Tigers Today: Brent Venables preparing for explosive Georgia offense
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Brent Venables, Clemson preparing for explosive Georgia offense
Brent Venables has not forgotten how last season ended.
The Tigers defense was embarrassed in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans against Ohio State. Led by Justin Fields, the Buckeyes had their way against Clemson. They ran the ball well and Fields finished with six touchdown passes.
Setting a strong tone this season is crucial for Venables and his defense. But they are not catching a break when they open the season against Georgia on Saturday in Charlotte. Led by former USC quarterback JT Daniels, the Bulldogs offense came together late last season as a high-level, dominant unit.
“Once JT took over, obviously things were a lot more fluid in the running and passing game,” Venables said on Monday. “Physical, play action, spread you out. Attack you short, attack you deep. They’ve got a lot to their offense they do really, really well. And beat a really good Cincinnati team to finish off the year. Expect them to do what worked well for them last year, and there’s a lot that did.”
“Georgia can win different kinds of ways. They don’t have to run the ball. … JT handles pressure well, he throws the ball extremely well under pressure. One of the highest ratings under pressure in college football.”
Daniels’ name has surfaced this offseason as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He started the Bulldogs’ final four games in 2020. In those four appearances, Daniels competed 67.2% of his passes for 1,231 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. Daniels threw for 392 yards in Georgia’s 24-21 Peach Bowl victory over Cincinnati.
And while a handful of Georgia weapons could be missing, Clemson might not see a more complete offense this regular season.
Chez Mellusi expected to start at Wisconsin
Former Clemson running back Chez Mellusi is expected to be a main cog in Wisconsin’s offense this fall. The Badgers released their first depth chart of the season on Monday, and Mellusi debuted at No. 1.
Wisconsin opens the season Saturday when Penn State visits Madison. The Naples, Florida native had 24 carries for 151 yards and three touchdowns last season with the Tigers. He appeared in 21 games during his two seasons at Clemson, accumulating 427 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 6 yards per carry.
Tigers announce radio programming for 2021 season
Clemson has announced its Clemson Athletics Network radio programming for the 2021 football season.
On game days, Mark Childress, Daja Davidson and Reggie Merriweather will host The Tiger Tailgate Show, beginning three hours prior to kickoff. One hour prior to kickoff, the broadcast will transition into the stadium for The Tiger Pregame Show, where voice of the Tigers Don Munson will preview the upcoming contest with former Clemson communications director Tim Bourret.
Munson, Bourret and Merriweather are all returning to the Founders Federal Credit Union Broadcast Booth to call the game. And following the game, William Qualkinbush will host the 5th Quarter Show presented by Blue Choice Health Plan.
Click here for all Clemson radio affiliates.
Andrew Booth Jr. most important piece of Tigers secondary
Game week has finally arrived. Clemson kicks off the season Saturday night in Charlotte against Georgia.
ClemsonSports.com senior writer Matt Connolly is helping you get ready for the upcoming season by counting down the most important 25 players for Clemson in 2021. Up Monday was No. 5: Andrew Booth Jr.
Click here to read why Andrew Booth Jr. ranks as one of the top 25 most important players on Clemson’s roster.
Clemson releases depth chart for opener against Georgia
The Clemson depth chart for Saturday’s season opener against Georgia has been released.
Some starters were already known, including D.J. Uiagalelei at quarterback and Bryan Bresee at defensive tackle. But there were position battles throughout fall camp for other starting jobs.
For the position-by-position depth chart, click here.
Counting down
- Clemson vs. Georgia (season opener): 4 days
- Clemson at South Carolina: 88 days