Antonio Williams made his first regular-season appearance since last October in Saturday’s loss to Georgia, posting his most receiving yards in a game in two seasons (76). TigerNet.com reports that the 34-3 defeat was a bittersweet success.”It felt amazing to be outside. We did not acquire the desired outcome. It was fantastic to play and be healthy. I aim to maximise every chance… I think I caught every ball that came my way. So, that’s all I can do,” Williams explained. “In the first half, we had opportunities. We were getting started, and I believe we simply kept shooting ourselves in the foot with penalties. Just mental errors and not following the routines that we’ve been performing throughout camp.”Cade Klubnik, the second-year starter, struggled throughout the game, completing only 62.1 percent of his 29 attempts. He threw for 142 yards, which is the second time in three games he has thrown for less than 150.
There have been concerns regarding Klubnik’s ability to be a starting quarterback. Williams supports his quarterback and commends him for stepping up as a leader after such a difficult game.
“He stated he’ll never quit on this squad, and I won’t quit on him. “So that’s our leader,” Williams explained.There have also been questions regarding head coach Dabo Swinney. Most Division I institutions, with the exception of Clemson, use the transfer site to finalise their football teams. Others have suggested that Swinney’s stance on the transfer site is hurting the Tigers. Williams, on the other hand, says he still believes in Swinney’s coaching, although he understands why supporters may not.
I believe in my coach. That’s Why did I come here? I believe he believes in his method of doing things and growing players and guys, and at the end of the day, I believe he has filled every job that was required of him,” Williams said. “He has demonstrated that he will go after anyone, whether it is a coach or a player. But I believe he believes in everyone we have here. I know I do. I know he does. It’s just that when you see something like this, and games like this, it’s difficult for the supporters to believe in us.”
Perhaps most crucially for Clemson and the future of their recruiting, the offense’s performance against Georgia, particularly the receivers, raises greater doubts about the Tigers’ ability to return to WRU status. Eight guys caught a ball in the season opener versus the Bulldogs; only Williams had over 30 receiving yards. “As receivers, we failed to fulfil our obligations. We have to take responsibility for that, and I believe this squad will go as far as we can,” Williams added. “So, I know we have people in here that can go up and make plays and do what we need to do. So we just need to prove it.”
Iron is meant to sharpen iron, and the Tiger defence
is projected to be a formidable force. The defence held their own for the most portion of the first half, and many Clemson players, especially sophomore defensive lineman Peter Woods, had encouraging plays.
“I believe we have the greatest defence in the country. So, I believe our matchups, the people we play against every day, should not overwhelm us when we meet a team like Georgia,” Williams said. “It’s disappointing to come out like this.” We just need to come back and hopefully go 11-1 to see if we can get another opportunity at them.”
Clemson will have a chance to rebound in its home opener against Appalachian State on Saturday (8 p.m., ACC Network). While the Tigers’ performance against Georgia disappointed supporters, Williams has one parting message for them: don’t give up on Clemson.
“Do not give up on us.” It may not appear so, but we have the people in here who can accomplish it,” Williams stated. “I want to return to the Clemson glory days, if you will. I want to be back there as much as you do, and I wouldn’t have (came) back unless I believed we could. So keep believing in us, and we’ll show you.”
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