Clemson Football Analysis: Tigers lack offensive identity

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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 runs the football as wide receiver Diondre Overton #14 of the Clemson Tigers blocks cornerback Kindle Vildor #20 of the Georgia Southern Eagles during the football game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

Commit to Trevor Lawrence

In this situation, you’ll be turning over the keys to a freshman.

The ceiling of this offense is probably higher in this situation than that of committing to Kelly Bryant, but the floor very well may be lower. You’ll have to allow for the fact that Lawrence is going to make some mistakes and may very well turn the ball over.

But, you’ll be hoping that he grows up fast and that his upside makes up for the freshman mistakes.

In this offense, you’ll be basing your schemes on a balanced attack. It will be a fair share of both rushing and passing plays, with Travis Etienne getting more like 20 attempts a game instead. You’d probably see a bigger rotation of running backs as they try to keep Etienne fresh, but the RPOs will go down a tad.

Obviously, RPOs are a part of the Clemson offense and they will always be in there, but there’s no way you see Lawrence run the ball 10-15 times a game like the offense with Kelly Bryant at the helm.

This offense would be based on a number of different schemes, including quick play-action plays, a ton of deep shots down the field and opening up the passing attack without getting away from the running game. Lawrence would be relied upon to get the ball into the hands of Clemson’s talented receivers and reading defenses at a high level.

Just like in the other option, there could still be a spot for Kelly Bryant. He might would fit into running the 3rd down and short offense and seeing a possession here or there, but it would Lawrence’s offense for the most part.

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