Clemson’s defense has always been a vital part of the team’s success, and November 2023 was no exception. The Tigers’ defense put on a show that left their opponents scrambling for answers. Here are some of the highlights that made November a stellar month for Clemson’s defense.
Dominant Defensive Performances
One of the key factors in Clemson’s strong showing in November was their ability to limit their opponents’ progress on the field. The Tigers held their opponents to a mere 20 conversions on 59 third-down attempts, a meager 34% success rate. This extraordinary performance was a testament to the team’s prowess in creating pressure situations and its ability to execute in those critical moments.
The Tigers’ pass defense also showed up big, allowing only 153.5 passing yards per game. This impressive stat ranks Clemson No. 8 nationally in yards per game allowed. Additionally, the opponent completion percentage of 52.8% is the fifth-best in the entire country.
Creating Turnovers and Sacks
Creating turnovers is an essential part of any successful defense, and Clemson excelled in this area as well. The defense forced a total of 12 turnovers during the month. These turnovers not only halted their opponents’ drives but also gave the Clemson offense additional opportunities to score.
In addition to forcing turnovers, the Clemson defense also recorded a combined total of 27 tackles for loss and sacks. This disruptive performance further showcased the team’s aggressive defense and its ability to penetrate the opposing team’s offensive line. This combination of turnovers and sacks led to a total of 76 negative yards for their opponents during the month.
Individual Standouts
Several players on Clemson’s defense stood out in November with impressive individual performances. Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was a force to be reckoned with. He recorded 34 total tackles, including 21 solo tackles, and made a significant impact behind the line of scrimmage with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.
But it wasn’t just Trotter Jr. making waves. T.J. Parker also played a crucial role in the Tigers’ defensive success. Despite his comparatively fewer total tackles (7), Parker made each one count. He recorded 4 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and even added a sack to his resume2. These individual efforts contributed significantly to the overall defensive prowess displayed by the Tigers in November.
Limiting Points Against
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Clemson’s defensive performance in November was its ability to limit the points scored by their opponents. Excluding garbage time, the Tigers allowed only 12.1 points per game. This is a remarkable achievement considering the quality of opponents they faced during the month, including South Carolina and No. 22 North Carolina.
The month of November showcased Clemson’s defensive dominance, leaving no doubt that they are one of the best defenses in the country. With an uncanny knack for shutting down third-down conversions, forcing turnovers, and denying opponents any chance to score, the Tigers’ defense established itself as an unrivaled force in the nation. As we enter the postseason, Clemson’s defense will undoubtedly remain a pivotal catalyst in their relentless pursuit to be the best.
