Clemson Football: Feed Phil Mafah

Yesterday, I discussed Cade Klubnik and the need for the rest of the offense to complement his capabilities for Clemson Football to be successful in 2024.

The Tiger offense will need each component to support the others. If the passing game is stagnant, it will hurt the running game, and vice versa. If the line isn’t blocking well, the quarterback won’t have time and the running backs won’t find holes. This is pretty simple stuff.

Then again, you must start somewhere, and it isn’t hard to identify the offense’s strongest link.

Phil Mafah is the man the Tigers need to be the catalyst. If he can find success, it will fuel everything else. The defense will be forced to scheme for run-stopping, opening up more passing game opportunities for Klubnik. The pass catchers like Jake Briningstool, Antonio Williams, and Tyler Brown will have more space to get open.

Strong rushing from Mafah will have an impact on the offensive line too. When they see him getting the yards, it will give the linemen more confidence. Better blocking will give Mafah more holes to hit. It will also provide more opportunities for guys like Keith Adams and Jay Haynes, who will inevitably need to spell Mafah at times during the game.

Clemson hasn’t made a habit of relying too much on one aspect or player in the offense. This was most evident when they had both Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne in the backfield. Both were incredible talents who could take over a game if needed but rarely asked to do so. The Tigers preferred to keep things as balanced as possible.

I’m sure in the long run the staff wants to maintain that balance this season as well, but if there were a time to make sure one person saw the ball a lot in each game, it is 2024 with Mafah.

Strong defensive front? Understood, but still give the ball to Mafah.

Opportunities to take advantage of weak or young corners? Put that in the game plan, but start by running Mafah to bring the defense into the box, then let Williams and Brown work.

The staff needs to fight the urge to be distracted from feeding Mafah a steady diet of carries. He will be what drives this offense in 2024.