A popular theory is going around that attempts to explain the inconsistencies that have plagued Clemson’s defense over the past few weeks.
It says that Clemson’s larger margin for error—acknowledged by both coaches and players, either with words or through things that happened on the field—created an environment where the team’s best was not technically necessary in order to win. The results have been frustrating, particularly for a defense that has hung its hat on consistency in the recent past.
According to Clemson’s defensive coordinator, however, this week is different. He has felt a different vibe in the film room this week as the top-ranked Tigers get set to face tenth-ranked North Carolina for the ACC Championship.
“It didn’t take them long to sit up a little bit taller in their seats,” he said. “There was less chatter when we were watching the video.”
From the outside, it appears the Tar Heels and the Tigers appear to be preparing for an offensive battle royale. The clear-cut best offenses in the ACC are rolling heading into Saturday’s showdown. That reality can lead to sleepless nights for defensive coaches nervous about giving up big plays and lots of points.
Clemson still ranks inside the top ten nationally in total defense, but the Tar Heels are a different beast from anything the Tigers have seen thus far. Larry Fedora’s team can strike quickly with a number of talented skill players and it moves at a faster pace than any of Clemson’s previous opponents.
For a team that has played for ten consecutive weeks, fatigue could be an issue. Given the tempo at which the Tar Heels play, players may have to play a number of snaps in a row because of the inability to substitute during a series.
“I’m not going to create this ‘life of its own’ issue,” Venables said of North Carolina’s pace, adding, “It is an issue. We need to be able to get lined up and put our hands in the dirt and play. If we do, I know we have a chance.”
Venables sees a surefire way to keep his team fresh: get off the field.
“You don’t have to if you go three-and-out every series, so that’s the first plan we’re putting in: the three-and-out plan,” he offered with a grin.”
His plan is easier said than done against a North Carolina team that has the fewest third-down attempts in the country and converts those opportunities at a rate of better than 48 percent, good enough for 12th-best in the nation.
Even with the challenges facing Clemson’s defense, Venables exudes a sense of confidence that he says stems from his head coach. Calling him the program’s “perpetuator of the positive”, Venables credits Dabo Swinney with handling a long stretch of playing and preparing week after week in a way that has kept players engaged through the grind of a season that winds down—at least for the moment—in a matter of days.
“He’s very creative in a lot of different ways in how he manages a team from a head coach position,” Venables said. “I think we’ve managed it about as well as you could.”