CLEMSON – Defensive lineman Payton Page spoke to the media on Tuesday to evaluate Clemson’s defensive performance thus far and to preview the matchup against Wake Forest this Saturday.

–One thing the Demon Deacons love to run is their slow mesh handoff. When asked what kind of challenges this presents to Clemson’s defense, Page said they are going to just have to blow it up. “We were playing it safe last year [against Wake Forest]. We aren’t going to make it as easy for them this year.”

–In the game this past Saturday against Syracuse, Page recorded his second career fumble recovery after a huge hit from defensive end Justin Mascoll. “It was crazy. After seeing that hit from Justin, I could just feel the energy of the crowd. I watched that hit about ten times.”

–Regarding the defensive line as a whole, Page emphasized the level of physicality and the young talent they possess. “It starts off with TD [Tyler Davis] and Ruke [Orhorhoro]. They set the tone for the rest of us. We come behind them and we have to keep performing.” He also mentioned that the defense has been playing off each other extremely well and feeding off of one another’s energy.

–Two players Page mentioned specifically when talking about young talent were TJ Parker and Peter Woods. When asked how they have made an impact thus far, Page had plenty of praise for the two freshmen. “They are just so fun and hype. They are always screaming together, and they just bring a different energy. They are both a great additions to the D-line.”

–Page also attributed a lot of the success on defense to coach Nick Eason. “Without coach Eason, we would not be where we are right now. The way he coaches and demands.”

–With the game this weekend being the Tigers’ only home game in the month of October, there is a lot riding on them to not only go out with a win before their bye week and hitting the road, but also to rebound from their last home game against Florida State in Memorial Stadium. No loss is easy for the Tigers, but in Page’s words, the overtime heartbreaker against the Seminoles “hurt real bad.” “We are playing for the fans and the people we let down.”

Dear Old Clemson has just added Limited Edition signed Cade Klubnik replica road signs to the online store. Get your highway 2 sign today while supplies last!