Clemson Football: Could Braden Galloway be an X-factor in CFB Playoff?

Could Clemson football TE Braden Galloway make an impact for the Tigers in the CFB Playoff? Here’s why the tight end could be an X-factor.

Clemson football tight end Braden Galloway has been suspended for nearly a full calendar year after he tested positive for trace ammounts of Ostarine before the start of last year’s CFB Playoff.

Clemson football officials told the media earlier in the year that Galloway should make a return in the postseason and that’s expected to be the case for the Tigers’ starting tight end.

Dabo Swinney said the Tigers are still waiting on final clearance and a Clemson official told The State Newspaper that is expected to come on Dec. 15.

With Galloway back, Clemson football will be at full-strength and have a legitimate receiving threat at the tight end position for the first time all season.

The Tigers have used Galloway on the scout team throughout the season, but having him back would be a significant advantage for the Clemson offense, especially against Ohio State.

As a matter of fact, Galloway could be an X-factor for the Clemson football offense against that prolific Buckeye defense.

Why?

When you watch Ohio State on film, one thing is clear: The Buckeyes love to bring pressure and create havoc in the backfield.

They’ll set up with four down-linemen and then bring a linebacker or two on blitz packages. This puts pressure on the quarterback and forces him to make quick decisions. In steps Galloway.

Though the Ohio State linebackers are extremely physical, they aren’t the most athletic bunch in the country. If the Buckeyes insist on bringing pressure, the Tigers could use Galloway on quick check-down routes and as a safety valve for Trevor Lawrence.

He has the athletic ability to make a catch and then make a linebacker miss. Though we likely won’t see Galloway coming up with 40-yard grabs in this one, he certainly could make a difference in the Tigers converting on a few 3rd-and-moderate situations and allowing Clemson to get ahead of the chains early on drives.

Expect Clemson to try and attack those Ohio State linebackers with Galloway, especially if the Buckeyes look to bring coverage. As a result, the tight end could emerge as an X-factor for Clemson football in its quest to get back to the National Championship game.