Taking Stock of Week One for the Clemson Tigers

Wasn’t it great? Finally, after what seemed like forever, it’s back. College football, and all the pageantry that comes with it, is back. Sure, there were a multitude of tune up type, exhibition games, such as our Tigers laying waste to Furman, but there were also plenty of good matchups to keep us tided over until next week when Clemson faces its first real test in College Station.

Every week here we will take a look at some of the things that the Tigers did well, and some that maybe weren’t done quite so well. Maybe even a few things here and there that happened in other games not involving Clemson, seeing as we all have those certain teams we love to hate on. Lastly, it is also something that isn’t meant to be taken quite so seriously. Always remember, sarcasm is a great way to get ones point across.

Seeing as it was Furman and the Tigers did what they were supposed to do, this weeks edition will be short and sweet. Factoring in the opponent, the vanilla game plans, and the emptying of the bench, there is only so much to be learned from these games.

The Freshman: Stock Up

I think it is pretty safe to say this is the deepest team Dabo has had yet. 13 first year freshman saw playing time against Furman and boy did they impress: Trevor Lawrence, Lyn-J Dixon, Justyn Ross, Xavier Thomas, and KJ Henry. All were as advertised! Even Braden Galloway looked like he could contribute immediately. It was nice to see a deep out to a TE. I have missed those.

Special Teams: Stock Up

How long have we waited for kickoffs like we saw from Potter Saturday? No more worrying about the long return each time the team lines up for a kickoff. Amari Rogers fielding punts and making a difference in the return game sure was a sight to behold. And Greg Huegel? Who paid for that bionic leg he’s now walking around on?

WR Core: Stock Up

This is one deep group of receivers. Not just depth either, it is quality depth. Higgins, Rogers, Renfrow, Overton, Thompson, Ross, Powell, the list just keeps going. They don’t call it #WRU for nothing.

Defensive Line: Stock Up

Power Rangers... Enough said. A healthy DexStar finally, although I am sure I’m not the only one who held their breath after seeing him getting up slowly after a 3rd down sack. Those RAYCOM announcers sure didn’t seem to see it. Jordan Williams made the most of his opportunities and provided us with a glimpse of things to come. Hopefully his injury isn’t serious and he is back quick.

Shaq Smith: Stock Up

Shaq was all over the field Saturday. I know many fans, including myself, have been waiting to see that from the former five-star LB. Wonder if anyone finally told those RAYCOM guys he isn’t a freshman? Regardless, it was nice to see him out there making plays.

Quarterback Play: Stock Up

Yes, KB2 got off to a shaky start, but he rebounded from it and played well after after settling in later in the game. The deep ball he threw to Rogers might be the best one he has thrown to date. However, this was Furman so I am not sure how much you can take from it. Lawrence was everything we thought he would be. After a shaky first series, he showed us exactly what he is capable of. He joined Charlie Whitehurst as the only 2 QBs to throw 3 TDs in their first game as a Tiger.

Run Blocking: Stock Even

Early on we saw some issues on that right side with the run blocking but as the game went along I thought it got better and better, so I will just go with “Even” in this case. There will be things on the film the staff can use to coach from.

Secondary Play: Stock Down

It was the first game, and it was against Furman so those guys weren’t tested a bunch, but I thought the secondary play left a little to be desired. Multiple interference penalties and a couple of instances of guys letting receivers get by them. Things that can be corrected however. Depth is going to be a concern all season, so we just have to hope we can avoid the injury bug.

The Heat: Stock Down

The heat was just brutal, and I wasn’t even there due to circumstances beyond my control. There is a rumor that a fan died due to heat at Willy B but I haven’t seen any confirmation of that. A couple of my buddies say it was as hot as its ever been in The Valley Saturday afternoon. So hot that some fans chose to stay out at the tailgates under the tents and watch the television broadcast.

Noon Kickoffs: Stock Down

Nooners just suck. There is no other way to put it. Noon kicks on Sept 1 are the worst. That heat along with the traffic and the slow lines getting into the stadium can have one questioning his own sanity and whether its even worth it. Until the next noon kickoff anyways.

And in other games.....

Texas and Tennessee: Stock Way Down

The great Tom Herman is now 0-2 vs Maryland. Who’d have thought? Wasn’t Texas supposed to be back this year? Again? As for Vol Nation, is there anything better than waking up on Sunday mornings to videos of Tennessee fans setting fire to every piece of Vols clothing they own?

Louisville: Stock Down

Thank you to Bobby Petrino for allowing Bama to hang half a hundred on you. I thought taking the under was easy money. Petrino’s offenses have yet to score more than 2 TDs in a game against Nick Saban defenses.

Michigan: Stock Down

Captain Khaki Pants and his Fightin’ Harbaughs are now 9-9 over their last 18 games. Over that stretch they have scored fewer points than BC, Wake, and Duke. Sounds like they are getting their money’s worth up there.

That is all I have for Week 1. Let us know in the comments what stood out to you the most this weekend.