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Clemson football: 3 quick fixes that could help improve 2021 offense

By Andrew Boardwine

Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) flexes toward Georgia Tech junior Juanyeh Thomas (1) after getting a first down during the third quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021.Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson
Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) flexes toward Georgia Tech junior Juanyeh Thomas (1) after getting a first down during the third quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021.Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson /
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Will Taylor, Clemson football (PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAGN)
Will Taylor, Clemson football (PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAGN) /

Three quick fixes that could help improve the Clemson football offense in 2021

3. Change it up in the slot & take some shots down the field

The passing game is off right now and, honestly, the chemistry it will take to form might take the bulk of the season. Uiagalelei’s bad footwork may not be able to be fixed completely until the offseason.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things that Clemson can do to make it more efficient.

Specifically, we’re talking about two major aspects:

  1. The slot receiver spot
  2. At least giving the threat of downfield shots

One of the biggest things Clemson is missing right now is that wide receiver who can create separation underneath and pick up that much-needed 6-yard gain. Justyn Ross in the slot simply hasn’t worked as of yet and one thing that could help Uiagalelei a ton would be to have that ‘Hunter Renfrow-esque’ safety blanket in the slot.

It’s time, in my opinion, to try Will Taylor and possibly freshman Troy Stellato in the slot. Both of those guys have great speed and their route-running ability could be the difference in an incomplete pass and an 8-yard gain.

In addition to trying a couple of speed-burners at the slot to create separation underneath, Clemson has to at least flash the threat of throwing down the field. Perhaps moving Justyn Ross outside and just throwing a 50/50 ball to him or Joseph Ngata every now and then could be enough to at least keep the defense on their heels a bit.

I’m not talking about a 20-yard designed pattern. I’m talking about a fade where the ball is thrown 30, 40 or 50 yards down the field and, if it’s good placement, the better man will win the win the fight.

Taking a few shots and even running some crossing patterns over the middle will do wonders for Uiagalelei and help get this offense going.

These three changes aren’t going to turn the Clemson football offense into 2019 LSU, but they can at least serve as a starting point for the Tigers to improve and begin to take steps forward as we looking towards the rest of this season.

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