Lawrence: Offense Making Strides Each Week
Although the Clemson Tigers were in a similar position at this point in the season last year — with 10 mostly blowout victories and a near loss against an ACC opponent that could have derailed any national title hopes — the current team could be even better unit than its 2018 counterpart.
Sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence said the Tigers have shown marked improvement over the course of this season, as the players have had another year to gel and hone their craft.
“It’s definitely similar to last year how we got better every week,” Lawrence said. “I think we are in the same spot. I think we are a little bit better just because of the continuity, and we’ve been playing together longer. Last year at this point, it was my first season and other receivers were in the same place. It’s just more experience and similar that we are getting better every week.”
Lawrence said that likewise, the players around him on the offense, including running back Travis Etienne and fellow quarterback Chase Brice, who has gotten plenty of playing time thanks to Clemson’s dominance this season, have shown a lot of growth on the field.
“He’s been playing great,” Lawrence said about Etienne. “People don’t realize how good he’s been playing because they expect him to do that, but he’s been playing great. Not just running the ball, but the passing game and protection.”
Lawrence said that he and Brice help make each other better by observing the game when they are on the sidelines and providing feedback.
“Chase Brice and I have a good relationship,” Lawrence said. “He does the same thing when I’m in there. He asks me what I see, (and) we go back and forth. I ask him his opinion on what he sees or thinks I should do. I do the same thing when he goes in. I watch and pay attention.”
The Tigers’ offense may be humming like a well-oiled machine during most games, but the team can still be better in certain areas, he said.
“There are always things we can work on,” Lawrence said, looking back at Clemson's win against N.C. State. “We had a few penalties that weren’t good in the game. The second half, we didn’t play as clean as we wanted to. We are definitely playing well and playing together. There are a few things we can clean up, but we are playing well and are going to keep getting better.”
The Tigers will take the field Saturday at home against Wake Forest in their next to last game of the regular season.
The Wake Forest defense could provide some challenges for the Tigers on offense, Lawrence said.
“They are a really good team,” he said. “They are having a good year for sure. I guess their only two losses were to Virginia Tech and Louisville, and those were close games. They are playing well. I’ve had a chance to watch a few of their games from the hotel on Saturdays, and their offense is really good. Defensively, last year they gave us a little bit of trouble.”
