OFFENSE

When Dabo Swinney decided to fix Clemson’s sputtering and undependable offensive machine, it made sense to hand the keys to someone with a background in the cutting-edge philosophies on display in last season’s BCS title game. Chad Morris, who came to Clemson after one year of offensive pyrotechnics at Tulsa, is close friends with Auburn guru Gus Malzahn and uses a similar up-tempo style with lots of funky formations and movement that’s designed to disguise and confuse.

Even after a 6–7 season that closed with a humiliating home loss to South Carolina and a defeat to South Florida in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, Clemson fans are excited about the possibilities with the new offense. It worked for Auburn and Oregon, right? Morris’ chief objective is bringing a spark to an offense that finished 88th nationally in yards per game (334.6). The Tigers also finished 111th in red zone efficiency.

Tajh Boyd takes the reins at quarterback after watching Kyle Parker struggle through last season. Boyd was highly regarded out of high school, and coaches believe he’ll ultimately be a good quarterback. But the only question is when.

The offense has a solid foundation up front, where four starters return along the line. They still need to find a replacement for left tackle Chris Hairston.

There’s elite talent at running back with Andre Ellington and Mike Bellamy. The Tigers need help at receiver, and they should get it with the arrival of stud freshmen Sammy Watkins, Charone Peake and Martavis Bryant.

DEFENSE

The defense has big holes to fill after losing Da’Quan Bowers and Jarvis Jenkins up front, Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell at corner, and DeAndre McDaniel at safety.

Plenty of talent remains on the defensive line, but depth could be an issue. Junior Malliciah Goodman fills Bowers’ enormous shoes at one end, and veteran Andre Branch returns on the other side. Senior Rennie Moore elevates to replace Jenkins and should form a nice inside tandem with Brandon Thompson.

Rashard Hall and Jonathan Meeks have the makings of a solid safety duo. Xavier Brewer and Coty Sensabaugh have experience at corner, but they’ll be challenged by some youngsters. Redshirt freshman Bashaud Breeland drew raves during spring practice and will push hard for a starting job at corner.

Co-coordinator Kevin Steele has had to deal with poor numbers at linebacker, but that’s about to change. The Tigers addressed their needs in a big way by signing Tony Steward, Stephone Anthony, Lateek Townsend and B.J. Goodson.
 

SPECIALISTS

Missed field goals from inside 40 yards cost the Tigers dearly last year, and walk-on Chandler Catanzaro is back with hopes of atoning for a nightmarish season. Senior punter Dawson Zimmerman constantly flushed his punts during the spring and should be an asset.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Morris brings a much-needed offensive identity, and the Tigers should be better on that side of the ball. But Boyd has to be considered a major question mark at quarterback. The defense could regress some after losing so many key players. And the Tigers could be much improved but still end up with a mediocre record if they can’t make field goals.