CLEMSON – The dust has cleared and the Clemson Tigers are 4-4 with a difficult slate to reach a bowl game. Coming into the matchup with N.C. State, there was skepticism that Clemson could back on track and it proved worthy as the Tigers were once down 24-7 before a comeback attempt.
Clemson had a mess in Carter-Finley Stadium, but the game still showed a lot about the future. With that in mind, here’s three observations that are crucial for Tigers football going forward.
TE Jake Briningstool’s evolution
When Briningstool came out of high school, expectations were high and now Clemson fans are seeing that was promised. Over the last two games, Briningstool has broken or tied multiple program records at tight end.
13 catches for 219 yards and two touchdowns is his total against the Wolfpack and Hurricanes. The chemistry continues to build with quarterback Cade Klubnik, but they’re still very early on in what this duo can be.
Briningstool should’ve had a bigger day, and he was missed wide-open multiple times against N.C. State. As this offense continues to develop, Briningstool should be near the center of Garrett Riley’s plans.
Clemson gauging where the DL stands
A changing of the guard is approaching for Clemson on the defensive line, and we’re beginning to see the Tigers coaches gauge how it’ll look in the future. Redshirt junior Tre Williams made his return and freshman AJ Hoffler was often in the rotation against the Woflpack.
The message being sent is Clemson is trying to figure out what they have. With the likes of Xavier Thomas, Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro all headed to the NFL after this season, the Tigers have to retool and finding out where the young talent stands is paramount.
LB could mitigate losses in 2024
Clemson is spoiled with the pair of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter, but it’s a real possibility that both are headed to the NFL after 2023. Good news is the Tigers are developing and have a huge reinforcement on the way.
Sophomore Wade Woodaz had a sack against the Wolfpack, and it’s a continued trend of him making big plays. The role will be a little different next year, as he’ll be tasked with a larger role in the middle of the defense.
The biggest thing going for the linebacker group is the potential of five-star linebacker Sammy Brown. If he’s as advertised as a freshman, the duo of Woodaz and Brown will help solve those two losses.
What’s interesting is the possibility of Trotter or Carter returning. If that happens, the Tigers linebacker room will be set up perfectly for the future.