Clemson’s defense in 2014 was one of the best in school history. Even the most critical of observers would admit as much.

In 2015, a dropoff was expected as a number of contributors headed for the exits and into the NFL. At this point, the ability of the Tigers to remain dominant on defense has been chronicled ad nauseum.

Third-ranked Clemson heads into a Saturday showdown with N.C. State boasting the fourth-best defensive unit in college football in terms of total yardage allowed. One of the three teams ahead of them will be across the field, as the Wolfpack sit in third place nationally in total defense.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables welcomes the battle royale between two elite defenses. He has seen growth from his unit over the last several games that gives him confidence in that group’s ability to win the fight.

“We’ve really, in these last few games, started to develop an identity and a chemistry,” Venables said. “I think our guys recognize that they can be pretty solid.”

If there was any ambiguity before, it was erased in Saturday’s 58-0 win over Miami down in south Florida. It was Clemson’s third shutout in its last 16 games, dating back to last season. The first of that trio of zeroes allowed came in last year’s game against the Wolfpack, and many of the same players that comprised that offense are back.

Venables deflected the question when asked about the importance of getting shutouts, deferring instead to the oft-cited process of development that can lead to positive results.

“Just playing well means more than anything,” he said. “Sometimes the by-product of that is a shutout.”

Venables spoke often earlier in the season about the need for the 2015 Tiger defense to take pride in doing the little things in order to reach the level of last season’s group, which was arguably the best in the country. He says he sees signs they may be approaching that standard.

“I think they’re hungry for it now,” Venables said. “They talked a big game early in the year, but you’ve got to go out and do it week in and week out.”

The consistency with which Clemson’s defense performed at the end of Saturday’s game against Miami is perhaps the biggest indicator of the growth Venables wanted to see. In previous weeks, the shutout would have gone by the wayside as some of the second- and third-string defenders entered the fray.

However, against the Hurricanes, the enthusiasm Venables preaches to each of his defenses was evident from the backups. Both Swinney and Venables were complimentary of a plethora of players, and Venables says the depth recently discovered will go a long way over the backstretch of the season.

“We’ve got a stretch here where we’re going to need them more now than ever to be really good,” he said. “Hopefully, we can meet those expectations. For the first time, these last few weeks, we’ve felt a great deal of confidence in their attitude and their preparation, and then the consistency we’re executing in.”