Clemson football: Tony Elliott is under a lot of pressure in 2021

Clemson football enters 2021 with a lot of pressure on its shoulders but none more individually than offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.

When people think of pressure, they tend to think of it as negative when in fact, pressure can be a good thing. If Clemson football is going to be successful and make their seventh straight appearance in the College Football Playoff, pressure has to be a good thing for Elliott and the Tigers.

Champions rise up when pressure is at its highest.

Despite what some have said and continue to say, Tony Elliott did not manage Trevor Lawrence or Travis Etienne well. As good as they were and the records that they set were just a drop in the bucket of what they could have accomplished and Tony been a better version of himself.

There will be plenty that scoffs at that statement and convince themselves that it isn’t true but the fact remains that Elliott did not showcase either of them as well as he should have and created questions about both that should never have been asked.

Winning blinds a lot of people to the truth just as much as losing exposes others.

Clemson football is loaded with offensive talent in 2021

Despite losing NFL picks Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Amari Rodgers, Jackson Carman, Cornell Powell as well as the numerous transfers that decided Clemson football was no longer the right fit for them, the Tigers are loaded on both sides of the ball and have a ton of depth.

Offensively, running backs coach CJ Spiller is going to have five very capable running backs to choose from, all of whom will bring something different to the table. Replacing Etienne from a production value will not be as hard as many believe.

The biggest issue that lies in front of Tony Elliott is getting everyone involved and finally utilizing the middle of the field with the weapons that he does have.

Tony has neglected the middle of the field for most of the last four seasons and it has cost the Tigers in overall production as well as being able to stay in games against LSU and Ohio State. Sure, the defense gave up 600 yards in each game, but the offense plays a part in that as they were unable to sustain drives because they were so predictable.

If Clemson football is indeed going to realize their talent and win another national title in 2021, Tony Elliott has to do a much better job game planning and calling plays.

The Tigers have too much talent not to use every inch of the field.