Through the previous two weeks, Clemson’s Fridge Package was utilized almost in jest. Clemson coaches inserted defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence into the backfield to the delight of fans and to the dismay of defenders.
Wilkins scored a rushing touchdown to lift Clemson to a 21-0 lead during an eventual 49-point victory at Florida State. Lawrence bulldozed into the end zone to grant Clemson a 42-3 lead during its 77-16 win against Louisville.
The plus-size touchdowns were a part of Clemson’s series of cherry-picked scores, which also included a touchdown in Tallahassee for Garrett Williams, whose father played at Florida State, and one for Will Swinney, son of head coach Dabo Swinney.
Those plays added some entertainment value to the lopsided contests, but the Fridge Package is more than a playful ploy. Nicknamed in honor of former Clemson defensive tackle William "Refrigerator" Perry, who rushed for touchdowns with the Chicago Bears, the formation bolsters Clemson’s attack near the goal line.
The package debuted two years ago in a fiercely contested game at Auburn. In that instance, Lawrence and Wilkins were both lead blockers for Clemson’s tailback. This season, the big fellas have been given the ball.
And opponents certainly noticed. Louisville attempted to counter the bulk by adding 350-plus-pound linemen to its goal line defense. It did not work.
Boston College was equally keyed on Wilkins and Lawrence on Saturday night when Clemson rolled the twin tanks into the backfield facing fourth-and-goal at the 2-yard line.
Clemson trailed 7-3 at that point. The Tigers were not interested in entertainment value. They were determined to get into the end zone. Boston College was determined to stop the run.
And that was exactly what Clemson wanted.
Instead of handing the ball off to Lawrence or Wilkins, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence faked and tossed a pop pass to tight end Milan Richard for the touchdown. It was a natural progression of the package, considering the attention the previous two appearances attracted.
"I’ve shown my abilities. Now I’m a threat. I’m in the scouting report now. Watch 42 when he gets back there," Wilkins said with a laugh after Clemson's 27-7 victory.
Clemson revealed that the Fridge Package is more effective than it is entertaining. It will remain an integral part of Clemson’s game plan in blowouts and in desperation, because Wilkins and Lawrence apparently are masterful runners, blockers and decoys.
