Yards per completion listed as a key focus for Clemson's offense in 2023

Clemson’s offense has held them back enough over the past two seasons. They’ve still managed to go 21-6 in that span but, after not posting a unit that finished within the Top-25 during that stretch, their ability to compete at the national level has been limited.

However, there’s a lot to like now with the Tiger’s changes at quarterback to Cade Klubnik and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. That’s why, heading into the fall, On3’s JD PicKell is taking note of Clemson’s overall yards per catch. If that number improves, PicKell said during ‘The Hard Count’ that he expects the offense to improve enough to get them back into the playoff conversation.

“The number I’m looking at? Yards per completion, yards per reception. However you want to put it,” PicKell said. “6.8 yards last year, No. 86 in the nation for Clemson. It’s not horrible but it’s not anywhere near good enough for Clemson, not anywhere nearly good enough to go and win a national title. And Clemson knows that.”

In comparison, TCU, Riley’s former offense, went for 13.5 yards per completion. That was good enough to get the Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff and in the national championship game.

Clemson has the weapons to make it happen on that end. If they can establish a running game, PicKell thinks that’ll open up explosive plays for the Tigers through the air.

“The way that they have adapted their offensive philosophy is going to have that number be much, much higher next season,” said PicKell. “I fully believe that with Garrett Riley running the show? (There will be) more manufactured explosives.”

The Tigers are already going to be right there in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Their 30th-ranked offense, which averaged 33.2 points per game, kept Clemson in the Top-12 nationally last year. The issue is whether or not the new philosophy overall will get them back into the College Football Playoff in 2023.

“For Clemson, that’s my big question mark for them offensively,” PicKell said. “Can they be more explosive at that wide receiver position? They’re going to be good enough, I think, offensively to win the ACC again. I fully believe that. They’re going to be good enough.”

“Can they be good enough to go to the College Football Playoff? That’s my question,” said PicKell. “But I get excited about Cade Klubnik, get excited about Garrett Riley and what they’re bringing to the table.”