He is not one to run it up regardless of the pollsters. The problem might be that his two and three-deeps are very talented players. (Two of his QBs transferred and he is still three deep there.) So he will sub both to keep from piling on and to protect his starters for next week.
Well, if there is an defensive advantage it is that Lawrence cannot run the ball. 6-6 is just a lot of length to get into motion. And his throwing motion is still HS, slung from shoulder and head level and not thrown over the top to take advantage of that 6-6. Better take advantage of it now because it won't be that way by the end of the season. I am not as down on the defense as some. They've actually played some good ball, and we should have been able to win on a 24-point defensive effort. Unfortunately all we have to go on are the three games we have played, and our offense is in some deep weeds just as Clemson's defense is starting to meld, line with the D backs.
As regards to what?
I would like to see an accounting of how many of his players Swinney got into the game. He was subbing heavy even in the first quarter, apparently trying to mix some of his freshmen and No. twos in with the starters. I just know a bunch played. And if they play as badly Saturday as they did in the first half, none of his players will be wearing a hide in practice next week. Still, it might be uphill but we can compete.
Even an optimist has to see hard times ahead, but I still have hope. Johnson's teams have some history of playing well late, including a historic run through November in 2014, when we beat Pitt, Va., NC State, Clemson and Georgia to close out the season before losing the ACC title to FSU by two points. But yes, in 2014 we ran the option offense very well -- only Washington ever ran it better at GT -- and were a distinct deep passing threat. But if the folks over on the NC coast can get through Florence, then there is still hope for a football season.
