Clemson football: Will Shipley, Phil Mafah duo attack could be dangerous

Clemson football fans will have the opportunity to see the future on-hand in Death Valley on Saturday against the Florida State Seminoles.

With Kobe Pace out due to COVID protocol, Clemson will be down to just three running backs, one veteran in Darien Rencher and then two freshmen who have both shown flashes of greatness already in Will Shipley and Phil Mafah.

There’s no doubt that Pace will be missed and that he has a bright future as a Tiger running back, but there is certainly intrigue about seeing what Shipley and Mafah can do with expanded roles in the offense playing together.

The Shipley, Mafah duo can be explosive and dangerous for Clemson football

When you look at both Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, one of the first words that comes to mind to describe both of them is ‘explosiveness.’

Shipley has been just a couple of trips or a missed tackle away from breaking off some big runs. Mafah is a violent runner who excels going north and south, but also is good at getting outside and making plays.

On Saturday against Florida State, we’re going to see a healthy dose of both of them.

The Clemson football offense has not been able to get much of anything going in the passing game this season and that means if they want to have any success– maybe score more than 20 points in regulation for once– they’re going to have to establish the run with both Shipley and Mafah.

If Tony Elliott will commit to the running game and let the passing game flow off of it, the offense could have a chance to have a big day.

Look for both Shipley and Mafah to have more than 15 carries on the day and the double-headed attack could prove to be dangerous if used effectively.