ESPN analyst Booger McFarland offered a sharp critique of Clemson football’s struggles, particularly after their first 30-point loss since 2013 to Georgia in Atlanta. During a post-game analysis, McFarland highlighted key issues contributing to Clemson’s decline under head coach Dabo Swinney.
McFarland identified a lack of offensive creativity as a primary factor behind Clemson’s poor performance, noting the team’s inability to score more than three points against Georgia’s formidable defense. “It’s the same old problem,” McFarland observed. “There’s no creativity on offense. It’s been a stale system for the last four or five years. As a Clemson fan, you have to wonder when things will change.”
Additionally, McFarland criticized Swinney’s reluctance to use the transfer portal, pointing out that Clemson hasn’t had any starters from incoming transfers since 2018. This strategy, McFarland argues, leaves the Tigers with talent gaps that could be addressed through transfers.
“Dabo chooses not to use the portal, and as a result, you’re seeing these lulls in the program,” McFarland said. “Right now, it looks like Clemson is experiencing one of those lulls.”
Booger McFarland had some criticism following Saturday's 34-3 loss to Georgia.
One of Booger's main issues was how coach Dabo Swinney uses (or more specifically doesn't use) the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/zajp1aoKw3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 31, 2024
Swinney’s resistance to updating his offensive scheme and embracing the transfer portal could be significant obstacles for the Clemson program. If the Tigers continue to falter this season, McFarland suggests that considering a coach who is more adaptable and forward-thinking might be necessary for Clemson to thrive in the evolving landscape of college football.
