Snap judgements: Clemson sneaks past GT, but plenty of concerns remain

CLEMSON — What was expected to be a laugher of a game turned into a four-quarter fight Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium.

Clemson held off Georgia Tech for an ugly 14-8 victory in its ACC opener, getting a goal-line stop in the final seconds to preserve the win. Even after the goal-line stop, the Tigers had to overcome a safety on the ensuing offensive play.

Georgia Tech had one final shot, getting the ball back with 7 seconds left at their own 25 and trailing by 6, but the Yellow Jackets were unable to hit on a big play and time expired.

Both touchdowns by Clemson (2-1, 1-0) were scored on runs by freshman running back Will Shipley, who continues to make his case to be the lead back.

While the offense struggled, the defense was once again outstanding, holding the Yellow Jackets (1-2, 0-1) out of the end zone. Clemson has not allowed an offensive touchdown in any of its first three games.

This is the first time since 1990 that Clemson has held its opponents out of the end zone for three consecutive games.

Here are some quick takeaways from the Tigers’ victory:

Tigers offense isn’t clicking

It was understandable for Clemson to struggle in the opener against Georgia after losing Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne and its top two receivers. But struggling against a Yellow Jackets team that opened the season with a loss at home to Northern Illinois is officially a problem.

The group lacked confidence and was out of sync all day. Through two games against FBS opponents, the Tigers have scored two touchdowns.

It’s time to open up the playbook

Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei said before the season that he loves throwing the deep ball, but we have yet to see the Tigers take many shots down field through three games. Part of that is defenses playing with two safeties deep, but sometimes you have to give your playmakers a chance to make plays down field.

We heard all offseason about Clemson’s talented receiving corps. But we haven’t seen much from the group so far this year. Of course they also haven’t gotten many opportunities.

Will Shipley is RB1

After a running back by committee approach in the first half, Will Shipley handled the load in the second half. The freshman continues to look like the best back on the team. Kobe Pace had a solid game as well, but Shipley is special. He has really good speed, breaks tackles and does everything you would want a running back to do.

Tigers defense left it all on the field

The offense’s struggles should not overshadow the outstanding effort by Clemson’s defense. Brent Venables’ unit was on the field for 72 plays and held Georgia Tech out of the end zone, despite subbing regularly at the end of the game as guys were exhausted.

LaVonta Bentley, who was starting for Baylon Spector, finished with a team-high 13 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. James Skalski had 9 tackles and snuffed out the shovel pass as Clemson made the goal-line stop in the final seconds to earn the win. The defense was outstanding, but at some point the offense needs to start carrying its weight.