Under previous defensive coordinator Brent Venables, the Tigers consistently produced havoc-wreaking elite defenses. The unit was good but not elite in year one under new DC Wes Goodwin. They finished 25th nationally in yards per play allowed (5.0) and 22nd in points per game allowed (20.9). Most feel confident Clemson’s defense will once again be at least solid, but can Goodwin get them back to being among the very best units in the country?
The unit’s biggest weakness last season was their secondary. To state it plainly, they were bad against the pass. They allowed 311 passing yards to Parker McNeil of Louisiana Tech.