Clemson likes playing in opponent’s backfield

Seven new starters on defense didn’t stop Clemson from continuing to dominate its opponent at the line of scrimmage Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Tigers led the nation in total tackles for loss in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and are headed in the direction to do so again this year – finishing with 14 tackles for loss at Auburn. Only Baylor, Akron and Miami had more tackles for loss than Clemson in Week 1.

The 14 tackles for loss are more than Clemson had in any game last year, and the Tigers did it without starting defensive end Austin Bryant.

Nine players contributed to the total, led by linebacker Kendall Joseph with three. Clemson’s linebackers finished with 6.5, defensive linemen contributed four and defensive backs added 3.5.

“That’s kind of an identity that we have on defense. … They hang their hat on being disruptive up front,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “They’re as good as anybody. Our players take a lot of pride in winning individual matchups and playing on the other team’s line of scrimmage.”

Defensive end Christian Wilkins and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence were dominant, and fellow defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Carlos Watkins also made their presence felt.

The stout play by Clemson’s defensive line wasn’t a surprise to Wilkins.

“I feel like the fans and media really didn’t know what we had coming into the first game, but we, as a defense, know what kind of guys we have on the defensive line,” Wilkins said.

Joseph led Clemson in tackles with 10, but said the credit for his performance should go to the defensive line.

“The (defensive line) did a great job,” Joseph said. “Without them, linebackers can’t make plays. They took up a lot of holes, took on a lot of linemen. They played great.”

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables, defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks and defensive ends coach Marion Hobby constantly emphasize the importance of playing aggressive and getting in the backfield.

Their preaching is paying off.

“Nobody wants to play in your own back yard, you always want to go to your neighbor’s back yard and play. When you are, it’s just a lot more fun. That’s kind of Dan Brooks’ way to sell it to his guys, jump the fence and go play in their yard,” Venables said.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 5:52 PM.