By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON – While the 11th-ranked Clemson Tigers are 2-0 after two weeks of the season. There is still plenty of room for the defense to improve after allowing 432 rushing yards, an average of 216 yards per game.

According to Watson, there is one key to having a successful defense.

“Defense is all about getting 11 guys to do their job consistently on every play,” he said.

Unfortunately, for Watson and the Tigers, all 11 players have not been consistent in doing their jobs. The Tigers gave up 252 yards rushing against Ball State, including two long touchdown runs.

This defense has the talent to correct this issue; they just have to do a better job completing what is asked of them within the defense says Watson.

“If one person does not do their job, the running back is going to find the hole, and they did Saturday.” he said. “That is just a thing we have to get corrected, it is not talent, and we just have to do our job.”

While the Tigers had a convincing 52-27 victory over Ball State, Josh Watson was not happy with the performance of the defense.

“I don’t like it at all. We scored 52 points on Saturday, and I was still unhappy after the game,” he said. “Somebody running right up the middle of you, it is unacceptable, no matter who it was.”

Improving each week will be a major key for this defense throughout the season. The defensive’s ability to correct the mistakes they see on tape and apply them to the game each will determine how far this team can go defensively. Watson is one player in particular, who is working hard to get better.

“It is just taking each week and trying to get better. Working on what we need to correct, being coachable,” he said.

To Watson, the key to getting better is studying film, and then working to apply what he has learned on the practice field. The ability to translate knowledge from meetings to practice, and then to games is something Watson knows this team must improve on, and fast.

“We are a young team, but that is no excuse. We know our job; we have to do our job,” he said. “There is no excuse for not knowing our job. I think it will come. I think you will start to see it this week.”

As the season continues, Watson hopes his play, as well as the play of his teammates, will turn the Clemson defense into a strength. Providing a impenetrable wall for opposing offenses. According to Watson, this wall can only come by everyone doing their job, on every play.

“That is the mark of a good defense,” Watson said. “Getting 11 guys to do their job for more plays than the other team.”