OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Eagles’ offense floundered early last year and stayed mired in a rut the entire season. The offensive line struggled through injuries while undergoing a rebuild. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec rarely had time to operate, and running backs Pat Garwo III and Alex Broome couldn’t find any room to run as the team averaged just 2.1 yards per rush. They scored just three touchdowns on the ground vs. FBS competition. The Eagles are determined to improve in 2023, and the outlook is promising. Christian Mahogany is a true talent upfront, and Logan Taylor (Virginia) and Kyle Hergel (Texas State) should help greatly. Emmett Morehead was allowed to play through some tough times late last season and had two 330-yard passing games. He welcomes Ryan O’Keefe from UCF and George Takacs is one of the best receiving tight ends in the ACC.

The defense allowed 5.6 yards per play last season, which translated to 33.5 points a game in ACC play. Six of the Eagles’ ACC opponents scored more than 30 points on BC. But there is good news on the defensive side. The line struggled mightily last season and welcomes back Shitta Sillah, who left the first game of the year with a season-ending shoulder injury. The addition of George Rooks from Michigan should be a huge lift. Those two additions with Donovan Ezeiruaku will provide a formidable front. Ezeiruaku had 14.5 tackles for loss last season with very little help upfront. Linebackers Kam Arnold and Vinny DePalma are experienced and talented. They are the leading tacklers, and DePalma has a knack for getting in the backfield. Cornerback Elijah Jones broke up 13 passes last season and picked off two. Safety Khari Johnson from Arkansas is a big lift.

Depth

Special Teams

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

George Rooks, DL — The transfer from Michigan immediately improves the toughness along the front of the defense. Ryan O’Keefe, WR — The Eagles don’t expect O’Keefe to be another Zay Flowers, but he will be the most talented wideout on the roster. He also improves the return game.

Khari Johnson, DB — The transfer from Arkansas eases the pain of losing Josh DeBerry through the portal to Texas A&M. Johnson will see time at both corner and safety.

Kyle Hergel, G — The big guard should help improve the Eagles’ running game this season.

CLEMSON Clemson, SC

HEAD COACH: Dabo Swinney

OC: Garrett Riley

DC: Wes Goodwin

2022 RECORD: 11-3 (8-0)

FOUNDED: 1889

STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (81,500)