Clemson Football defeated the Furman Paladins 35-12, but it wasn’t what I would call a resounding victory.
In fact, it kind of felt like we were all in the Upside Down.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Netflix series “Stranger Things”, the Upside Down is an alternate dimension where most of the series’ big baddies come from. It’s a mirror copy of our world, but strange and unusual is a very creepy way.
Going into the 2022 season, the areas of concern for Clemson were on offense, specifically at quarterback and receiver. Expectations were more positive for the running backs, and good reviews of the offensive line from insiders during fall camp increased that positivity.
The defense appeared to be loaded. A talented & deep defensive line and a new strategy for linebackers that would maximize their athleticism would anchor the unit while the backfield settled in with new starters at cornerback.
On Saturday, that script was practically turned on it’s head. The starting quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei, had arguably his best performance since 2020. The receivers had a sound day, with fewer mistakes than they’ve had in a while.
Meanwhile, the defense struggled. They were burned multiple times by screen passes, as they were against Georgia Tech. The defensive line was sloppy with wrapping up their opponents.
The offensive line struggled to get push against Furman. They had a few good plays, but overall they were unreliable, and the ground game suffered.
Everything was the opposite of what we were expecting, leaving us fans feeling like something was just off. Like we were stuck in the Upside Down.
Its only natural to be left concerned following a game like this. Normally, we take success against an FCS team with a grain of salt, while tending to be more concerned about poor play against teams from a lower division.
Since this feels like the Upside Down, maybe we need to be counter-intuitive.
Maybe this can be a catalyst for DJU and the receivers. Maybe this, combined with a good second half against Tech, gives them the momentum they need for the upcoming ACC contests against Wake Forest and NC State.
For Clemson football on Saturday everything was the opposite of what we were expecting, leaving us fans feeling like something was just off
On the other hand, maybe this is the wake-up call the defense needs. Maybe being exposed by an FCS offense has gotten their attention, and the focus in practice will be better. The fire on gameday will burn a little hotter. The leaders on the defense will push a little harder.
Maybe the challenges of Saturday will ignite a new resolve in the offensive line. Maybe they are getting tired of being pushed around.
Maybe a trip to the Upside Down was exactly what Clemson needed.