COLLEGE FOOTBALL ZACH LENTZ

The national media may have to find something else to criticize Clemson for this week.

The offense has hit their stride since the bye week, outscoring opponents 149-31 the past 3 games.

“That’s what we’re capable of when we are in rhythm and efficient and not having penalties and turnovers and missed opportunities and we made the layups,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “We just really were a focused group today.”

Meanwhile, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is ever the perfectionist.

His message to the defense after 3 straight weeks of allowing a total of 31 points? Be consistent.

“I just want guys to be consistent,” Venables said. “I think that’s what you’ve got to prove, are you a some-timer or an all-the-timer? Who are we? The consistency, preparation, intensity, respect for the game.

“I wouldn’t necessarily want to see it improved, but I want to see it sustained. And that’ll be the challenge, because everyone tries to anoint you or you don’t have to worry about this week ... and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“There’s a process. You got all these teams that are winning at a high level and undefeated and all of a sudden one by one, you start to see them dropping off and I think that’s a big part of it. And it’s a hard thing when you’re dealing with young people to keep them grounded, humble, hungry, focused, appreciative, and tough-minded.”

While the national media spent the majority of the last month talking about the Tigers offensive struggles, particularly those of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, they may be at a loss to criticize him now.

Against Boston College, Lawrence completed 16-19 passes for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns. According to co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, he is finally getting back into the zone he was in last season en route to leading the Tigers to the national title.

“He’s a young guy, he’s probably got the weight of the world on his shoulders and he’s just got to compartmentalize and not do too much,” Elliott said. “I think he’s really starting to get back into his zone where he’s not trying to do too much and he’s playing within the system.”

“And again I’ve said it before about Deshaun (Watson) too, what makes them special is they have the confidence to make those throws and if you take that away from them, you give them kryptonite.”

The Tigers fell to No. 3 in the coaches poll, as LSU took over the No. 2 spot.

The AP Poll saw LSU take over as the No. 1 team, followed by Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson rounding out the top four.

Clemson plays host to Wofford at 4 pm Saturday. The game will air on the ACC Network and can be heard on WCOS (1400 AM) on radio or the TuneIn Radio App.