CLEMSON — Week after week, linebacker Sammy Brown has helped anchor Clemson’s defense, one that continues to find its rhythm as the season unfolds.

Brown has started every game this year and is currently third on the team with 42 tackles. One of the defense’s primary goals this season has been simple but relentless: force takeaways.

During last week’s practice, the Tigers focused on the details that led to two turnovers in the Tigers’ win over Boston College. But Brown also knows that overthinking it can throw a defense off balance.

“When you start pressing for it, you start trying to do too much,” he said. “Biggest thing is effort, running to the ball.”

The sophomores mindset seems to be straightforward. Stay alert, play fast, and trust the preparation. That mindset has helped Clemson’s defense turn a corner, stringing together back-to-back road wins that have sparked confidence across the roster.

“It’s been really encouraging to see everyone come together and just play as one unit,” Brown said. “It’s been really exciting to play.”

Still, Brown is not satisfied.

“Always looking for small things to improve on is good,” he said.

Brown shared a quote he saw recently: “The day that you say that you’ve made it is the day you start your decline.”

For him, that means never getting comfortable.

 “Always looking for things to get better on because there’s always room to get better,” he said.

Clemson (3-3, 2-2 ACC) returns home this weekend after two straight road victories. The Tigers are 1–2 in Death Valley this season, something this defense is eager to change. Clemson is hoping to avoid a fifth straight loss to a Power 4 opponent, which will mark the first time that has happened since the 1970 to 1971 seasons.

“It’s a little fuel to the fire,” Brown said. “It starts with us.”

Brown shared he likes going on the road and handing the home team losses, but there is still nothing like winning at home.

“I like going into another person’s stadium and beating them,” he said.

He echoed head coach Dabo Swinney’s recent message about restoring Clemson’s home dominance. The Tigers have not lost three straight homes games since the 2001 season.

“We want to put the death back in the Valley,” Brown said.

Clemson returns home looking to gain a home win versus SMU at 3:30 p.m., at Memorial Stadium.

 “It starts this weekend,” Brown said.