Clemson’s 2023 season, they faced a tough challenge against Duke. Unfortunately, their five-game winning streak against Duke came to an end with a 28-7 loss on the road. Clemson’s new offensive strategy led by coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik faced early difficulties, and the entire game proved challenging for their offense. On the defensive side, they struggled to contain Duke’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, who had a strong dual-threat performance. Despite some bright spots, including special teams recovering a muffed punt, Clemson faced mixed results in their season opener.
Duke Ends Clemson’s Five-Game Winning Streak in 2023 Opener
Clemson’s 2023 season football season didn’t start well. They lost to Duke 28-7 on the road, ending a five-game winning streak against Duke that had lasted since 2004.
Clemson tried a new offensive strategy with coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik, but it didn’t work smoothly from the beginning. In their first drive, they only gained 11 yards in five plays, and Duke’s Jeremiah Lewis had a chance to make an interception but missed it.
The whole game was tough for Clemson’s offense. Klubnik made some risky passes into crowded areas, got sacked due to pressure, and almost had some passes intercepted. The wide receivers struggled to get open, so the team often used short screen passes in the first half. As a result, Clemson had to punt the ball away four times out of six drives in the first half.
Challenges and Shortcomings in Clemson’s 2023 season Defense Against Duke
Clemson’s defense faced a tough challenge against Duke’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, who could run and throw effectively. Leonard ran for 98 yards and threw for 175. He even escaped a near sack and scored a 44-yard touchdown run, giving Duke the lead in the third quarter.
While Clemson’s defense managed to limit some damage, it wasn’t very impressive overall. Duke scored all three of their touchdowns by running the ball. Clemson’s 2023 season defense only made two tackles behind the line of scrimmage, with linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and corner Sheridan Jones contributing. Trotter caused a fumble in the third quarter, which was recovered by Mukuba, but unfortunately, the offense couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity.
Clemson 2023–A Mixed Bag of Crucial Plays and Missed Opportunities
Clemson’s Special Teams: A Mixed Bag of Crucial Plays and Missed Opportunities
Clemson’s offense struggled to reach the red zone, so their special teams made a crucial play when linebacker Wade Woodaz recovered a muffed punt by Duke’s Jalon Calhoun. This gave Clemson’s offense a chance at the Duke 18, resulting in their first touchdown of the season, a 2-yard pass to junior running back Will Shipley.
However, Clemson’s special teams had some issues of their own. In the second quarter, receiver Antonio Williams made a questionable decision to field a punt that was headed for a touchback, resulting in a short return to the Clemson 8-yard line. The most significant problems were the two missed field goals. Freshman kicker Robert Gun III attempted a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter, which was blocked by Duke’s Wesley Williams. In the third quarter, Clemson had another chance in the red zone but missed a 23-yard field goal attempt, blocked by Williams.
Clemson 2023 –Mixed Results for in the First Game
Clemson’s 2023 season began disappointingly with a loss to Duke, ending their five-game winning streak. Despite a new offensive strategy, Clemson struggled on offense and had mixed results on special teams. Their defense faced challenges containing Duke’s quarterback. It was a tough start, pointing to areas for improvement in the upcoming season.
FAQ
Q: How did Clemson’s 2023 football season start?
A: Clemson’s 2023 football season began with a loss to Duke, ending their five-game winning streak against the Blue Devils.
Q: Who were the key figures in Clemson’s new offensive strategy for the 2023 season?
A: Coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik played crucial roles in Clemson’s new offensive approach for the 2023 season.
Q: What were the challenges faced by Clemson’s offense in their game against Duke?
A: Clemson’s offense encountered difficulties, including risky passes, pressure on the quarterback, and struggles by wide receivers to get open.
Q: How did Clemson’s defense perform against Duke’s quarterback, Riley Leonard?
A: Clemson’s defense faced challenges containing Duke’s dual-threat quarterback, Riley Leonard, who ran for 98 yards and threw for 175.
Q: What were the standout plays and issues in Clemson’s special teams during the game?
A: Clemson’s special teams had both standout moments, such as a crucial punt recovery leading to a touchdown, and issues, including missed field goals.
Q: What was the overall assessment of Clemson’s performance in their opening game of the 2023 season?
A: Clemson’s 2023 season opener was a tough start, indicating areas for improvement in the upcoming season.
