Opponent Film Review: Clemson's Offense

South Carolina's football team will face off against a talented offense from Clemson that has several components to account for.

The fierce rivalry between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers is set to ignite again this weekend, and the spotlight is on Clayton White and the Gamecocks' defense. They face the daunting task of taking on Clemson's multifaceted offense, but what exactly will the Tigers try to do on Saturday night?

1) Run-Pass Option Team

Clemson's offense relies a decent amount on RPO plays that blend running and passing options together. The mobility of their quarterback, Cade Klubnik, is a significant advantage, enabling him to execute these plays effectively. Klubnik's legs are also crucial to Clemson's success, offering unpredictability that can put the defense off-balance. The Carolina must keep a keen eye on Klubnik and anticipate his moves effectively.

The Tigers also often use motion and guard pulls to create additional confusion and gain a further advantage. The Gamecocks' defense must stay alert to these movements, anticipate correctly, and adjust their formations promptly to counter this threat.

Cade Klubnik and Jake Briningstool celebrating after a touchdown scored against North Carolina (18th Nov., 2023) / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

2) 11 Personnel

Clemson's offense primarily operates in 11 personnel: one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers on the field. They often run a GH counterplay involving a guard and an H-back pulling to create running lanes on one side of the formation. South Carolina should prepare to counter this specific strategy by maintaining a stout edge and ensuring their linebackers quickly fill any gaps.

Tight end Jake Briningstool is a crucial player for Clemson in this regard. They use him in various ways, making him a versatile threat. Whether blocking, running routes, or acting as a decoy, Briningstool's role can change from play to play. The Gamecocks must continuously monitor him and adjust their coverage plans accordingly.

3) Same Look, Different Play

One of the most challenging aspects of Clemson's offense is their propensity to line up in the same formation but execute different concepts. This tactic can lull a defense into a false familiarity, leading to costly mistakes. Carolina's defense must resist the temptation to cheat pre-snap, thinking they've deciphered the play. Instead, they must remain disciplined, focus on each space as it develops, and aggressively attack the ball.

Clayton White and the Gamecocks' defense face a complex task in countering Clemson's offense. This game will test their discipline, adaptability, and strategic insight. If they can effectively counter these strategies, they can contain Clemson's offense.

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