Clemson loses to TCU: Where do the Tigers go from here?

Since arriving at Clemson, Head Coach Dabo Swinney still has yet to beat a ranked team. The Tigers were not able to defeat the No. 15 ranked TCU Horned Frogs in a 14-10 loss.

This is the kind of victory that has eluded Swinney, and one I felt would have been important to the team's development. A couple of things first, TCU is really good team. There isn't anyone left on the Tiger's schedule that play defense as good as Gary Patterson's squad.

The defeat did raise some questions though that we will try to answer.

Why can't Clemson beat a ranked team under Swinney?

Last season Clemson lost to Florida State, Georgia Tech, and this year Georgia Tech again, and TCU so far. I'd throw in the Nebraska loss in the Gator Bowl. The Cornhuskers were a fringe top 25 team. The Tigers lost them all. Shouldn't there have been a win or two in there somewhere?

Without going into each game, this has been a mentally fragile team since the Alabama loss last year. Cullen Harper struggled last year at QB, and Kyle Parker is only in his first year starting. Usually these kinds of games are close, and if your offense can't get it done in crunch time you aren't going to win. It doesn't help that the Tigers don't have much of a receiving corp. The Tigers just aren't getting contributions from the other receivers outside Jacoby Ford. You still haven't seen the best of QB Kyle Parker. His progress has slowed, but I'm expecting him to improve. This win will come.

What's wrong with the offense?

In the previous question I alluded to the problem. There just isn't anyone to throw the ball to. The receivers outside of Ford aren't creating separation. That's why C.J Spiller is such a part of the passing game. He's easily one of the two best pass catchers on the team. I think Swinney and OC Billy Napier need to utilize TE Michael Palmer more. He has the best hands of any of the receivers including Ford. As long as the passing game sputters, teams will start to stack the line daring Clemson to throw. If the Tigers struggle against a bad Maryland defense, then Swinney might have offensive overhaul on his hands.

Can the Tiger's still win the Atlantic Division?

Sure why not? Florida State has talent, but can't bring consistent effort. NC State and QB Russel Wilson seem to be getting their offense going, but does anyone really think the Wolfpack won't lose at least a couple of ACC games?

Wake Forest and BC already have Atlantic division losses. Clemson's defense under Kevin Steele has been outstanding. They just need to get the offense going. TCU's defense can make a lot good offenses look bad. Had the Tiger's beat them, I would have made them the Atlantic Division favorites, but there's still time make corrections. Take care of Maryland then the Tigers get a week off before Wake Forest at home. They are still very much alive in the ACC Atlantic.

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