Tajh Boyd Leading an Explosive Offense at Clemson
The Clemson Tigers are starting to show their strength in the ACC. The Tigers are currently 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Clemson is currently tied for first place in the Atlantic Division of the ACC with Florida State.
The Tigers host the Boston College Eagles on Saturday. The Eagles are 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC.
The offense for Clemson has become a well-oiled machine with 11 players having scored at least one receiving touchdown. Just two players Sammy Watkins and Maratavis Bryant have more than two and they both have three.
Tajh Boyd has accomplished two things by spreading the ball around on offense: First opposing defenses cannot key on just one or two receivers and must play much more honest. Secondly, he has kept his offensive teammates happy as they are getting involved in the action and that makes life easier for Boyd and his coaches.
Currently Watkins is leading the team in receptions with 29 for 481 yards. He is averaging 16.6 yards per catch. Second on the list is Germone Hopper with 16. Two players Bryant and Adam Humphries both have 15 and Stanton Seckinger has 9.
If that is not a sign of a balanced attack, then one does not exist. Four of the five top receivers are averaging between 13 and 18 yards per catch.
Humphries was not a starter until Charone Peake went down with an ACL tear that ended his season. In his first game as one of the starting receivers, Humphries did not catch a pass. However, the next week Humphries ended with five catches and 67 yards.
Opposing coaches are aware of the depth of the receivers’ corps at Clemson. The Tigers are difficult to handle, as a zone defense in the secondary will be picked apart by the pin point passing of Boyd. However, playing man to man is difficult as their usually are not enough talented players in the secondary to stay with the talented receivers from Clemson.
Some worried about the depth on Clemson when Peake was lost for the season. However, since Peake was sidelined, Bryant has 11 catches and three touchdowns. Hopper has 10 and Mike Williams four. Peake is a talented receiver, but those that have stepped up to fill his void are performing at a very high level.
Throw in Seckinger, the team’s talented tight end who can catch along with block and you have a very well balanced aerial attack. Seckinger last week had three receptions including one for a touchdown versus Syracuse.
Depending upon the poll, the Tigers are ranked No. 3 or 4. As the season progresses the Tigers will first attempt to take over the Atlantic division of the ACC, but will be looking to qualify for a BCS Bowl game and hopefully get a chance at the national title.
