The gloves are off in Death Valley.
As the Clemson Tigers continue their shocking freefall to a 3-4 record, one of the program's most respected recent alumni has seen enough, delivering a blistering critique of the offensive line that is sending shockwaves through the fan base.
Former All-ACC lineman and current ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain did not hold back, calling the unit's performance in the 35-24 home loss to SMU the most inept he has ever witnessed from a Clemson team.
"That was the worst performance from an offensive line I’ve ever seen," Mac Lain declared on his Gramlich & Mac Lain podcast. "It was so bad... Worst at Clemson I’ve seen."
Pushed Around and Paid For Nothing
The Tigers' front five were physically dominated by the Mustangs, paving the way for a pathetic 35 rushing yards on 30 attempts. In the second half, the unit was so ineffective that the team posted zero net rushing yards despite 16 carries.
Mac Lain, who anchored dominant Clemson lines during the program's peak, was stunned by the lack of physicality and basic execution, and he didn't hesitate to aim his criticism at the coaching staff.
"You talk about paying people, this offensive line coach is making a lot of money," Mac Lain said, referencing offensive line coach Matt Luke. "It just looks incompetent... It’s very bad football, and that’s concerning. It’s frustrating. It shouldn’t look that way.”
The offensive line's struggles overshadowed a valiant effort from backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in his first significant action. But his heroics were not enough to overcome the fundamental failures in the trenches.
The brutal assessment from a respected alum adds another layer to what has become a crisis point for Dabo Swinney's program. For Mac Lain, the line's regression is a symptom of a much larger disease, one that has him questioning if a team that started the year with championship aspirations will even make a bowl game.
“It’s crazy to think about this team that had so much returning talent,” he said. “And legitimately — I don’t know if they’re going to a bowl game.”