Friedlander Are Clemsons Freshmen Being Thrown To The Dawgs In Opener

Clemson Football: Are Freshmen Being Thrown to the Dawgs in Opener?

Clemson's 2023 Season Opener

Friedlander's Concerns

Renowned college football analyst Kirk Friedlander has expressed concerns about Clemson's decision to potentially start several true freshmen in their season-opening matchup against the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.

Friedlander believes that the Tigers' young players may be overwhelmed by the intensity and physicality of the game, putting the team at a significant disadvantage.

Clemson's Recent History with Freshmen

In recent years, Clemson has had mixed success with starting freshmen. Trevor Lawrence, Justyn Ross, and Bryan Bresee all made immediate impacts, while others have struggled to adjust to the college game.

Georgia's Defensive Prowess

Georgia boasts one of the most dominant defenses in the country, led by All-American linebacker Jalen Carter and cornerback Kelee Ringo.

Starting inexperienced freshmen against such a formidable unit could result in costly mistakes and a lopsided score.

Dabo Swinney's Perspective

Head coach Dabo Swinney has defended his decision, stating that the freshmen have earned their opportunities through impressive performances in practice.

Swinney believes that the players are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge and will not be intimidated by Georgia's reputation.

Possible Outcomes

If Clemson's freshmen perform well against Georgia, it could signal a bright future for the program and justify Swinney's confidence.

However, if the freshmen struggle, it could cast doubt on Swinney's judgment and lead to a disappointing start to the season.

Conclusion

Friedlander's concerns are valid, but only time will tell whether Clemson's freshmen are ready for the challenge of facing Georgia.

The season opener will provide a crucial test for both the players and coaches, and the outcome will have significant implications for the Tigers' season.