Since 2014, Clemson has been a top 10 team in yards allowed and/or points allowed every year. That is six straight seasons being one of the best defenses in the country.
It is no coincidence the Tigers have also been one of the best programs in the country over that same time period. Granted, Clemson has also had one of the best offensive units in the country in most years, especially with transcendent quarterbacks in Tajh Boyd, Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.
But in this day and age where offenses rule, it is those select few programs, who can still be dominant on defense that are the difference between being a conference championship contender and a national championship contender.