In a season defined by stunning failures, the collapse of the Clemson running game has been one of the most glaring.
The program that once produced Travis Etienne Jr. and Wayne Gallman now boasts a rushing attack that ranks a pathetic 12th in the ACC at just 116.4 yards per game. It's a key reason the Tigers have cratered to a 3-4 record, and on Tuesday, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley finally admitted that a drastic change is necessary.
Facing the media during the team's bye week, Riley acknowledged the inconsistency and declared that the time for waiting is over. The highly-touted young talent in the running back room is about to be unleashed, regardless of the consequences.
"We’ve got guys that can help us, so we just got to let them do it and let them play and have to go through, if it’s growing pains or whatever it is," Riley said in a moment of striking candor. "Like we’re just going to have to do that because, ultimately, it’s going to help our team.”
The numbers behind the decision are stark. While converted wide receiver Adam Randall leads the team with 433 rushing yards, the next leading running back, Keith Adams Jr., has just 67. The one-dimensional attack has left the offense stagnant and predictable.
Meanwhile, highly-ranked recruits like redshirt freshman David Eziomume and true freshman Gideon Davidson have been watching from the sidelines. That's about to change.
With Clemson out of championship contention, Riley is shifting focus to the future, stating that getting the young backs experience is no longer a suggestion—it's a mandate.
“We have to get those guys in, and they’ve got to rotate," Riley said. "For obvious reasons, we need other guys to play and produce for us, and it also is going to help Adam Randall throughout the rest of our season."
The coordinator made it clear this is a directive, not a hope.
"I mean, it’s kind of really more of a rep and a play count now that we really just have to get to, one way or another, so that’s certainly what we’re going to do moving forward.”
The first test of this new philosophy will come this Saturday against Duke. For a fan base desperate for a spark, the promise of seeing the team's untapped young talent finally get a real opportunity offers the first glimmer of hope in a season that has been defined by disappointment.