Clemson will need to lean on old-school football in 2023

If Clemson is to defend its ACC title and return to the College Football Playoff, they'll have to rely on a strong run game and a great defensive line.

This is the most dramatic era of change in college football history. It took a while as the sport held out as one of the last bastions of a bygone era, but the times have finally caught up to the sport. NIL, realignments, consolidation, and the Transfer Portal dominate the landscape.

At Clemson, Dabo Swinney and his staff have built a unique and strong culture, and while most schools are racing to see who can be at the forefront of change, the Tigers are sticking to their formula. Yes, the Tigers have dabbled in the Transfer Portal some and players are earning NIL deals at Clemson just like they are all around the country, but Swinney is sticking to his playbook and his culture.

Peter Woods comes in as one of the top-ranked defensive linemen of the 2023 class. (Clemson Athletics)

That perspective is important off the field but in 2023, they'll need it on the field as well. Clemson is a program built on playing stellar defense and running the football on offense. If one of those components has failed in the past that season has typically ended up in disappointment. 

Running the ball has been the difference between championships and letdowns for Clemson's offenses in the past. Sure, the Tigers have had some outstanding quarterback play. From Tajh Boyd to Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, the Tigers haven't lacked great quarterback play, but it's been a great back that's opened things up for those great quarterbacks. CJ Spiller, Wayne Gallman, and Travis Etienne. Those were the backbones of the offenses. 

In 2023, Clemson will look to Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. For Shipley, this is a career-defining season. After coming in as one of the top recruits in the country, Shipley has played very well, but he hasn't had that moment. If he wants to join the ranks of the players mentioned above, he'll need to help elevate this offense to another level. As quarterback Cade Klubnik and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley get settled in, it'll be up to Shipley and Mafah to carry the load. Once things are clicking, they'll be able to explode.

Defensively, the Tigers have made their money upfront. This season has a chance to be special. You have an elite group of seniors in Ruke Orhorhoro, Tyler Davis, and Xavier Thomas. Mixed in is an incredible group of freshmen. Peter Woods and TJ Parker will play early and often. The depth of Clemson's defensive line should keep the Tigers fresh and beating up on opposing offensive lines. With the linebackers and secondary Clemson boasts, this has all the makings of an elite unit.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Run the football and stop the run. It's the simplest recipe for winning and Clemson has all the ingredients.

More Clemson Football News:

• 4-star Darien Mayo Commits to Clemson
• Clemson lands 4-star receiver TJ Moore
• How the Dylan Raiola move impacts Clemson recruiting

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