Dabo Swinney sees potential to grow offense despite results

While the Clemson Tigers’ offense hasn’t been a source for inspiration this season, Dabo Swinney isn’t losing hope. Despite the poor results so far, Swinney sees potential for growth from the unit.

Following a 14-8 victory against Georgia Tech, Swinney discussed how the reward will come for Clemson.

“We didn’t get enough reward for what I was seeing — but it’s coming,” said Swinney. “We’re kinda who we are right now. We’re young on that side of the ball, and we got some guys who are going through some growing pains. But you got three phases. We’re kind of led by our defense right now, as we knew we would be. We took some steps forward today. 

“It may not necessarily be some things that make people go wow and see, but I see. There are a lot of things I saw tonight that we can build on, teach from and grow from. What we needed to get done tonight, and how we had to go win the game — hopefully we can grow out of turning the ball over and some of these crazy penalties, and finish some of these drives.”

Since their opening game loss to Georgia, the Clemson offense has been the target of criticism. However, Swinney is seeing the light through the cracks as the season progresses.

‘His confidence … I think that’ll serve us well’

While Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei hasn’t been the star many expected so far this season, he’s guided the Tigers to consecutive victories. The passing game hasn’t found its footing, but Swinney complimented his quarterback’s running ability.

“To show what we’re capable of doing running the football, and what D.J. [Uiagalelei]’s capable of doin’ — man, he’s a load. He ran with some friggin’ toughness, and a lot of heart,” said Swinney. “And when you can run the way with [Will] Shipley like we did, and then also be able to get an extra hat and put that big quarterback in the mix. His confidence and how we ran tonight, I think that’ll serve us well going forward.”

If the Clemson passing game can’t figure it out, it’s up to Uiagalelei and Shipley to get the job done running the football. While defense and the run game isn’t how teams have typically been built under Swinney, the Tigers just need to pile up some wins.

Luckily, Swinney’s squad faces one of the easier schedules of all the potential College Football Playoff contenders. Currently, the Tigers won’t face a ranked team again this season — until the ACC Championship Game. 

Evidently, Uiagalelei has plenty of time to figure things out. He still has the trust of his head coach — we’ll see if Dabo Swinney is vindicated by his offense as the season progresses.