Though Clemson’s defense ended the regular season by holding No. 10 North Carolina to a season-low in total yards and rushing yards, the last half of the season did not go the way they all would have wanted it to. They allowed Syracuse to score 27 points and gave up 242 rushing yards along the way, while South Carolina scored 32 points and gained 401 total yards.

Still, the Tigers (13-0) finished seventh nationally in total defense, yielding just 295 yards a game. Since being back at practice, Clemson safety Jayron Keasrse says the defense is rested and is having a lot of fun.

Clemson will face an Oklahoma offense in the Orange Bowl that ranks third in the country in scoring at 45.8 points per game and seventh in total offense at 542.9 yards per game.

The Tigers and the Sooners will play in the national semifinal game at 4 p.m. in Miami on Dec. 31.