Grading Clemson’s defense at the bye week
The 2022 college football season has been far more friendly towards Clemson, with the Tigers defense performing at a high level like fans have become accustomed to.
Dabo Swinney and the Tigers currently rank as the No.5 team in the country with an undefeated record 8-0 (6-0 ACC) and will get some much needed rest this weekend during their bye week. While the Tigers have played some great football this season, the bye week is coming at a great time as the team struggled in their 27-21 win over Syracuse.
As we wait for more Clemson football past the bye week, now felt like a time to break down and asses how the Tigers have been performing this season.
Here is a look at our grades for Clemson’s defensive performance so far this season.
Defensive line
Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
When people think about Clemson, they think about the defensive line, which has not changed this season. As expected, this group is the best on the team and one of the best in the country. Clemson’s defensive line is dangerous, with a ton of talent scattered across the starters and the backups who regularly rotate into the game. The defensive line hasn’t been consistently dominant this season, but overall, they have still performed like one of the best in the country while dealing with injuries along the way. The defensive line’s effort this season has made nearly every team they’ve faced one dimensional, as the Tigers rank No.7 in the country in rushing defense, allowing just 87.9 yards per game. They also rank No.7 in tackles for loss, showing that the guys up front are stuffing plays in the backfield. The surprising struggle we’ve seen from this unit is actually in the pass rush. While they haven’t been bad, they’ve been inconsistent. Moments you’d expect the defensive line to dominate in situations such as the four-man rush; they’ve had their difficulties causing pressure which has led to offenses attacking the Tigers’ defense on quick, fast-paced throws. One of the main keys for this group will be health, as the team finally has their studs, Bryan Bresee, Tyler Davis, K.J. Henry, Myles Murphy, and Xavier Thomas, all healthy and playing at a high level. While I expected more out of the defensive line up to this point, it is difficult to find many issues.
Grade: A-
Linebacker
Syndication: The Greenville News
Though they may not get as much attention as Clemson’s defensive line, the linebackers have been excellent through eight games this season. Losing some key pieces from the 2021 season in veteran leaders James Skalski and Baylon Spector, many questions were circulating about how this group would look this season. From my point of view, the linebackers look even better this year than they did last season, with a few players stepping up in a big way. The star of the group Trenton Simpson has looked excellent this season, leading the team with 47 tackles as he’s increased his draft stock playing the way he has. Simpson may be the star of this group, but sophomore linebacker Barrett Carter has begun to look like a star in his own right. Carter has been utilized all over the field and has been effective anywhere defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has lined him up. Injured for the Tigers’ recent matchup with Syracuse, you could see the difference in the team’s play with him off the field. Jeremiah Trotter is second out of the linebackers in tackles with 32, doing a more than fine job filling the Skalski role. It’s a young group, so mistakes are bound to happen, but how they’ve played so far has been a great thing to see.
Grade: B+
Safety
Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson safeties have been solid this season, but if you’ve watched a Clemson game, you know there have been a few blown coverages in the secondary. Led by Andrew Mukuba, Jalyn Phillips, and R.J. Mickens, Clemson safeties have been physical this season. Phillips is currently second on the team in tackles with 42, while Mickens has paced the secondary with two interceptions. Injuries have been an issue here with multiple starters missing games though it doesn’t excuse the way they’ve been getting beaten in coverage this season. Good, but not great out of Clemson safeties so far.
Grade: B-
Cornerback
Syndication: The Greenville News
Clemson had a lot to replace at cornerback this season losing two All-ACC players and they have not faired well so far. The Tigers cornerbacks are filled with young talent, so seeing them struggle isn’t necessarily surprising. It is more about how they’ve badly they’ve struggled this season. Through eight games this season, Clemson is on the wrong end of the rankings when it comes to pass defense. The Tigers rank No.87 in the country in passing yards allowed, allowing 244.6 yards per game. Opponents have seen where the weakness is on this defense and have attacked the corners regularly in response. Though they’ve struggled, the cornerbacks have looked better in recent weeks with sophomore Nate Wiggins and true freshman Toriano Pride Jr. stepping up as the team has needed. There is a lot of room for improvement here but it does look like the cornerbacks are making their way.
Grade: C
Overall
Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson’s defense has been good this season but not as good as advertised. That being said, what is not as good as advertised? Well, Clemson is the No.27 ranked total defense in the country, so still quite good. The healthier they’ve gotten, the better they’ve looked. Wes Goodwin’s group should continue to improve as the season winds down.
Grade: B+
MVP
Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
MVP: Myles Murphy
