So much has been made about Tait Reynolds over the course of Clemson's first four games of the season. On a positive note, he has shown flashes of brilliance, demonstrating why he eventually beat out Christopher Vizzina for the starting job a little over two weeks ago. As for the negative, he is still a true freshman, and he played like it at times against Cal on Friday night. On the whole, he has been serviceable.
That right there has us all asking ourselves the same question Morgan Thomas of 105.5 The Roar posed on X: "Is Clemson winning BECAUSE of Tait Reynolds? Or is Clemson winning WITH Tait Reynolds?" While he has been a positive catalyst for the offense and entire team, it is probably closer to the latter. Clemson is winning with Reynolds, but not because of him. He cannot beat Miami alone.
Fortunately for Clemson, Reynolds will not have to do that against the Canes. The Tigers have a recipe for success to allow him to grow and prosper, and still win anyway. As long as Clemson keeps playing great defense and sound special teams, as well as handing the ball off to Gideon Davidson a ton, the Tigers may not be truly out of it. A few runs with Reynolds' legs and an explosive play, and there you go!
The question I keep coming back to:
— Morgan Thomas (@TheMorganTShow) September 29, 2026
Is Clemson winning BECAUSE of Tait Reynolds?
Or is Clemson winning WITH Tait Reynolds?
Gideon Davidson will have to take charge for Clemson to upset Miami
Over the last few weeks, Clemson went from a train wreck to a team that is tough to kill. Since the Georgia Southern game, Clemson has made smart second-half adjustments. The Tigers are not allowing the opposition to score touchdowns in the final two frames. This has allowed the offense to play with more confidence on every subsequent drive. Mario Cristobal is well aware of this.
Clemson is starting to play complementary football in all three phases. It is headlined by a strong defense and elite special teams, getting just enough out of its offense to win games by margin. Tom Allen and Rich Bisaccia have been coaching their tails off, while Chad Morris is still trying to find himself as Clemson's new offensive play-caller. If anything, he has found something big in Davidson.
When Morris took over the Clemson offense back in the spring, he made it a point to say that the Tigers will run football considerably more than they did under his predecessor, Garrett Riley. As long as Clemson approaches 40 carries a game with Davidson getting the bulk of them, the Tigers can win in time of possession. This was a critical component to them upending Cal in Berkeley last weekend.
At this time, Clemson needs to rely on its other stars around Reynolds to uplift this team. It may be a different guy every week, but it does not have to be Reynolds on Saturday. As long as Clemson stays true to itself and its newfound offensive identity, the Tigers will have a chance in this game. Having it be at home in Death Valley is another feather in Clemson's cap, especially if bad weather is prevalent.
One day, Reynolds will have to be the one to carry Clemson, but Week 5 versus Miami is not the time.
Add us as a preferred source on Google