Rapid Reaction: More of the same from the Tigers as Clemson falls in Miami

Just when you thought it couldn't get any uglier for Clemson in 2023, the Tigers turn the football over three times and blow a double-digit lead to a Miami team playing without their starting quarterback. The Tigers laid an absolute egg coming out of a bye week.

On a Saturday that fell exactly how they needed it to, Clemson couldn't step up. Duke dropped a game to Florida State, while North Carolina was stunned by Virginia, bringing Clemson right back into the ACC title race, but the Tigers were outscored 10-0 in the fourth quarter and could muster just a field in overtime.

Takeaways

Brandon Streeter and DJ Uiagalelei don't look so bad now, huh? Cade Klubnik and Garrett Riley were supposed to revolutionize Clemson's offense, but they've both looked very pedestrian through seven games. Sure Klubnik threw for 300 yards, but they're empty yards. As for Riley, are we sure he's a known commodity? In a Big 12 conference that doesn't inherently value defense, Riley's TCU offense was very good, but they mustered just seven points against Georgia in the title game.
It's not just the scheme, but the decision-making from Riley leaves a lot to be desired. On Clemson's final drive of regulation, with the game tied, Clemson threw three incompletions, using just 25 seconds and leaving Miami with a timeout and almost two minutes to go for a game-winning field goal. The situational awareness is sorely lacking.
Clemson's offense has no soul and no rhythm. There's nothing cool or innovative, just inside zones and two-read passing concepts.
The defense is still elite but they were handled at the line tonight. Miami rushed for 211 yards compared to Clemson's 31.
Jake Briningstool is an NFL tight end. The junior put up a career performance: 5 receptions, 126 yards, and two amazing touchdown catches.

As for postseason aspirations, this season is over. Clemson must use the rest of this season to try and find some semblance of an identity.