect out of Austin (Texas) Westlake, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the class and the No. 18 overall prospect in the class.

Clemson a contender in 2023 with Garrett Riley?

Riley oversaw TCU’s offense in 2022 and helped lead the Horned Frogs to the national championship. Quarterback Max Duggan was the biggest benefactor.

He ended up being a Heisman Trophy finalist, along with winner Caleb Williams and Ohio State and Georgia quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Stetson Bennett.

If Riley can do the same with Klubnik, Clemson could easily be a contender once again.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney released a statement about his decision to fire Streeter.

“I am incredibly appreciative of Brandon for all he accomplished at Clemson in his 15 years as a player, graduate assistant, position coach and offensive coordinator. I am thankful for Brandon and love him and his family. He has always represented Clemson University with great pride, and I know he will continue to do great things,” Swinney said.

“As the leader of this program, I am accountable for our staff and accountable for our results, and though we took a step forward offensively in 2022, after evaluating our offense in-depth, I felt it was in the best interest of our program to seek new leadership at that position. These decisions are never easy, but it is my job to evaluate and assess every part of our program every year, and this was just the right time to make a change.”