Tigers trying to open up downfield passing game

CLEMSON — Through five games last year, Clemson had compiled five pass plays of 40 yards or more.

At the same point this season, the Tigers have just one — a 47-yard catch-and-run by Jacoby Ford in the opener against Alabama.

The absence of a downfield passing game caused particular concern after last week's 20-17 loss to Maryland, but the Tigers say things will open up as the offensive line continues to improve and prove it can protect the quarterback.

"As they start to come together more and more, I think we'll start to go down the field more and more," said quarterback Cullen Harper.

Heading into the season, the Tigers' biggest concern was inexperience on the offensive line. Coaches spoke of scaling down the game plan to make things easier for the guys up front.

The schematic reduction has been evidenced most in the Tigers' downfield passing game — or lack thereof.

Receivers coach Dabo Swinney said the offense's dropback passing game has been pared down with fewer routes, shifts and motions. The changes have been frustrating for a group of receivers who entered this season with visions of stretching defenses with their big-play ability. Kelly, a first-team All-ACC pick, had 16 catches of 20 yards or more last season. He has three through the Tigers' 3-2 start (1-1 ACC).

"It's not really up to me," he said. "I just look to the sideline, get the play and I run whatever is called."

Aside from Ford's 47-yarder in the first quarter against Alabama, three of the five longest plays thus far were on runs (38 yards by Davis, 37 by Spiller, and 30 by Ford).

Maryland entered last week having given up 279 yards per game through the air, ranking 109th nationally. Harper threw for 151 yards on 22 attempts, the longest completion a 24-yarder to Kelly.

Next week's opponent, Wake Forest, ranks second in the ACC in pass defense (144.4 ypg).

"We've got a bunch of veteran guys at wideout, but we've got some young guys up front," Swinney said. "We haven't done as much drop-back-and-throw-it like we did last year. We're just trying to keep the package as small as possible and give our linemen a good chance to be successful."

Harper has attempted 126 passes, 21 fewer than at the same point last season. The majority of this year's throws have been quick passes and screens.

Offensive coordinator Rob Spence said the Tigers might've gone downfield more against Maryland if not for penalties that put them in long-yardage situations.

"I think you want to avoid negative plays, and you want to try to protect everybody as much as possible to keep on schedule and be on schedule," he said.

Senior Tyler Grisham said some deeper passes were called against Maryland but weren't open, leading Harper to check down to receivers underneath the coverage.

Kelly said defenses are playing him different this year, double-covering him more. He also said defenses are dropping defenders into coverage more often.

More opportunities could be forthcoming, however, because offensive line coach Brad Scott said his injury-plagued unit is showing progress. Left tackle Chris Hairston, the best pass blocker of the group, is expected to start next week's game after missing extended time with a severely bruised knee.

Redshirt freshman Landon Walker was solid at right tackle against the Terrapins, allowing tackle Cory Lambert to move inside to left guard.

"We probably played our best game up front" against Maryland, Scott said. "It wasn't quite good enough, but they did a nice job. And you can tell a little bit of experience is starting to pay off for them a little bit."

Harper and the receivers are hoping it pays off in the form of more deep throws.

"We've been running the ball pretty well the past few games," Ford said. "Right now that's our bread and butter. But we can always do both. We can do both, and we can do both well."

Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com and check out the Clemson blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks.

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