CLEMSON – Defense is the identity of the 2033 Clemson Tigers, and that unit is continuing to evolve week by week. Taking on Syracuse in a hostile environment, Wes Goodwin’s unit set the tone early and really dictated the game.

The talent in this group was never a question. That goes back to last season and Goodwin’s first year as the defensive coordinator. It took time to build this defense, and now we’re seeing the fruits of that labor.

Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter is in the center of that growth, literally, and he talked about the Tigers defense Tuesday.

“I feel like we really started gelling. We’ve really been in sync as to the game plan and what we need to do to take that next step as a team, especially as a defense. I feel like we’re definitely regaining that confidence,” Carter said.

Turnovers are a heavy reason Clemson’s defense is gaining the confidence that Carter mentioned. Against Syracuse, the Tigers forced a turnover on the first possession and closed the game with another.

That identity was shown very quickly to the Orange with defensive impact in key moments and that’s how Clemson changes the game on defense.

“We’ve always known what we’re capable of as a defense. It’s really just starting to come to fruition. What we can do and the limits that we can achieve,” Carter said.

There’s still over half a season in front of the Tigers, and we’re beginning to see the 2023 Clemson team we were promised.

A dominant performance out of the defense was a great sight, but its importance rises quickly when you see quarterback Cade Klubnik and the offense rapidly improve. Dabo Swinney preached complimentary football, and the Tigers are teaching a masterclass on it as of late.