Clemson’s ten best defenses: No. 4
By: will-vandervort July 9, 2016

Though some of the younger fans might not remember, or even know it, but Clemson is known more for its great defenses over the years than anything it has done on offense.

On nearly every one of Clemson’s greatest teams, it was its defense that carried the squad.

The Clemson Insider went through its archives to find the best defensive football teams in Clemson history.

What are the criteria for the 10 best defenses in Clemson history? Obviously, yards and points allowed per game will stand out as will playmakers and rushing yards allowed per game and per rush. How many All-ACC or All-Americans were on the team, where were they ranked in the ACC, nationally, and much more goes into our decision.

Today, we continue our list with what TCI believes is the No. 4 best defense in Clemson history.

1959

In the 1959 Bluebonnet Bowl Clemson held TCU to 159 total yards in a 23-7 victory. It was a victory that cemented one of the best defenses in Clemson history.

In 1959, the Clemson defense led the way to its 9-2 record and No. 11 national ranking. The Tigers led the ACC in scoring defense (9.4 points per game), yards allowed (193.6) and rushing defense (106.7).

Clemson, who won the ACC Championship, recorded five shutouts and held seven of its 11 opponents to seven points or less. At one stretch, the Tigers recorded four straight shutouts against NC State, South Carolina, Rice and Duke. They also shut out Virginia, 47-0, and held Furman to three points in a 56-3 victory to close the regular season.

Only two teams totaled 300 or more yards on the Tigers. Overall, they held seven of their eleven opponents under 200 yards. They held Furman to a season-low 92 total yards. Clemson also held South Carolina to 118 total yards in a 27-0 victory.

They held Rice to 127 yards in a 19-0 win the following weekend.

In the Bluebonnet Bowl, Clemson held the Horned Frogs to 12 first downs. They rushed for just 89 yards on 39 carries and completed 7-of-17 passes for 70 more yards. The Tigers picked off four passes, including one that set up the game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter.