At this point, it looks like our offensive line is just not Power 5 level. They are big but are not able to block consistently to open up the running game or to pass protect at a level required to have a top-level passing game. The quarterbacks play a role in that but at the end of the day, the guys we have playing Tackle, Guard and Center are being outplayed by teams that you would expect them to be better than if not dominate. It's hard to say if Gibbs is not what we thought or just can not get going due to a lack of blocking. it looks to me that Dontae Smith and Mason may be our best running backs. At this point, I think our coaches need to reassess what we are doing on offense and take a real hard look at who is starting. I feel like we have more ability than we are realizing on the offensive side of the ball and with some changes, we could find some improvement. We have to establish a more hard-nosed running game if we hope to generate the best possible outcome for this season.
On defense, we played much better this game and I see some cause for optimism on that side of the ball. Got to have Charlie Thomas on the field as much as possible. Play the best of the guys on the defensive line regardless of seniority. We need to play some different guys at safety. The problems back there are the same they have been for the last several years and thinking it's going to get better is simply whistling past the Graveyard. We have some more talented players and they need to be on the field.
We will have to play our best, coach our best and have some breaks go our way to have any chance at Clemson. It's a shame we are in this position but it is what it is and we need to keep working toward getting out of this hole and restoring our program to prominence. Football is a physical game that has to be played with an attitude of "I am going to kick my opponent's butt". I hope we show more of that going forward. If we don't, we are going to have a tough season ahead.
Go Jackets!
