Clemson D won’t blame late-season slump on lack of depth

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2015, file photo, Clemson’s B.J. Goodson tries to blocks a pass thrown by Syracuse’s Zack Mahoney in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y. Clemson's top-ranked defense came at teams in waves last season, smothering opponents with nearly two full units of talented and experienced players. Without that same depth this year, the Tigers have slipped into a late-season slump. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi, File) FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2015, file photo, Clemson’s B.J. Goodson tries to blocks a pass thrown by Syracuse’s Zack Mahoney in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y. Clemson's top-ranked defense came at teams in waves last season, smothering opponents with nearly two full units of talented and experienced players. Without that same depth this year, the Tigers have slipped into a late-season slump. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi, File)

By Associated Press November 19, 2015 4 min read

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Clemson’s top-ranked defense came at teams in waves last season, smothering opponents with nearly two full units of talented and experienced players.

Without that same depth this year, the Tigers have slipped into a late-season slump.

No. 1 Clemson’s last three opponents have popped some long plays and put up the two highest point totals against the Tigers this season.

“We’ve got to get it fixed,” coach Dabo Swinney said as Clemson (10-0, 7-0) prepared to complete its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule against Wake Forest (3-7, 1-5) on Saturday.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said more attention to detail and less freelancing by the Tigers would patch many of the holes.