The Clemson Tigers faced a tough test in their season opener.

Head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers traveled to Atlanta on Saturday to face the Georgia Bulldogs, a team that has won two of the last three College Football Playoff national championships.

Clemson’s 34-3 loss to the Bulldogs was one of the most emphatic defeats of Swiney’s tenure. The loss raised numerous questions about the direction of the program, but ESPN college football analyst Booger McFarland shared his thoughts on what he believes has contributed to the Tigers’ weaknesses in recent years.

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Former NFL player and current NFL analyst Booger McFarland looks on before the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 14, 2022. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

From McFarland’s perspective, a lack of creativity on offense has held Clemson back. The Tigers managed just 188 yards of offense on Saturday.

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“I’m sorry to say it’s still the same,” McFarland said during Saturday’s broadcast. “There’s no creativity on offense. It’s been the same lame offense for four or five years. … If you’re a Clemson fan, you have to ask yourself, ‘When are we going to change?'”

Swinney’s approach to the transfer portal was widely criticized. McFarland suggested that Swinney’s philosophy on roster construction needed to change in order for Clemson to have the most competitive roster.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney on the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

“Dabo has decided not to use the portal, so there are going to be these lulls in the program,” McFarland said. “And I’m afraid they’re in a bit of a lull right now.”

August 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Swiney was asked about the transfer portal after the devastating defeat.

“People are going to say what they want to say,” Swinney said, via ClemsonWire. “It doesn’t matter what I say. People are going to say what they want to say. And when you lose like that, they have every right to say what they want to say. So, say what you want to say, write what you want to write. That’s part of it. That’s just part of it.”

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Swinney and the Tigers have a chance to get back to winning ways on Sept. 7 when they host Appalachian State.

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