Tigers grumble over roles

CLEMSON -- Call it the Monday of discontent at the Clemson players' lounge.

Not only were former Byrnes High School stars Willy Korn and Xavier Dye disappointed about their limited action, but tight end Dwayne Allen wondered aloud if he might be an answer to the team's offensive woes.

"Watching South Carolina, Georgia, seeing how they use their tight ends," Allen said, "you get a little jealous. But I don't want to be a selfish player who says 'I want the ball.' "

The Clemson offensive system does not feature the tight end, though Tigers tight ends (13 catches) have already nearly equaled last season's reception production (18).

It seems plausible Allen's role could also further increase, as offensive coordinator Billy Napier called Allen one of the most talented players on the offense, and the Tigers have struggled to identify a No. 2 wide receiver.

Allen noted the offense desperately needs production from other receivers to take the pressure off C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford.

Allen called the present offense a "two-man game."

Spiller and Ford have accounted for 26 of the team's 55 receptions.

Allen had a chance to grab his second touchdown in three games Saturday, but slipped on a fourth-quarter route. Allen said Parker's throw was high. Parker's throw did appear to be high, though it was unclear how deep Allen was supposed to be in his route.

Allen said he made several mistakes, and needs to make some adjustments, including to consciously play with his "eyes up."

Can't let go

While several Tigers had grievances related to playing time, safety DeAndre McDaniel was also upset Monday -- in fact he had been upset since Saturday night.

McDaniel said Monday he is still not over Clemson's loss to Texas Christian. "It's been on my mind. It was a respect game."

Asked if the rest of the team was still sulking, if the loss could spill over at Maryland on Saturday, McDaniel said: "I might be the only one. I ain't over it. But I'll get over it soon. I still have faith."

Criss-crossing

Two plays in particular hurt the defense Saturday.

One was the quarterback zone read, as TCU quarterback Andy Dalton piled up 86 yards. Clemson defensive back Rashard Hall said the Horned Frogs showed more zone read than expected, effectively running the ball when spreading out the Tigers in their nickel and dime defensive packages.

Hall does not believe the Frogs discovered a weakness in the Clemson defense.

The other play that gouged the Tigers was the crossing route. TCU used quick slants inside against the Tigers' backup defensives backs with great success. Hall said the nickel backs and linebackers need to do a better job in those situations, playing more aggressively if they have safety help.