Kirk Herbstreit expects ‘bounce back’ season for Clemson, Dabo Swinney
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ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit believes Clemson will rebound from its 7-6 campaign in 2025.
The Tigers made some big changes this offseason, notably at offensive coordinator. Dabo Swinney made the decision to replace Garrett Riley with Chad Morris, who led the Clemson offense from 2011-14 before embarking on a head coaching career.
Though Morris hasn’t called plays in several years, Herbstreit believes Clemson could still benefit from a fresh approach.
“I think that’s a massive hire,” Herbstreit said on Get Up on Friday morning. “Of all the hires this offseason from a coordinator standpoint, I’d put that one right near the top. I really think Clemson lost their way the last few years with Garrett Riley … It just wasn’t a fit. It just didn’t work out over 3 years.”
Herbstreit also expressed belief in Clemson’s program under Swinney — the Tigers won consistently for more than a decade before slipping up over the past 3 seasons. During that span, Clemson is just 15-9 in ACC play.
“Here’s the situation. Clemson has an angry football team that’s coming off of a 7-6 year,” Herbstreit added. “An angry head coach, an angry staff. What better way to show that you’re a different team … Nobody thinks you can go to Death Valley and win a football game.
“I expect Clemson to have a good year.”
The first test for new-look Clemson? A road trip to Baton Rouge to take on LSU. Herbstreit will be on the call for ABC.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
