CLEMSON — Though the statistics do not necessarily show it at the moment, Clemson’s defense has definitely shown improvement from last year to this year.

Though its critics will point to the fact the Tigers are allowing 381.8 yards and 25.8 points per game, you have to understand the context of those numbers.

First, Clemson’s offense has directly given up three offensive touchdowns with two pick sixs and one scoop and score allowed. In all, Clemson’s five opponents have scored 24 points off turnovers thus far this season.

You also have to consider who the Tigers played in the first five games. The fourth-ranked Hurricanes lead the nation in total offense, averaging 554.8 yards per game, while ranking second in the country in points scored per game, 49.6.

LSU, No. 10 in the AP Poll, is averaging 547.8 yards per game, which ranks third nationally, while they are scoring 43.6 points, which is No. 9 in the land.

“You know, from last year to this year, and even the beginning of the season to where we are now, I’m really happy with how we’ve grown as a defense,” linebacker Sammy Brown said.

Brown hit the mark. Though the critics can say the defense struggled to stop LSU and Miami, that is not exactly accurate.

Yes, Clemson (3-2) struggled to stop LSU in the season opener, as the Bayou Bengals ran up 644 total yards and scored 44 offensive points. Granted, it was a bad day at the office.

However, the Tigers held their own against Miami’s offense. They limited the Hurricanes to 419 total yards, well below their season average of 588 yards per game coming in.

Clemson also held them way below their average in passing yards and rushing yards. And, as a reminder, 10 of Miami’s 41 points were charged to the Clemson offense.

The Tigers also got after quarterback Darian Mensah, sacking him twice and pressuring him several other times. His 18 completions were a season low, and his nine incompletions were a season high. The Heisman Trophy candidate had just eight incompletions all year coming into the game.

“We’re not a complete backer group, defense, secondary, anything. But, you know, the improvement that we’ve made this year is very, very encouraging,” Brown said.

When looking at Clemson’s other three games, the defense has given up just 282.0 yards and 11.3 points per game.

“I think the biggest thing is just making sure that we’ve got eleven guys out there that are really, really confident in doing their job and not just to do their job but doing it to make a play,” Brown said.

Clemson has tomorrow off before getting back into the action next Saturday when they host Charleston Southern at Memorial Stadium.