It was a comparatively down season for Clemson soccer, which completed sixth within the ACC and out of the Faculty Soccer Playoffs for the third-straight season.
That is to not say that 2023 was a failure for the Tigers, although. Dabo Swinney’s workforce was 4-4 heading into November and even bowl eligibility was a significant query mark.
Clemson completed the season on a five-game win streak, although, and that included victories of No. 15 Notre Dame, No. 20 North Carolina and Kentucky within the Gator Bowl.
Swinney deserves a ton of credit score for turning his program round mid-stream, however in line with beginning quarterback Cade Klubnik, first-year offensive coordinator Garrett Riley deserves main props as nicely.
“Individuals don’t give him sufficient credit score to have to return right into a model new place the place he has by no means been, doesn’t know a soul, doesn’t even know the offensive workers,” Klubnik stated of Riley, per On3. “He needed to are available and educate each single participant the offense. Properly, he additionally needed to educate each single coach the offense. That’s so much on him.”
Riley — the youthful brother of USC head coach Lincoln Riley — was the offensive coordinator at TCU in 2022 and arguably one of many high causes the Horned Frogs made the CFP Nationwide Championship recreation, the place they in the end misplaced to Georgia.
Swinney shortly stole him away from TCU, and Klubnik credit him for preserving Clemson on observe through the ups and downs of the 2023 season.
“There’s not one other person who I’d need proper there with me,” Klubnik stated. “I imply, simply so grateful for him. We’re sitting there 4-4, and he simply is available in simply taking part in some music and with a smile on his face within the conferences and simply by no means flinches. Simply someone that I can depend on.
“Simply freaking love him to demise, and simply so happy with him and grateful for him. The best way that he has led me and led this offense and led this QB room, that’s what’s made the distinction for my part.”
Klubnik had a great season, all issues thought of, throwing from 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns with 9 interceptions.
