RALEIGH, N.C. – The phrase goes ‘defense wins championships,’ but it hasn’t been that hasn’t been the case for Clemson in 2023. Time and time again, the Tigers defense has given the offense ample opportunity to win, yet it’s never enough.

Saturday’s loss to N.C. State might be the greatest example of it. The Wolfpack struggles on offense all day except for two plays that combined for 122 of their 202 yards. One of those was a 72-yard touchdown where cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. missed a tackle on a zero blitz and all Clemson could do is watch the back Kevin Concepcion’s jersey.

Most of the time, two big mistakes in an entire game by a defense means victory but that’s not the case for Clemson. The offense spotted the Wolfpack 14 points with two touchdowns coming off the interceptions and it’s just a broken record.

Against Miami, it was three turnovers and the defense still allowed just 17 points in regulation. Two turnovers and Wes Goodwin’s group didn’t waver against Wake Forest with 12 points allowed.

It was no different against Florida State. The Seminoles offense scored 17 in regulation and the Clemson offense spotted them a touchdown. That’s why the Tigers are 4-4. Regardless of the defense keeping it competitive, Clemson’s offense can’t capitalize and yet, the Tigers’ defensive stars take blame.

“That’s on us, it’s as simple as it gets playing defense. They don’t score, they don’t win and we gave up some big touchdowns. We wish we could have it back but we can’t,” Ruke Orhorhoro said.

The margin of error for this defense is so small, so it’s time to wonder if the offense will ever reward them for the hard work. Even if they do, it’s too late and a defense that may sniff championship quality never got the chance to play with a lead in big games.

So many of that core are gone after 2023 with Orhorhoro, Tyler Davis, Xavier Thomas and potentially many more. Goodwin’s unit won’t get the credit they deserve and the story will end up being ‘what could’ve been’.