Clemson Football vs. App State: Keys to the Game

Sep 5, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers fans during the first quarter against the Wofford Terriers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams needs a big day

I’m not even talking about the kicking game…yet. The Clemson football special teams need to have a big day in order to instill some confidence in the coaching staff and the fans going forward. The worst thing that can happen is another muffed punt or a lackluster return or coverage game. I want to see the special teams play with a fire and take pride in their work. I also want to see either Artavis Scott, Germone Hopper, T.J. Green, or Ray-Ray McCloud break off some kind of a return. It does not have to be a touchdown, but something to know we have an explosive threat returning the ball.

The special teams did have some bright spots Saturday, like the fact that Greg Huegel was able to get some touch backs and the coverage team looked good, but there were other areas that were lackluster at best. The punting game was awful. Andy Teasdall averaged around 35 yards a punt and that is not good. At some point this season, you are going to have a field position battle and what I want to see is Teasdall win that battle. That would help for him to get some good punts off this week.

Next: Speaking of the kicking game..