Clemson had several chances to put points on the board through the air Saturday, but too many of those opportunities went to waste.
It has become a familiar problem for the Tigers, who improved to 4-2 with their victory over Charleston Southern but still haven’t found much consistency in the passing game.
Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds has shown promise, completing 65 percent of his 154 attempts for 943 yards. However, his one touchdown pass and three interceptions don’t necessarily tell the entire story.
Against Charleston Southern, T.J. Moore nearly brought in a diving touchdown catch on Clemson’s opening possession. Bryant Wesco also dropped a potential score in the second quarter.
Those missed chances have contributed to Clemson ranking last in the ACC and 111th nationally in passing yards per game. The Tigers have thrown just two touchdowns all season, the fewest among 138 FBS programs.
“We have to catch the ball,” Dabo Swinney said Sunday evening. “And it is a combination of things. Obviously, we are developing our quarterback. I think… We threw for 300 yards against a team that might be No. 1 right now.
“We know it is there. We have seen it in bits and pieces, I would say, but not in totality enough for all eleven guys doing what they need to do and finishing the plays that are there. There are lots of ways we are trying to improve.”
Reynolds hasn’t been without mistakes, either.
Swinney pointed to another play Saturday when Moore was open for what could have been a 35-yard touchdown. Instead of making the throw, Reynolds decided to scramble.
“There were several plays that were wide open,” Swinney said. “Again, I would say we had four touchdown opportunities on Saturday. The ball was put right (where it needs to be).”
The lack of big plays remains another concern. Clemson has managed only 15 completions of at least 20 yards, with just four going for 30 or more.
Fortunately for the Tigers, their next opponent could provide an opportunity to make progress.
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Virginia Tech has struggled against the pass this season, ranking near the bottom of the ACC in several defensive categories.
With Clemson entering the second half of its schedule, improving its production through the air could make a significant difference in how the rest of the season unfolds.
The Tigers and Hokies will kick off Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Dabo Swinney talks Clemson’s passing game, why it’s struggling this year