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Clemson Football: Smothering Tiger defense leading championship run

By Shawn Spencer

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback EJ Perry #4 of the Boston College Eagles is sacked by Kendall Joseph #34 of the Clemson Tigers in the fourth quarter of the game at Alumni Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback EJ Perry #4 of the Boston College Eagles is sacked by Kendall Joseph #34 of the Clemson Tigers in the fourth quarter of the game at Alumni Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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The defensive unit for Clemson football has been one of the best in school history. They are leading the Tigers toward a championship run.

We all have seen just how dominant the defense has been for Clemson football this season.

Honestly, this unit has continued to get better and is now, in my opinion, the most complete an deepest defense in the nation.

The Tigers have plenty of talent across the board and it seems as if all the positions are beginning to mesh well together as they gain chemistry.

Here’s a look at where Clemson football’s defense ranks in several key categories versus other defenses across the nation.

Clemson Football Defensive Statistics: (National Ranking)

Total Defense: 2nd

3rd Down Conversion Pct: 6th

1st Down Defense: 2nd

Passing Yards Allowed: 9th

Rushing Defense: 3rd

Team Sacks: 3rd

Team Tackles for Loss: 2nd

Leading the way…

There have been times this season where the Tigers just haven’t been consistent on the offensive side of the ball.

Sometimes, it has to do with the offensive line breaking down. Other times it has to do with the run game not getting going or Trevor Lawrence making a freshman mistake. That side of the ball has continued to get better, but there has been one stable foundation for this team the entire season: The defense.

The defensive line is the best in the country. The Tigers are as talented and as deep as any team in school history. They’ve continuously created havoc in the backfield and gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant and that entire position group has shown up ready to play each week.

The secondary was a work in progress. The Tigers were torn up through the air early in the season, but they’ve progressively gotten better and are now beginning to become elite.

With the progression of the secondary, this defense has become a complete unit. There is no other team in the country that boasts this much talent on one side of the ball. The only program that comes close is Michigan at this point.

Trevor Lawrence wins Leather Helmet Award. dark. Next

If Clemson wins a championship in 2018, it will be because of the Tigers’ defense. This group has been dominant all season and I don’t expect anything else as we head into the last couple of regular season games and head into the postseason.

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