The Clemson Tigers got blown out by the Miami Hurricanes. Now what for the team?
The Clemson Tigers entered into their game against the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday feeling confident in themselves.
After all, the Tigers had won three straight games coming into the matchup with Miami, and the defense was playing well. Clemson's defense had only given up 12.3 points per game since their Week 1 loss to LSU, where the team allowed 51 points to be scored.
But that all changed against the Hurricanes, with Miami taking it to the Tigers. The final score came in at 41-13, but the game never felt that close, even before the Hurricanes pulled away in the fourth quarter.
Clemson now sits at 3-2 on the season after five weeks, with the team trying to figure out exactly who they are. The Tigers have played well against lower competition, or even middle-of-the-pack teams.
But against the best of the best, Clemson has struggled, being outscored 92-23 overall between the losses to LSU and Miami. So, as the Tigers move forward this season, what's next for this program?
Clemson has seven games remaining on the schedule, with the majority of them being winnable for the team. The two toughest games have been played already, giving the Tigers a chance to salvage the year.
Arguably, the toughest game remaining for the Tigers is a road game against the Florida State Seminoles in a few weeks. Otherwise, Clemson gets the better teams that they will gave at home, potentially offering them a chance to win.
Clemson will play Charleston Southern in two weeks, following an upcoming bye week. This should give them a chance to get back on track, which could build more confidence for this group.
Then, the Tigers will host Virginia Tech, in what could be a fun game between ACC opponents. Clemson will also be playing Duke, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina the rest of the year, with three of four matchups being played at home.
Head coach Dabo Swinney will need to have his guys ready to go the rest of the way, giving themselves a chance to finish the year on a high note. Swinney has been discussed in hot-seat rumors over the past few seasons, so if the Tigers can't turn it around, conversations could be had.
But overall, the Tigers still have a chance to make some noise this season, even with the two blowout losses. Swinney and company have talent, but they will need to prove themselves on the field before anyone takes them seriously again.
