David Pollack names college football powerhouse that needs to find its identity

But Pollack emphasized that the Tigers’ first-half performance, which produced only 17 yards before halftime, was unacceptable for a program with championship aspirations.

“I like the way they got Randall going in the second half,” Pollack said. “But honestly, it was embarrassing. That’s not what ‘all-in’ should look like.”

A Week 2 Comeback Win That Raises More Concerns

Despite the rally, Clemson’s narrow escape over a Sun Belt opponent raised new concerns. Troy, a 30.5-point underdog, won only three FBS games last year and was paid $1.5 million to play the Tigers in what was expected to be an easy “buy game.” Instead, the Trojans dominated early and forced Clemson into its sixth-largest comeback in program history.

The Tigers finished with just a 316-301 yardage advantage and needed three forced turnovers to seal the game. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, a preseason Heisman contender, threw a costly pick-six and has struggled with efficiency through two games. National metrics reflect those issues, with Clemson ranked 30th in SP+ after the Troy win, its lowest mark since 2011.

Swinney defended his team’s resilience after the game, pointing to the fightback and character he saw. But the boos from Memorial Stadium fans during the first half underscored the unease. For a team that once defined itself by dominance, squeaking by a Group of Five opponent is a sign of deeper problems.

Clemson now faces a critical stretch, beginning with its ACC opener at Georgia Tech. The Tigers’ talent is undeniable, but Pollack’s critique cuts to the heart of the matter: this is a program still searching for its identity, and until it finds it, championship expectations will feel out of reach.

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