So much has been made about the decline of Clemson under Dabo Swinney. After how the Tigers looked versus LSU during Labor Day Weekend, everyone and their brother wanted to run the greatest head coach in Clemson history out of town. Now that they are riding a two-game winning streak, why not make it three in a row with a big road win over Cal? That is one way to stave off the "death rattle."
That was the main talking point in David Hale's latest for ESPN.com on Friday morning: "Is this Clemson's death rattle? Or is Dabo Swinney still capable of righting the ship?" Hale went into great detail about the rise and fall of Clemson. However, he did come across the same glimmer of hope we have all seen of late. That would be true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds. He could change things.
Reynolds has come in and over the course of nine months, has gone from a true freshman, to the new starting quarterback of the Clemson Tigers. He only has one start under his belt, but he got better as the game went along versus North Carolina. We can only hope that he does the same at Cal on Friday night and home versus Miami in two weeks. Swinney putting his trust and faith into him is a huge deal.
Tait Reynolds has the early promise of being Clemson's next great QB
As is the case with many quarterbacks, they are a vehicle for confidence, hoping to inspire the entire team. Three weeks into his Clemson career, and you can just tell that Reynolds has a presence that will get the most out of his teammates. Reynolds talking with Christian Bencantur about their Week 3 touchdown pass is a perfect example of it. Bencatur refused to go down at the five-yard line for him.
Under Swinney, Clemson has had three true difference makers at quarterback. Tajh Boyd came first, followed by Deshaun Watson, and later Trevor Lawrence. While guys like Kelly Bryant, DJ Uiagalelei, and Cade Klubnik all had their moments, the first three set the standard for what quarterback play at Clemson should look like under Swinney. There is a chance that Reynolds could make it a foursome.
As Swinney's many haters circle the wagons, hoping his Tigers slip up versus Cal and Miami in quick succession, he has the ultimate trump card to play. For the first time since Lawrence was a true freshman way back in 2018, Clemson has complete and undeniable hope under center. Yes, there will be times where Reynolds will look like a true freshman. However, he is no longer even playing like one.
For those who are eager to see Clemson's demise, just you wait! Reynolds could be the real deal. While Clemson may not be talented enough to beat Miami or whoever else emerges to come out of the ACC, progress will be made from this year into next. As long as Reynolds continues on his upward trajectory, there is no telling how good he could be. Reynolds changed the temperature of the room.
It takes a team to win games, but all it takes is for one player to change the vibes in the locker room.
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