The last time we watched Dabo Swinney's Tigers was on January 4, 2012. We will probably never forget watching the West Virginia players romp the field during the post-game nor will we soon forget the ringing, familiar words like "same old Clemson" and "this team just got physically beaten" from the ESPN reporters for what seemed like hours during the post-game.
We all want to see that the players have not forgotten it as well. Last year was the first time in 20 years that the Clemson Tigers won an ACC Championship. I don't think anyone can take away the fact that Coach Swinney has breathed new life into this program. Last spring, we were watching to see how this new "Chad Morris" would work out as it seemed that he was a risky hire at offensive coordinator. Now the tables have turned. Coach Morris turned in one of the most spectacular offenses I have ever watched play at Clemson University. Now we will see if Dabo has once again found a gold mine. Enter Coach Brent Venables.
Venables really has few question marks, as his record at Kansas St. and Oklahoma speak for him. He spent most of spring practice talking about making this defense simplistic and physical. Here is our chance to see that in the beginning stages.
Not to be forgotten, Coach Morris and the offensive staff visited Nevada and Oklahoma St. this off season in hopes of learning about the pistol offense and getting the ball to the many play makers in better ways. Although I'm sure it will be quite vanilla, it will still be good to see the QB/C exchange and whether the pistol formation allows for the running backs to hit the line quicker and more physically.
Top 5 things to watch for.
1. Depth at defensive end.
The defensive end rotation drew a lot of criticism from the coaches during the spring media sessions. Beyond Goodman and Crawford, no one player stepped up and separated himself from the others. This is a chance for Vic Beasley, Kevin Dodd, & Rod Byers to get some action in front of the fans at Death Valley. All three need to step up there games before hometown freshman Shaq Lawson and Bamberg freshman Martin Aiken get on campus for the summer.
2. Nastiness from the Offensive Line.
In last year's spring game, Brandon Thomas got his tail handed to him by true freshman Corey Crawford. Thomas has been praised for his leadership and consistency this spring, but it will be important for him to show it on the field today. Thomas and center Dalton Freeman will be the key leaders this off season during summer workouts. I will also spend a lot of time over the next few weeks watching and rewatching Tyler Shatley. His move to right guard has been a key storyline and has earned the reputation as the strongest and toughest guy on the offensive line. His footwork and pass protection will be worth keeping an eye on.
3. Tajh Boyd's decision making.
Boyd has been inconsistent throughout the spring. Most of this probably stems from the fact that he has had almost no competition til this point. This problem should be solved in the summer when Chad Kelly arrives on campus. This game is a good chance for Boyd to put a firm foot down on this job and put any little fears to rest about the Boyd from the last 5 games returning for an encore in 2012. With all the weapons at his disposal, Tajh needs to take what he is given instead of trying to score on every play.
4. Linebacker play.
With Stephone Anthony out for the spring game, this gives us a chance to see if Shuey has made any progress under the direction of Coach Venables. Anthony will be the starter this year, but Shuey and Justin Parker need to step up to provide some quality depth for this fall. At the Sam linebacker spot, my eyes will be on Lateek Townend and Quandon Christian. Townsend has been reported to be a big hitting machine this spring and pushed Christian for the started job. At Will, Tig Willard and Corico Hawkins are both solid and experienced. Both need to tackle with authority and run downhill. Arm tackling should be a thing of the past.
5. Running back depth.
It would be nice to see Mike Bellamy pop off a nice 75 yard run, but I am expecting to see some tough running from DJ Howard. Howard has not been talked up this spring and this makes me think their is a good chance he has been consistent and not needed any motivation. Rod McDowell has been reported to have been improved and could be an interesting back to watch as well. With Ellington out after ankle surgery, these backs need to run with power and show that they can pick things up in pass protection. Ellington is expected to be back for summer workouts, but another option needs to appear to take some pressure off of him. This will also be out first look at freshman RB Zac Brooks.
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