<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3J9aDH_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3J9aDH_0vjWUbdq00" width="1210" height="806" ></figure>Before the Georgia game, I highlighted what was missing from the Garrett Riley offense I watched at TCU, namely the deep ball. You can read it here. Some of this article will make more sense if you have the background.Needless to say, I did not see the deep ball against Georgia. The Bulldogs forced Clemson to play offensive inside a phone booth, and that’s hard to do with a team that runs and tackles like Kirby’s bunch. There was no space on the field, and the Tigers refused to make any. The UGA safeties were attacking the line like heat seeking missiles. They had no fear of the ball going over their heads.Then App State happened. Riley went deep, early and often and Clemson’s offense looked like it finally snapped out of what feels like a lull stretching back to the end of the Lawrence era. I know there have been good offensive performances since then, but none that looked as easy.Then I watched App State get run off the field by South Alabama and my spirits dwindled. What if this was a one off? App State might be that bad on defense.Imagine my glee (and I don’t use that word lightly) when Cade remained red hot and put the Wolfpack to the blade in the first half, just like he did the previous week. Say what you will about Dave Doeren, and I’ve said plenty, but his defense is usually pretty solid, and Clemson made it look like App State.I’m not sure what Georgia jarred loose in Klubnik, but I’m thankful a few weeks ago Drew was wise enough to delete several paragraphs after the Georgia game on Cade. I’m trying to avoid Freezing Cold Takes this season. This is a different Cade Klubnik than I’ve seen at Clemson, and the following play, more than any I’ve seen this season, show his growth as a quarterback and decision maker in Garrett Riley’s system.Going For the Early KnockoutTo set the scene, this is 2nd and 10 from the Clemson 25. NC State just scored a touchdown and are desperate for stop to get their offense back on the field. Garrett Riley went for a deep seam shot to Antonio Williams that he should have pulled down for a potential 75-yard touchdown, but the ball was a little late, and the Wolfpack defender managed to strip the ball out of Antonio’s hands at the last moment. This is the only point in the game where it felt like they had some momentum and could potentially find a way back into the game.This is Cade Klubnik looking for the knockout in the second quarter on the next play.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4D0uoc_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4D0uoc_0vjWUbdq00" width="937" height="529" >Clemson Personnel Grouping10 (1 RB, 4WR)This is the benefit of having someone as versatile as Jake Briningstool on the roster. Garrett Riley kept him in to block on first down for the deep shot to Williams. On the next play he’s splits him out as a wide receiver. Clemson went from 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) to 10 without having to change the players on the field. That’s tough on a defense.Clemson Players of InterestBlue Circle - T.J. MooreRed Circle - Jake BriningstoolNC State DefenseLike Cade on this play, I’m only concerned about one thing; it looks like NC State is using a single high safety in the middle of the field. They’re trying to defend 4 receivers with 5 defenders.As long as the safety doesn’t immediately bail out deep to the field side, Cade’s got single coverage on T.J. Moore.NC State Player of InterestYellow Square - Brandon CisseOrange Square - Generic DBGreen Triangle - Bishop FitzgeraldRPO<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2jHNxS_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2jHNxS_0vjWUbdq00" width="937" height="529" >The previous shot to Williams was called. You’re going to have to take my word for it, but the Tigers went with max protection to give Cade the time to throw. When that happens, they’re looking deep. This, however, isn’t a called shot down the field. If anything, this is the opposite of max protect. This is an RPO that involves Clemson pulling the left guard and tackle and leaving Cade’s backside totally unprotected. It’s a race between the back side defensive end and Cade Klubnik’s ability to throw the ball down the field. Cade knows he going to get hit when he decides to throw this pass before the snap, but it’s worth the reward of having Moore in single coverage.Clear the Sideline, Hold the Safety<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0QDhZh_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0QDhZh_0vjWUbdq00" width="937" height="529" >Jake Briningstool’s (red circle) ability to play receiver pays dividends on this play. He hooks up short and inside, leaving the entire sideline to T.J. Moore. His defender has no chance to drop off and get involved. At the same time, Briningstool’s reputation alone has to concern the middle safety. He’s matched-up with a defensive back (I couldn’t catch the number). If Cade throws him the ball, the db is going to need help getting him on the ground. His presence holds the safety in the middle of the field when Cade looks right.Beat the Defensive End<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0t0tWn_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0t0tWn_0vjWUbdq00" width="937" height="529" >This play isn’t without risk and shows off Cade’s newfound confidence. He knows his backside is unprotected because of the blocking scheme, but he stands in and delivers a perfect ball instead of running backwards and causing me to break another remote. If he hesitates for a moment, this could end in a nasty sack and fumble.Ball is Out<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4MnoSm_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4MnoSm_0vjWUbdq00" width="937" height="529" >As you can see, the safety is still in the middle of the field. He’s not in the play. This is 6’3, 200-pound true freshman T.J. Moore against 6’0”, 200-pound sophomore Brandon Cisse.The thing is, Cisse is in great coverage. He’s right in T.J.’s hip pocket. Cade didn’t have a chance to see if Moore was open, he had to get it out before he got sawed in half.My Guy is Better Than Your GuyI have missed Clemson wide receiver bully ball. Cade thinks his guy is better than NC State’s guy and gives Moore the opportunity to prove it. This is a ball you throw to Justyn Ross, or Tee Higgins, or Nuk Hopkins, or Sammy Watkins, or Mike Williams.Cade’s not throwing it because Moore is open, Cade’s throwing it because it doesn’t matter if Moor is open or not. That’s been missing from this Clemson offense for quite some time.Grown Man Catch<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4RoaNt_0vjWUbdq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4RoaNt_0vjWUbdq00" width="937" height="529" >Cade trusted Moore to make the play, and Moore made the play. This is the simple football I’ve been begging for from Garrett Riley and Cade Klubnik. Run the ball, get the safeties interested in the tackling Mafa, and then exploit man coverage on the outside. This is the offense that took TCU to the National Championship game.Now it looks like Clemson has two guys on the outside capable of either running past coverage (Wescoe) or jumping over coverage (Moore) on the outside and Cade trusts both of them. Things could get mighty interesting in Tiger Town moving forward on offense with a rebirth of the deep ball. Play 2 deep safeties and the offensive line, Phil, and Cade run wild.Play 1 deep safety in order to stop the run and it’s time to go deep.Simple yet devastating. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Clemson Football: Film Room - Return of the Deep Ball!

Before the Georgia game, I highlighted what was missing from the Garrett Riley offense I watched at TCU, namely the deep ball. You can read it here. Some of this article will make more sense if you have the background. Needless to say, I did not see the deep ball...