CLEMSON — There was a lot of hype surrounding Clemson’s defense heading into the season, and through the first six games they have lived up to it for the most part.
The Tigers have, in my opinion, the best overall defense in the ACC through the first half of the season. They lead the conference in yards allowed per game (261.8), yards allowed per play (4.2) and recovered fumbles (9).
Clemson ranks second in rushing yards allowed per game (86.3), yards per carry (2.7), pass percentage defense (54.8), yards per attempt (5.6) and tackles for loss per game (7.3).
The Tigers should be higher in scoring defense (19.3 points per game), but the offense has had one fumble returned for a touchdown, two others set up short fields which led to touchdowns, including one at the 1-yard line. There was also an interception that was returned for a score.
Subtract those 28 points and Clemson’s defense has allowed just 14.6 points per game, which would tie for second in the conference.
“I think every week, we have gotten better and better, and that is kind of the goal. Game 6 is better than Game 5 and so forth and so on,” Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin said. “So, it is really cool to see the progression being made. I feel the guys are playing with a lot of physicality up front and really controlling the line of scrimmage.
“Guys are playing relentlessly and with great effort and our flying around. You can just feel the confidence and belief and just see it out there on Saturdays.
Here’s my opinion on how the Clemson defense graded in the first half of the 2023 season:
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line, for the most part, has played very well this season. Xavier Thomas has been a human wrecking ball. His stats do not show that, but the film does not lie. He is completely controlling his side of the line of scrimmage and it’s allowing other guys to make plays in the backfield. T.J. Parker has also been a beast, as the true freshman has 23 tackles this season, 8.5 of which came behind the line of scrimmage. He also has four sacks and six quarterback pressures. Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro have been consistent in the middle, a big part on why the Tigers rank second in the conference in run defense. Freshman Peter Woods has been productive, too, as has Payton Page and DeMonte Capehart. Defensive end Justin Mascoll has also made big plays from time-to-time.
Linebackers: B
I think Jeremiah Trotter, Jr. and Barrett Carter are just starting to find their groove. After being banged up in preseason camp, both got off to slow starts, especially in the Duke game. But since the Florida State game, they have played really well. They are one and two on the team in tackles, with Trotter leading the way with 37 tackles. Carter has 31 tackles. Trotter has 10 quarterback pressures to go with 1.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Carter has one sack and 4.5 tackles for loss to go with five pressures. Wade Woodaz has played the SAM, and when he is in the game, he has made it count. He has two interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown, while recording two sacks.
Secondary: A
In my opinion, no unit has played better on Clemson’s team than its secondary. They have been left by themselves in most cases, and they have held up. The Tigers held their own against Florida State’s gifted wide receivers. The Seminoles completed just 13 of 31 targets to their top three wide receivers. The Tigers rank 11th nationally in yards per attempt (5.6) and 14th in completion percentage defense. FSU was 0-for-5 when going after Nate Wiggins, who also has an interception returned for a touchdown this season. Last week, the secondary was without Wiggins, Sheridan Jones and Jalyn Phillips and they did not miss a beat.
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!