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Clemson Football: 5 Takeaways from the victory vs. Georgia Tech 2019

By Andrew Boardwine

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers, head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers, and ESPN analyst Maria Taylor embrace at midfield as the crowd sings Clemson's alma mater after the Tigers' victory over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers, head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers, and ESPN analyst Maria Taylor embrace at midfield as the crowd sings Clemson's alma mater after the Tigers' victory over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 09: A general view of Memorial Stadium prior to the start of the Clemson Tigers’ football game against the Auburn Tigers on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 09: A general view of Memorial Stadium prior to the start of the Clemson Tigers’ football game against the Auburn Tigers on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

2. The Defense has promise

Yes, the defense has to replace several starters from last year’s team, but it was apparent Thursday evening that the Tigers have plenty of talent across the board.

The defensive linemen were rotated in-and-out every series as Brent Venables tries to build depth and create competition at the positions. The linebackers were physical. The defensive backs did a decent job in coverage.

Overall, you have to be pleased with what you saw from the defense.

There were too many missed tackles and times where guys were using their arms instead of wrapping up and hitting, but that will all be fixed in the film room. Venables had the Tiger defenders in position to make plays and, in many cases, they did just that.

I was impressed with Isaiah Simmon’s athleticism. I was impressed with Xavier Thomas’s dominance at times rushing the passer and getting in the backfield (he just needs to make sure he doesn’t overrun the play). Freshman DT Tyler Davis was a force along that interior and may have been one of the top performers for the entire unit.

Chad Smith and James Skalski provided a physical element.

The defense has promise. There are things that the unit needs to clean up- especially in tackling and in coverage- but there’s reason to believe that this group can’t be one of the top defensive units in the country.

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