Dabo Swinney, Clemson drawing concern over social media during Saturday’s NC State game
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Clemson is expected to come out on top in the ACC standings once more and potentially find itself back in the College Football Playoff discussion.
The Tigers’ performance in recent weeks, though, has drawn some concern.
Following a season-opening loss to Georgia, Clemson expectedly blew out FCS S.C. State 49-3 on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium. But it struggled to beat Georgia Tech in Atlanta on Sept. 11, coming away with a 14-8 victory in which it managed just 284 yards of total offense.
That brings us to Saturday as the Tigers are in Raleigh to take on N.C. State. The Wolfpack, though, have eyes on an upset at Carter-Finley Stadium as they’re tied 14-14 early in the 4th quarter.
The Tigers’ offense as a whole has struggled to gather much momentum after jumping out to an early 7-0 lead despite eventually knotting things up, garnering criticism for not just Dabo Swinney but offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.
Meanwhile, a Clemson loss not only eliminates it from the CFP picture but changes the complexion of the ACC race.
Here’s some of the discussion on social media on the Tigers’ performance:
Reason #34786 why College Football preseason rankings shouldn’t exist: Clemson.
— Robert Guerra (@TheProducerRG) September 25, 2021
https://twitter.com/JamesCBundy/status/1441890782122807296
Clemson thought they were the next dynasty ??
— will mason (@voteforwill) September 25, 2021
Clemson gotta start all over offensively. If they couldn’t score on Georgia Tech, that’s the first sign of a Major Red Flag
— AW. (@austinw_93) September 25, 2021
Been telling people since last Year that DJ Uiagalelei is not that guy ?
— Teflon Heem??? (@TeflonHeem) September 25, 2021
There’s no creativity for Clemson’s offense. Where’s the short game? Where are the RPOs? Where are the QB designed runs?
It’s either Uiagalelei is still learning the offense or Tony Elliott refuses to run that type of offense…or both.
This is frustrating.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 25, 2021
https://twitter.com/2k20Bryant/status/1441888600769982466
So, are we all safe with calling Dabo a fraud when he doesn’t have a generational talent at QB?
— Holyfield’s Arms (@holyfieldsarms) September 25, 2021
Can’t wait for Dabo to blame this season on NIL
— Grant Williamson (@GrantWilli33) September 25, 2021
Dabo without a elite QB to bail him out pic.twitter.com/ZDK8ceoOF5
— ?TRENCHES♠️ (@_Ace5am) September 25, 2021
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
