This week national pundits went on record casting doubts as to the athleticism and physicality of Clemson’s defensive front. Saturday night the Tiger defensive line established themselves as a premier pass rushing and run stopping unit.
Auburn quarterback Jared Stidham found himself running for dear life in the backfield. The ACC Tiger defense racked up 11 sacks, 14 tackles-for-loss, a pair of breakups, and four quarterback hurries.
Due to heavy pressure the Auburn offense was limited to 117 yards total offense. The harassment of Stidham led to a mere 79 yards passing.
The 11 sacks by the Clemson defense was the most for a Tiger defense since the 2004 Utah State game in which they had the same number.