Garrett Riley, known for his offensive prowess, joined Clemson University as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on January 13, 20231. His journey to Clemson includes impressive stints at TCU and SMU, where he established himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football.
Clemson Stats (2023)
In his first season at Clemson, Riley’s impact was notable:
• First Downs per Game: Clemson ranked 15th nationally with 23.4 first downs per game, the ninth-best in Clemson history.
• Plays per Game: The team averaged 76.8 plays per game, the highest since 2016.
• Time of Possession: Clemson finished fifth in the nation with an average time of possession of 33:19 per game, the highest since 1989.
• Passing: Quarterback Cade Klubnik completed 290 of 454 passes, the fourth-most completions in a single season in Clemson history.
TCU Stats (2022)
Before joining Clemson, Riley served as the offensive coordinator at TCU, where he transformed the offense:
• Scoring Offense: TCU ranked ninth nationally, averaging 38.8 points per game.
• Explosive Plays: The offense led the FBS with 22 plays from scrimmage of 50 yards or more.
• Awards: Riley was honored with the 2022 Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach
Comparison and Analysis
Comparing his tenure at Clemson to his time at TCU:
• Scoring: While TCU’s offense was more explosive in terms of scoring, Clemson’s offense showed significant improvement in time of possession and first downs per game.
• Explosive Plays: TCU’s offense under Riley was known for its big plays, a trend that Clemson will look to replicate more consistently.
What Needs to Happen in 2024
For Clemson’s offense to improve in 2024, several key areas need attention:
1 Consistency in Scoring: Increasing the average points per game to match or exceed the levels seen at TCU.
2 Explosive Plays: Developing more big-play potential to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities.
3 Quarterback Development: Continued growth and development of Cade Klubnik or any new starting
quarterback to maximize their potential.
4 Balanced Attack
: Ensuring a balanced offensive approach that effectively utilizes both the passing and running games.
Garrett Riley’s track record suggests that with the right adjustments and continued development, Clemson’s offense can reach new heights in 2024.
