Tigers Today: Criticism of Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott 'laughable'
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Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott criticism ‘laughable’
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was disappointed with the Tigers loss in Week 1 to Georgia. While the Clemson defense showed why it is widely considered to be on the of the groups in the nation, the offense sputtered and struggled to find a rhythm.
But the last thing Swinney has done is question Clemson’s offensive identity or who is calling plays on that side of the ball. Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott has helped lead Clemson to two national champions.
In the fallout from the loss to Georgia, however, Clemson fans have questioned Elliott’s calls and experience, even some claiming he should be removed. Following the Tigers’ 49-3 rout over S.C. State, Swinney put the comments to rest.
“Tony’s been doing this since 2014,” he said in his postgame press conference. “He’s been pretty good. It’s kinda laughable when you get into some of this stuff. You lose a game and the next thing you know you’ve forgotten football. But that comes with the territory. But Tony’s outstanding. And he called a lot of great plays last week that we didn’t execute. So when you execute the calls that were made, then we can complain about the playcall.
“But when you call plays and everything’s there and you’re not executing what’s called – well it’s hard to be disappointed or mad about the play call. Certainly there’s things we could’ve done better. You always evaluate that as a coach.”
Clemson did not score an offensive touchdown in its 10-3 loss to the Bulldogs. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei seemed to lack pocket awareness in moments as he was sacked seven times. The Tigers struggled to establish a running game, too, finishing with 180 total yards.
The lack of offense execution doesn’t fall on Elliott, though. Blame can be pointed all over. But even if Elliott called the best game of his career, without executing Clemson had no chance.
“Certainly I thought he was outstanding and has been for a long, long, long time,” Swinney said.
Clemson Commit Central: How future Tigers performed on Sept. 10
Both Clemson and most of their 2022 commits enjoyed success on the gridiron this week.
A day before the Tigers beat S.C. State for their first win of the season, all 12 of their pledges played on Friday. The future Tigers combined to go 9-1, with wide receiver Adam Randall putting on a show.
READ: Clemson Commit Central: How future Tigers performed on Sept. 10
Elite TE Oscar Delp reacts to Clemson unofficial visit
Cumming (Ga.) West Forsyth senior tight end Oscar Delp got chills standing up close as the Clemson Tigers touched Howard’s rock and ran down the hill into Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
It was one of college football’s traditions the 83rd ranked player in the class of 2022 had heard a lot about and seen on television but had never seen up close.
Click here to learn why the tight end loved his trip to Clemson.
Counting down
- Clemson at South Carolina: 77 days
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