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Clemson Football: 10 Reasons the Tigers could make the CFB Playoff

By Andrew Boardwine

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Oct 10, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

9. The run game is carrying the Tigers through games

One of the major concerns coming into this season was the running game. Could Clemson consistently pick up yards on the ground? Could the Tigers be a balanced team to keep defenses honest? The answer to that question has been yes so far.

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    • Wayne Gallman has been spectacular so far this season basically carrying the Clemson offense. He has been a workhorse for the Tigers and is continuing to get better. We told you a few weeks ago that the Tigers needed someone to step up behind Gallman to make the run-game deeper and we told you who that would be: Zac Brooks.

    In addition to Wayne Gallman’s powerful running, Zac Brooks is starting to get more and more playing time. Brooks got some limited action in the beginning of the season and looked good in doing so. He was trusted to play on special teams for much of the year.

    Against Notre Dame, Brooks got one carry for 12 yards, but looked good in pass-blocking situations. This week against Georgia Tech, Zac Brooks had three carries for 41 yards and an impressive 35-yard touchdown run. He is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, but does a good job running the ball and giving Wayne Gallman breathers.

    Expect to see him more and more as the season progresses and don’t forget about one other form of running that has developed over the last three games: The read-option.

    The coaching staff is showing full trust in Deshaun Watson by letting him read the defense and keep it or hand it off to Wayne Gallman. This is just making the rushing attack that much more explosive.

    You have to have a running game to be relevant nationally. An offense must be balanced because you never know when the passing game will be shutdown. Let’s not forget how improved the offensive line has also been.

    Next: Reason Number 8

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