By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON – For the last two straight games, the Clemson defense has able to rise to the challenge. The defense was able to hold Wake Forest to 290 total yards and only 13 points en route to a 42-13 victory in Winston-Salem, N.C. last Thursday.

Senior defensive end Malliciah Goodman was excited with the performance of the defense, discussing how the play of the defense helped set the tone for the Tigers offense.

“It was good to see that we could go out and keep the momentum we started against Virginia Tech,” he said. “To go out and get three-and-outs and force turnovers really helped out the team, especially the offense with field position.”

Goodman credits the energy of the Clemson fans and his teammates in helping the Tigers make a defensive statement early, and helping them continue the strong play throughout the remainder of the game.

“The energy was great. It was great to go out there and get a win,” he said. “It was good to see us come out there and do that.”

One major improvement for the Clemson defense has come in the amount of pass rush the Tigers have been able to generate. The Tigers recorded five sacks, their most in a game since the 2010 season opener, as well as numerous other quarterback pressures. To Goodman, the ability to pressure the quarterback has played a significant role in the recent improvements.

“It has been a steady improvement,” he said. “Being able to get pressure on the quarterback, getting sacks and forcing turnovers, that’s where we have improved.”

As the Tigers (7-1, 4-1 ACC) head to Durham for a matchup with a very talented Duke offense, Goodman understands the challenge that facing players like Duke quarterback Sean Renfree and wide receiver Conner Vernon can bring.

“They have a good passing game, and their offensive line is well coached,” he said. “They play hard, and they are physical. You have to take the mindset that you do in any game, you have to go out there and execute and make plays.”

The defense will look to continue its strong play on the road, as the Tigers currently have a 3-1 record away from Death Valley. One key to winning on the road is being able to create your own energy; something that Goodman feels this defense is very good at doing right now.