ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Clemson's defensive line is finally showing signs of improvement, but is the progress real, and is this group actually better than last season?
On today's Locked On Clemson, Morgan Thomas breaks down Clemson's defensive front following its performance against Miami. The Tigers generated 16 quarterback pressures, with 14 coming from defensive linemen. Players like London Merritt, Jaheim Lawson, Will Heldt, Andy Burburija, and Darien Mayo are giving Tom Allen more options up front.
But there's another side to the conversation. Miami still found success running the football, and Clemson's sack production is behind last season's pace. Are we seeing meaningful development, or are expectations simply lower after a disappointing start?
We also examine how generating pressure with four defenders could change Tom Allen's approach, why stopping the run remains critical, and whether Clemson could finish with more wins than last season without actually being a better football team.
00:00 Is Clemson's Defensive Line Really Improving?
01:16 Progress vs. Actually Fixing the Problem
04:11 Clemson's Pass Rush Against Miami
06:05 Darien Mayo and Tom Allen's Adjustments
09:19 Miami Exposes Clemson's Run Defense
13:20 Why Getting Pressure With Four Matters
16:16 How Four-Man Pressure Improves Clemson's Blitzes
19:41 What Clemson Still Has to Prove Defensively
23:41 Is This Defensive Line Better Than Last Year's?
25:55 Comparing Clemson's Defensive Line Talent
28:42 Could Clemson Win More Games Without Being Better?
30:56 What Happened to the Clemson Standard?
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