Look for the Clemson defense to be even better in 2021.
The Tigers weren’t bad in 2020, finishing 15th in total defense. But Brent Venables’ group battled injuries (Tyler Davis and James Skalski missed chunks of time and Lannden Zanders played hurt), and an influx of talented youngsters had to learn on the job as starters (Myles Murphy, Trenton Simpson, Bryan Bresee).
The overall picture is clouded by the disastrous performance against Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl – the Buckeyes averaged almost nine yards per play in racking up 639 total yards (385 through the air and 254 on the ground).