CLEMSON – Wes Goodwin’s defense is to a point where you almost have to laugh at the talent from top to bottom, and the win over South Carolina to end the regular season is an exclamation point.

Two Tigers freshmen shined in the victory: defensive backs Khalil Barnes and Avieon Terrell. As if there was any doubt about Clemson’s future in the secondary, these two continue to end any worry.

According to PFF, that pair was the highest graded pass defenders Saturday for the Tigers. Barnes shined above all with a 91.4 coverage grade, his highest over the year by over 10 points.

Over 37 coverage snaps, Barnes was targeted five times and surrendered a single catch for 16 yards. That means Spencer Rattler was throwing as many interceptions as completions when challenging Barnes.

In other words, you don’t test Barnes or you find out quickly. Rattler finisbed with a 0.8 NFL passer rating when targeting Barnes, which widens the eyes just reading.

That set a high bar for Terrell, but his performance was that of a quiet yet dominant cornerback. He allowed a two catches for 12 yards over five targets and a 47.9 NFL passer rating, only second to his partner-in-crime.

Both of those completions came from Gamecocks star receiver Xavier Legette, who was often shadowed by Nate Wiggins. It’s important to note that South Carolina’s one efficient drive was highlighted by swing passes and screens, so the rare completions could have asterisks of their own.

Even if that’s the case, Clemson can breathe a sigh of relief regardless of the talent departing in 2023. The kids are alright, so you should be too.