The Clemson Tigers have been a staple of college football excellence for years, but as the 2023 season enters its final stretch, the team has been dealt a tough blow. One of their most crucial players, starting running back Will Shipley, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an injury. This is a significant setback for Clemson, a program that has relied on its balanced offensive attack and powerful running game to remain competitive in the ACC and the College Football Playoff picture. With Shipley sidelined, the Tigers now face a critical challenge, not just in the backfield but in their pursuit of championship aspirations.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what this injury means for Clemson, how the team plans to adjust, and what it means for the Tigers’ playoff hopes moving forward.
Will Shipley’s Impact on Clemson’s Offense
Will Shipley has been the centerpiece of Clemson’s offense this season, both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. He’s been one of the most consistent and dynamic playmakers for the Tigers, frequently finding the end zone and picking up crucial yards in high-pressure situations. Through his powerful running style and ability to catch passes, Shipley was considered one of the top running backs in the country.
Over the past few seasons, Shipley has been a focal point of Clemson’s offense, and his ability to control the tempo of games was crucial to the team’s success. Whether it was powering through defenders for extra yardage or breaking off explosive runs, Shipley’s versatility made him a threat in all facets of the game. As a result, his injury comes at a time when the Tigers’ offense could ill afford to lose such a vital piece.
The Injury: What Happened and What It Means for Shipley’s Future
The injury to Will Shipley came during Clemson’s recent win against a tough ACC opponent, and while the exact nature of the injury was not initially clear, it was confirmed shortly after that Shipley would be out for the remainder of the season. Speculation swirled that it could have been a lower body injury—possibly an ankle or knee—that would require significant recovery time.
For Shipley, this is undoubtedly a frustrating setback. After all, he was poised to be one of the driving forces behind Clemson’s playoff aspirations and had been performing at a high level all season. While he is expected to make a full recovery, this injury will prevent him from playing a key role in helping the Tigers secure another championship.
What’s more concerning is the timing. With the season winding down and the playoff picture becoming clearer, losing Shipley now creates a void that will be difficult for any player to fill. His absence will put a lot of pressure on Clemson’s other running backs and quarterback, Cade Klubnik, to step up and shoulder the load.
Clemson’s Running Back Depth: Can They Overcome Shipley’s Loss?
While Will Shipley has been the primary running back for Clemson, the Tigers do have some depth in their backfield that could help mitigate his absence. Running backs like Phil Mafah and Cade Klubnik himself (who is a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with his legs) will be called upon to pick up the slack.
Phil Mafah, a talented and explosive running back, has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity. He has the size, vision, and speed to be an effective replacement for Shipley. However, he hasn’t received the same level of volume or attention as Shipley, so it remains to be seen whether he can step in and produce at a similar level. The question now is whether Mafah can shoulder the load in a way that keeps the Tigers’ offense moving forward and balanced.
Cade Klubnik will also be asked to take on more of the running responsibilities. As a dual-threat quarterback, Klubnik has the ability to make plays on the ground, whether it’s extending plays in the pocket or tucking the ball and running himself. His mobility was already one of his strengths, and it will be more crucial than ever as the team adapts to the loss of Shipley. Klubnik’s ability to be both a passing and running threat will help Clemson’s offense remain unpredictable, but it also places more pressure on the young quarterback to maintain poise and execute effectively.
Beyond these two, Clemson has a few other options in the backfield who may see increased roles. Freshman running backs or players who haven’t been as prominent in the offense could be given more opportunities, depending on their performance in practice and the team’s needs. The coaching staff will have to get creative to ensure that the ground game remains effective without Shipley, and they’ll likely lean on a committee approach to fill the void.
What Does This Mean for Clemson’s Playoff Hopes?
With Will Shipley out for the remainder of the season, the Clemson Tigers now face a critical stretch in their quest for a College Football Playoff spot. The Tigers are still in contention for an ACC Championship, but they need to maintain their offensive balance and consistency to stay competitive with teams in the Playoff conversation.
The loss of Shipley puts additional pressure on the passing game and the defense. Cade Klubnik, who has shown growth as Clemson’s starting quarterback, will need to elevate his play to offset the loss of Shipley’s dynamic ability in the backfield. While Klubnik has shown flashes of brilliance, he’ll need to continue to grow as a leader and develop more consistency in the passing game. As the offense shifts to rely more on Klubnik’s arm and legs, his ability to make the right decisions in high-pressure situations will be crucial.
Defensively, Clemson will need to continue to play at a high level to keep them in games, especially if the offense struggles without Shipley. The Tigers’ defense has been one of the best in the country, and they’ll need to maintain their dominance on that side of the ball to help secure wins down the stretch. In many ways, the defense may have to carry the team in games where the offense is more limited.
Moreover, Clemson will need to win out in the ACC to have a shot at the Playoff, and that means defeating tough opponents in key matchups. With Shipley out, the margin for error is smaller, and any slip-up could cost them a chance at a high playoff spot. The Tigers will need to rely on a balanced game plan, one that doesn’t just focus on running the ball but also incorporates an efficient passing game and strong special teams play.
Looking Ahead: Will Clemson’s Depth Be Enough?
Ultimately, the loss of Will Shipley is a devastating blow to Clemson’s season, but it’s not the end of their playoff hopes. The Tigers have a history of resilience, and with the right adjustments, they can still make a deep run in the postseason. The key will be how effectively they can adjust without Shipley and how well their remaining running backs and quarterback can step up.
Clemson’s coaching staff has always been adept at making the most out of their available talent, and this season will be no different. While the road ahead may be more difficult without Shipley, the Tigers have the talent, depth, and leadership necessary to remain a competitive force in the ACC and beyond. The injury is a setback, but it’s one that Clemson will have to overcome if they want to remain in the conversation for a national title.
For now, all eyes will be on how the Tigers adapt to their new reality without their star running back, and whether they can still make a push for the playoff with their championship aspirations on the line.