Early thoughts from Austin: The future is bright, but the defense needs improvement

AUSTIN – After Clemson’s press conference, I returned to my seat in the press box to find an information sheet from the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on how to apply for credentials and a quick look at the media plan.

This is a not-so-subtle reminder that in the playoffs, the winners move on and the losers concentrate on Christmas.

The quick reaction here is pretty simple – Clemson fell behind 31-10 early in the third quarter, but battled back to make it 31-24 early in the fourth quarter, but every time the offense would have success, the defense would allow chunk running plays like allowed the Longhorns to keep distance.

The Tigers posted season highs in passing yards (381) and passing yards (305) against the second-ranked Texas defense. The previous highs were the 211 passing yards allowed to Kentucky and the 329 total yards to Florida.

There is reason to be optimistic about next season. Clemson trailed by 14 and was down early, but battled back and was within one score of the No. 1 seed. 5 in the playoffs. Most of the offense is back next season (Cade Klubnik deciding to return is the biggest decision) and playmakers like Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore and Antonio Williams is expected back, along with four starters along the offensive line.

But the defense? Texas rolled up 292 yards on the ground (497 total), and eight chunk plays gained 216 yards. The Horns had runs of 22, 12, 38, 16, 11, 19, 77 and 21. That continues a trend, especially late in the season. Louisville rolled up 210 yards on the ground, SMU totaled 458 yards (154 on the ground, The Citadel rushed for 288 yards, South Carolina rushed for 267 yards and Pitt put up 438 total yards.

Texas averaged 6.1 yards per carry. rush.

If Clemson is going to get back to “the mountain,” the defense simply needs to improve. Running passes are poor at times. Gap integrity is poor at times. There are times when we wonder about the arrangement. Tackling is cruel.

There is talent on that side of the ball. It has been clear that adding a defensive end to the portal would have been a good move a year ago because what has been run out there at times has not been a good product.

What happens now? With so much promise for next season, wholesale changes are not in order. But changes must and probably will be made. What are they? We don’t know, but the next few weeks should be interesting.