In Saturday’s win over Wake Forest, Clemson’s defensive line gave the country a glimpse of how good it can be this year. Despite missing last year’s starters in Xavier Thomas and Justin Foster at defensive end, as well defensive tackle Tyler Davis, who was banged up in the contest, the Demon Deacons had no answer up front.
Of the Tigers’ six sacks in Saturday’s 37-13 victory, 4.5 came from the defensive line. In all, Clemson had 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, 6.5 credited to defensive linemen. The other 4.5 came from linebackers and safeties who were able to run through gapping holes created by the guys up front.