Tigers using loss to Bama as motivation
Clemson’s disappointing loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals in January is never far from players’ minds as they prepare for the upcoming season.
“It definitely helps,” kicker Greg Huegel said. “It’s something in the back of your mind to help you push through.”
If that’s the case, the Tigers have received plenty of motivation from the Crimson Tide the past few seasons.
After coming close in a 45-40 loss to Alabama in the national title game following the 2015 season, the Tigers bounced back the next year with a thrilling 35-31 win in a CFP championship rematch.
Part three of the playoff drama took place this past New Year’s Day, with Alabama’s defense accounting for a pair of third-quarter TDs in a 24-6 win.
It may be Clemson’s time to rally from a playoff loss.
“They’ll be reminded of the shortcomings,” co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said of the Clemson players Tuesday. “We don’t want to focus on the disappointments, but we also have to make sure that we own them, that we’re honest about them.”
Most of Clemson’s problems last year came on offense, where new starting quarterback Kelly Bryant showed poise and toughness on the ground but inconsistency through the air.
The Tigers finished with 3,297 yards passing, their fewest in a season since 2010.
Bryant was battered by Bama, held to 124 yards passing and forced into two costly intercep-