On the first play from scrimmage in last year’s Russell Athletic Bowl, Clemson wide receiver Artavis Scott took a screen pass on the open side of the field, got a block and then ran through the Oklahoma secondary for a 65-yard touchdown.

It was sign of things to come for the Tigers as backup quarterback Cole Stoudt threw for 319 yards on 26 of 36 passing. He also threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams and a 24-yard scoring pass to Germone Hopper in the 40-6 victory.

So with 10 of Oklahoma’s 11 starters back from that game, it might seem No. 1 Clemson has the national semifinal game in the bag, especially considering the Tigers will have Heisman Trophy Finalist Deshaun Watson behind center this time around.

But like ESPN analyst Lee Corso likes to say, “Not so fast, my friend.” Jeff Scott says the Sooners’ defense is much improved this year, especially in the secondary.

“They are doing a better job in their assignments,” the co-offensive coordinator said following Tuesday’s practice. “You don’t see the missed assignments that showed up last year. They are a lot more sound this year and where they are supposed to be. That’s going to make it a little more difficult to steal some of those big plays.”

Oklahoma led the Big 12 in total defense this year, allowing 350.9 yards per game in its 12 games this season – 149.9 on the ground and 201.1 through the air.

“The biggest thing is up front. I feel like their defensive line is playing harder,” Scott said. “They are doing a better job of using their hands, getting off blocks. I think they have slimmed down. The defensive fronts are a little bit quicker.”

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman, who rushed for just 55 yards last year against the Sooners, agreed.

“They are a lot faster,” he said. “Last year they would stand our linemen up and we would have to go around them. This year, they are more aggressive and are getting around guys.”

Scotts says there is some carry over from last year, in which the Tigers gained 387 total yards in 79 plays.

“The scheme is very similar. I think they are playing at a high level on defense than they did last year. There is a lot of experience, but we feel like it is the same thing for us. We are playing better and executing at a high level.

“The overall scheme, we feel like we know what we are going to get based off last year. I’m sure they feel the same way because we are very similar to the way we were last year.”