Dabo Swinney was understandably frustrated with the Clemson Tigers’ turnover issue coming out of Week 2.
This program was getting destroyed in the margins, creating too few mistakes and making way too many of their own.
But Clemson finally got back on the right side of that Saturday night, winning the turnover margin for just the second time in its last 10 games with +3. That led to winning the game against Florida Atlantic 48-14.
“We’re a hard team to beat when we tie the turnover margin," Swinney said. "We’re a really, really hard team to beat when we win it.”
As important as it was for Clemson to not give the ball away at a high rate, it was just as critical to force four FAU turnovers on defense and one on downs.
For whatever reason, luck being a primary one, Clemson averaged 1.6 turnovers forced per game last year. This season, it’s already up to 2.3 per game, thanks to Saturday night’s three interceptions and one fumble recovery.
This defense finding a way to force more miscues is greatly important and one of the things we learned about the Tigers coming out of their second win of the season.
Here are a few more:
Making progress
Cade Klubnik is coachable. He can improve. He does show that he can learn from his mistakes.
It wasn’t a flawless, high-producing performance on Saturday, but it was his best game in terms of decision-making and confidence. Of course, the latter never got rattled because he didn’t do the former.
The bottom line is the sophomore QB threw three touchdowns, rushed for another, and didn’t turn the ball over in his fourth career start.
That’s positive progress.
Brown's rise
Tyler Brown is Clemson’s best receiver. Forget the recruiting stars, the experience levels, size, previous stats and whatever other arguments one can use. The three-start freshman from Greenville, S.C., gets open.
It’s that simple. Brown creates space and makes the catch. He’s building a rapport with Klubnik. He’s forcing his way on the field.
Brown led the team with 49 receiving yards and hauled in a pair of TD passes.
Oh, and he’s an electric punt returner, something Clemson’s lacked for years.
It doesn’t matter who starts, Brown is here to stay as a productive receiver. Clemson absolutely HAS to get him the ball more.
Playmaker emerges
Wade Woodaz might be the luckiest player on the defense. Or maybe he really is good at football. Swinney has raved about the young man since he got on campus last year, and with Woodaz’s second interception in as many weeks, it’s clear he’s going to be the type of defensive playmaker that the Tigers desperately need.
Barrett Carter and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. get all the attention, and rightfully so. They are NFL-caliber linebackers. But don’t sleep on Woodaz. He’s not done creating turnovers and making huge plays.
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