Former Tiger Eric Mac Lain expects major changes with Clemson football

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Clemson’s postseason destination is set, and the Tigers are headed to New York for a Dec. 27 matchup against Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl. A win would push Clemson to eight victories and cap a late-season surge that has carried the team out of a 3–5 hole.

Former Clemson lineman and ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain didn’t hide how meaningful that step would be. “You have to win this one,” he said. “Eight is a much better number there and you feel better about the way you finish, winning five straight there.”

Even so, Mac Lain stressed that a strong December can’t distract from the deeper issues surrounding the program after a year that never came close to the preseason hype. Clemson was picked to win the ACC and was mentioned among early national title hopefuls, but those expectations fizzled quickly.

In Mac Lain’s view, the staff’s structure has to be examined. “I think change at offensive coordinator needs to happen,” he said, while noting the broader picture is more layered than it appears. He pointed to moments when Cade Klubnik returned to the sideline only for Dabo Swinney to immediately challenge a decision, saying it shows just how many voices and variables are involved.

Defensively, he expects turnover as well. Mac Lain believes Tom Allen should be given the freedom to surround himself with his own personnel. “That’s why you brought him in, to be a defensive coordinator there,” he said, adding that he’s heard and seen enough to think more adjustments — even within support roles — are on the way.

The roster, meanwhile, will take shape through the transfer portal in a way Clemson hasn’t experienced before. Swinney has already acknowledged that the Tigers will sign more transfers this offseason than they did a year ago, partly because of departures and partly due to the move from 85 to 105 scholarships. As Mac Lain put it, “This is going to be the biggest portal [class] we’ve ever had.”

Clemson and Penn State have met only once previously, with the Tigers winning convincingly in the 1988 Citrus Bowl. This year’s trip to Yankee Stadium also extends Clemson’s bowl streak to 21 seasons — the longest in the ACC and one of the top streaks nationally.

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Eric Mac Lain on the changes he wants to see for Clemson football

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