Dabo Swinney addresses Clemson’s run defense, potential staff changes after Texas loss in CFP
AUSTIN, Texas — Clemson football had no answer for Texas’ rushing attack Saturday.
The Longhorns (12-2) defeated the Tigers 38-24 at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium behind their season-high rushing total of 292 yards and four touchdowns. Clemson’s rushing woes was a theme all season, allowing 150.4 yards per game (73rd in FBS). It is a sharp decline from last year’s 114.6 yards rushing allowed (24th).
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney was asked postgame about potential staff changes because of the poor run defense results this season.
“We had a great year. We won the (ACC) championship. We got to improve in all areas,” Swinney said. “We got an excellent staff, all those guys worked really hard, well together. We got to improve everywhere if we want to get to the top.”
Clemson (10-4) had no answer for Texas’ running back duo, Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner, on Saturday as they combined for 256 yards rushing. Its offensive line dominated the Tigers in the trenches, opening lanes for its runners to work in open space.
Texas’ running backs broke multiple tackles to pull off big runs, including Blue’s dagger 77-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. It had eight rushing big plays — characterized as gains of 10-plus yards — for 216 yards. Clemson allowed 6.1 yards per carry, too, and in each of its losses this season, it allowed at least six yards per carry.
“Just getting off some blocks, leveraging the ball, coming underneath instead of moving over the top, just some base stuff,” Swinney said. “And, they’re a good football team. They can make you pay for those things.”
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
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