Clemson Passing Game Still Sputtering Ahead of Virginia Tech

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson’s defense did not allow a point Saturday, but the Tigers’ 37-0 win over Charleston Southern left the same question hanging over the offense: when will the passing game catch up?

The victory lifted Clemson to 4-2. Through the air, though, the numbers are stark. In passing yards per game the Tigers rank 111th in the country and dead last among ACC teams, and their two touchdown throws are the fewest of any of the 138 programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision. They have only 15 completions of 20 yards or more, and four that went 30 yards or longer.

Freshman starter Tait Reynolds has hit on 65 percent of his 154 passes for 943 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. Against Charleston Southern, receivers let at least two scoring chances slip away, a diving near-catch on the opening drive and a drop in the second quarter. Dabo Swinney said Sunday that his team left four touchdown opportunities on the field, including one where Reynolds scrambled instead of throwing to an open receiver, and that the Tigers simply have to catch the ball.

The quarterback depth chart is getting healthier. Swinney said Christopher Vizzina, still coming back from a left elbow injury suffered against Georgia Southern, was available Saturday but did not play. He had sat out the North Carolina game and was only an emergency option at Cal, and last week was the first time he could practice fully. Trent Pearman took late snaps, and Vizzina asked that freshman Brock Bradley get the final series.

None of that changes the pecking order. Reynolds won the job after the second game, and Swinney made clear he remains the starter, while adding that the team will need Vizzina at some point.

Next up is Virginia Tech on Saturday at 7 p.m. Pass defense has been a weak spot for the Hokies, who sit among the conference’s worst in several defensive measures, which could give Clemson’s offense a chance to find a rhythm.

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