CLEMSON — As Clemson gets set to host No. 4 Miami on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium, the Tigers’ success defensively will have to come up the middle, in particular stopping the run.

Prior to last week’s win at Cal, the Clemson coaches decided to move defensive end Darien Mayo inside, hoping his 6-foot-7, 270-pound frame could styme the Bears’ rushing attack between the tackles.

It did, as the Tigers held Cal to 86 rushing yards. Now Mayo hopes Clemson can have similar success against the Hurricanes, who bring one of the more feared offenses in college football to Death Valley.

Questions: Whose idea was it to move you inside on the defensive line?

Answer: “Coach (Dabo) Swinney came to me in practice and was like ‘What’s your thoughts on it? And I was like whatever (is good) for the team. I feel great about it. I think it’s good for me, showing my versatility and I love it though. So, it’s been good so far.”

Questions: What was your initial reaction to the idea of the move?

Answer: “I was a little surprised honestly, but I thought about it. It was like a good thing for me honestly. But yeah, it was right in the (middle of) Monday practice. Random, but it was definitely a good experience.”

Questions: Do you expect the move to be full-time?

Answer: “Wherever they put me at is where I’m going to go. So, I’m a versatile player and I believe in myself. So, wherever they put me, I’m going.”

Questions: You only got two days of practice at defensive tackle. How did that go?

Answer: “Obviously, everything happens a little faster. I would say at DT you got to put hands on them first. Obviously, at defensive end you got to do the same thing, but everything’s happened so much faster. So, just getting used to it more. It’s been good for me.”

Questions: What surprised you about game action like when you actually got inside?

Answer: “It’s different. At defensive end, you are looking at different things. You are looking in the backfield a little bit more. At defensive tackle you are really looking at that center and the guard a little bit more. Three technique, you are looking at that guard. So, it’s a little different looking and reading your keys and stuff like that. But it’s been good for me so far.”