Parker's improvement has helped balance Tigers' offensive attack

CLEMSON -- Six weeks ago, debate roared over who was calling Clemson's offensive plays and who should be.

As the Tigers prepare for South Carolina, the Clemson offense is now operating so efficiently, discontent over play-calling has evaporated.

It seems anyone could call plays Saturday in Columbia with Kyle Parker drawing Drew Brees comparisons, C.J. Spiller on Heisman lists, and an offensive line growing from a liability to an asset.

Coach Dabo Swinney and play-caller Billy Napier credit the dramatic improvement to execution, quite possibly the most spoken word in the Upstate in 2009.

The improvement during the Tigers' six-game winning streak is striking.

Clemson's 2-3 start could justly be blamed on an offense that scored seven touchdowns and averaged 316 yards and 24 points per game through the first five weeks.

During the six-game win streak, Clemson has averaged 40.6 points and 415 yards per game, scoring 31 touchdowns.

The streak coincides with gains made by freshman quarterback Parker.

"He was just three or four plays away the other day from being lights out," Napier said. "He's just continuing to be a good decision maker. … There's a fine line at that position knowing when to take a chance, when not to take a chance."

In his first five games, Parker threw for five touchdowns against five interceptions, completing 74 of 152 attempts (48 percent) for 5.9 yards per attempt. During the win streak, Parker has thrown 13 touchdowns against five interceptions, completing 91 of 144 passes (63 percent) for 8.2 yards per attempt.

With a better handle on pre-snap calls, a better understanding of risk vs. reward, Parker has added another dimension to the unit.

"That's the biggest thing that has allowed us to have the threat of being a balanced team, which we try to be," Swinney said. "If they line up to stop the run, they are vulnerable. Kyle has proven he can beat you, and that's helped us a ton."

Parker has brought more than balance -- his arm strength and accuracy presents a pick-your-poison proposition for defensive coordinators with C.J. Spiller's quick-strike feet and Parker's quick-strike arm in the backfield.

For evidence, see Parker's 24-yard touchdown throw, on the run, against Virginia.

"Just like some of those runs C.J. makes," Napier said, "That's one of those deals where I just took my headset off and said, 'Wow.'

"You're sitting there looking at the defense, playing the game through his mind, what he's looking at ... that's outside the parameters of the (drawing) board."

Napier said Parker's passing efficiency has opened up the running game.

Over the last six games, the Tigers are averaging 193 rushing yards per game and five yards per attempt.

The streak also coincides with another freshman's emergence -- Dalton Freeman, who began starting at center after the loss to Maryland.

Freeman replaced Mason Cloy, who spells Freeman at center and the guards, keeping the line fresh.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.