Here are some numbers that highlight the importance of the passing offense against Clemson's Brent Venables.

(A) Clemson's losses in the last five years

Clemson lost five times in the last five years (2016-2020). Except for the 2017 game against Alabama, the opposing offenses had more success through the air than on the ground. In that particular game, Alabama was clearly the better team; they controlled the game from the start and played ball-control offense for most of the game.

(1) 2020--Clemson: 40, Notre Dame: 47, Notre Dame Offense (Pass-Run): 310-208

(2) 2019--Clemson: 25, LSU: 42, LSU Offense (Pass-Run): 463-165

(3) 2017--Clemson: 24, Syracuse: 27, Syracuse Offense (Pass-Run): 278-162

(4) 2017--Clemson: 6, Alabama: 24, Alabama Offense (Pass-Run): 120-141

(5) 2016--Clemson: 42, Pittsburgh: 43, Pittsburgh Offense (Pass-Run): 308-156

(B) Clemson won but surrendered 24 or more points

Now, there are eight other games in the last five years where Clemson did win but gave up at least 24 points.  Except for the 2016 game against Alabama, the opposing offenses had more success through the air than on the ground.

(1) 2020--Clemson: 34, Boston College: 28, Boston College Offense (Pass-Run): 208-67

(2) 2018--Clemson: 28, Texas A&M: 26, Texas A&M Offense (Pass-Run): 430-71

(3) 2017--Clemson: 56, South Carolina: 35, South Carolina Offense (Pass-Run): 510-90

(4) 2016--Clemson: 30, Troy: 24, Troy Offense (Pass-Run): 245-141

(5) 2016--Clemson: 42, Louisville: 36, Louisville Offense (Pass-Run): 295-273

(6) 2016--Clemson: 37, Florida State: 34, Florida State Offense (Pass-Run): 286-163

(7) 2016--Clemson: 42, Virginia Tech: 35, Virginia Tech Offense (Pass-Run): 284-102

(8) 2016--Clemson: 35, Alabama: 31, Alabama Offense (Pass-Run): 155-221

Bottom line: Venables' defenses are more susceptible to a good passing game. We should not abandon the run in the Sugar Bowl but be ready to throw the ball early and often.