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The Clemson Tigers faced a tough test in their season opener.
Head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers traveled to Atlanta for Saturday's matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs — a team that's won two of the past three College Football Playoff National Championships.
Clemson's 34-3 loss to the Bulldogs was one of the most lopsided defeats of Swiney's tenure. The loss sparked numerous questions about the direction of the program, but ESPN college football analyst Booger McFarland shared his thoughts on what he believed has contributed to the Tigers' shortcomings in recent years.
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Former NFL player and current NFL analyst Booger McFarland looks on before the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
From McFarland's point of view, a lack of creativity on the offensive side of the ball has held Clemson back. The Tigers only managed to produce 188 total yards of offense on Saturday.
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"I’m afraid to say it’s the same old thing," McFarland during Saturday's broadcast. "[There is] no creativity on offense. It’s been the same stale offense for four or five years. . . . If you’re a Clemson fan, you have to ask yourself, 'When are we going to change?'"
Swinney's approach to the transfer portal has been widely criticized. McFarland suggested that Swinney's roster-building philosophy would need to change in order for Clemson to have the most competitive roster possible.
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney on the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
"Dabo chooses not to [use the portal], therefore, you’re going to have those lulls in the program," McFarland said. "And I’m afraid, right now, they have a little bit of a lull."
Aug. 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
Swiney was asked about the transfer portal after the blowout loss.
"People are going to say whatever they want to say," Swinney said, via ClemsonWire. "It doesn’t matter what I say. People are going to say whatever they’re going to say. And when you lose like this, they’ve got every right to say whatever they want to say. So, say whatever you want to say, write whatever you want to write. That comes with it. That’s just part of it."
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Swinney and the Tigers will have an opportunity to get back on the winning track on Sept. 7 when they host Appalachian State.
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