Dabo Swinney goes over last time his offense was so young

To say the Clemson Tigers offense has started slow would be an understatement. After starting with a season-opening dud against No. 2 Georgia, Dabo Swinney’s team had a hard time putting up points this weekend against Georgia Tech.

This offseason, the Tigers underwent big changes all over the offensive side of the ball. Following years of Trevor Lawrence leading the offense, an influx of youth has had some growing pains.

Following Clemson’s 14-point output against Georgia Tech, Swinney spoke about the last time his offense featured so much youth.

“It’s been a little while,” stated Swinney. “The last time we started a freshman in the offensive line was ‘16. We won a national championship that year. 

“We had a little bit more around him, but we ended up starting [Sean] Pollard, and even [Tremayne] Anchrum in some point that year. We had a little bit more experience in that group. Deshaun [Watson] was a veteran. We had a few more veteran pieces. [Jordan] Leggett, those receivers — a few more veteran pieces around them. This year is a little different.”

While Clemson featured youth along their offensive line in 2016, there’s one key difference that Swinney points out — Watson. With sophomore quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei also trying to adjust to becoming a full-time starter, the Tigers have youth at the most important position.

If Swinney’s team is to see an improvement in their offense, it all starts with Uiagalelei.

‘We’re getting better’

Furthermore, Swinney continued to talk about the adjustments that everyone on offense is facing. While learning the offense can be tough enough, the re-adjustment to live football and stadiums weighs heavy on Clemson’s mind.

“You got a lot of things going on. From adjustment to live football, stadiums and all that stuff,” said Swinney. “And then, just again — a lot of new pieces. It’s more than just one, or two, we got a lot of new pieces. 

“We’re getting better, and showed the heart and the toughness that we needed to have tonight to win a game like that. So proud of our guys.”

Swinney’s proud of his team’s ability to grind out a victory, even when they didn’t have their best stuff. Against Georgia Tech, Clemson beat them at their own game — running the football.

During the game, it was all about running back Will Shipley. Moreover, Shipley carried the football 22 times — rushing for 88 yards and two touchdowns. 

On the other hand, Uiagalelei only threw for 126 yards. However, he rushed for 46 — but he’ll have to be better if Clemson has any shot at the College Football Playoff.

The last time Dabo Swinney had a youthful offense, he won a national championship. The Clemson Tigers have a long road back if they way to repeat history this season.