It took four games, but Clemson may have found its offensive identity. Under Chad Morris' direction, the Clemson attack must start and end with running back Gideon Davidson. On the season, he has 59 carries for 346 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He has kicked his game up a notch in ACC play with 105 yards on 16 carries for a touchdown versus UNC, and 159 yards and a game-sealer at Cal.
It is so imperative for Morris to stick to his guns in trying to get 40-plus rushing attempts per game. While true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds likes to tuck it and run himself, he is nowhere near as proficient in the ground game as Davidson is. Ideally, Morris will want more out of his tight ends and receiving corps, but his hands are tied behind his back with a quarterback who is a work in progress.
Not only does Davidson's ascending game give the entire offense more confidence, but it allows for the Tigers to win the time of possession battle every game. To be quite frank, Clemson does not have the offensive prowess to hang tough in a shootout, let alone versus a juggernaut team like the Miami Hurricanes. Clemson has a strong defense, but this offense has to be predicated on the run for now.
+150 YDs for Gideon Davidson 👏@DavidsonGideon ran for 159 YDs and 2 TDs on 22 carries. Heading into the game, Davidson had 187 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries through the first three games@ClemsonFB | @ClemsonTigers | #ALLIN | @DrPepper pic.twitter.com/YV4y4KqROQ
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 26, 2026
Chad Morris must not get cute and hand the ball off to Gideon Davidson
To put it bluntly, Clemson does not have much of a margin for error on offense in this game, or really any for that matter. Davidson has to go off, or at least be able to deliver the knockout blow when the Tigers are leading and the game requires it. While it would be fantastic if Chris Johnson Jr. or Jarvis Green can spell him on occasion, it has been tough sledding for them thus far. He must run it alone.
Not only is Clemson's rushing attack especially contingent on how well Davidson plays, but David Eziomume is now out for the season after suffering his major injury at Cal. Fortunately, Davidson's prowess is giving Clemson's underwhelming offensive line some much-needed confidence. They love blocking for him. In turn, it helps them stay more locked in during the game on passing attempts.
Because the opposition will need to respect the run, safeties might creep up into the box and force Reynolds to throw. Given that he is a talented player with tremendous football savvy, it is only a matter of time before he makes opportunistic defensive backs pay with his arm. While a tight end is a young starting quarterback's best friend, a close second may have to be a reliable running back behind him.
Simply, now is not the time for Morris to get cute with his play-calling. He may get more positive press if he becomes the quarterback whisperer for Reynolds than anything else. However, that is a long-term project more than anything. Again, Reynolds is only a true freshman. What is important for him to realize is Davidson is the hot hand for the Tigers offensively. Go use that to your advantage to win!
If Clemson wants any hope of knocking off Miami, it cannot abandon the rushing attack on a whim.
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