That’s exactly the mentality of the offensive coordinator. Garrett Riley facing the final stretch of the season.

Aside from the Georgia game, Clemson’s offense has been one of the best units in the country, ranking in the top ten nationally in several statistics. Because of this rise, the Tigers have their postseason goals right in front of them and are looking to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. This is primarily because this high-flying offense is making a huge jump from 2023 onwards. .

The final score has consistently indicated that there was a fireworks show every time the offense took the field, but there have been bumps in the road. Against Florida State, the Tigers’ offense failed to score a touchdown on six red zone drives, with the closest coming at the 23-yard line, courtesy of a T.J. Moore tunnel screen. Points were left on the board and the Seminoles had more life in Doak Campbell Stadium than many fans probably expected.

The final score against Wake Forest and Virginia showed impressive efforts, but getting there took more effort from the start. In both matchups, Clemson was shut out in the first quarter before putting things right as the game progressed.

Riley feels this offense has another level it can reach.

“There are always elements of execution,” Riley said Wednesday. “You will always seek to strive to improve in that way. The message to our guys last month was that we have to provide some consistency and I think we improved in that area, but there will always be room for improvement. So we know we have a big challenge ahead of us this week, and here in the final stretch of our season, our guys are excited about that. But there are many elements of execution that we must improve if we want to get to where we want to be.”

Riley also believes Clemson has another positive level of growth in quarterback Cade Klubnik. Klubnik’s development reflects the offense, which went from being primarily analyzed in 2023 to ascending the national conversation in a positive way. Riley has seen Klubnik grow as an individual player, but he also knows the pieces around him have evolved to form a complete offense.

“He’s matured,” Riley said, “and like I said, most of this year we’re a lot better with him, too. Everything works together. He always does it. There’s protection and the running game, and the receivers are making plays. One-on-one play as if everything works together. And then when things are running at a higher pace, those opportunities are likely to arise a little more as well. But just with him specifically, there’s no doubt he’s matured; He still has another level he can reach, and there’s no doubt about it. But he’s been a big part of our success the last few weeks with his legs extending plays, some third-down conversions and things like that.”

As the calendar turns to November, all goals appear to be within reach for Clemson. Riley and this offense still have time to improve as the team’s goals approach.

As November progresses, there is a different level of expectations and Riley hopes his offense continues to ascend into a playoff-ready team.