Clemson Football: 5 impact players for Tigers in national title game

By Dana Becker | Jan 3, 2019

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Austin Bryant #7, defensive end Clelin Ferrell #99, and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate following a sack made by Bryant against the Auburn Tigers at Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

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Most wondered what Ian Book and the Notre Dame offense would be able to do against a Clemson defense minus star tackle Dexter Lawrence. The Tigers, though, showed that they are a complete unit under the watchful eye of defensive coordinator Brent Venables by closing the book on Book.

The Irish ended the year averaging over 31 points and 408 yards per game, racking up 300-plus first downs and averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Behind Book, who replaced Brandon Wimbush early in the year, they appeared to be one of the more explosive teams in the country.

Clemson, on the other hand, had troubles with the passing attack of both Texas A&M and South Carolina, which led many to believe Book would expose them for a third time. Venables, though, had other plans, as the Tigers held Notre Dame to a field goal, 248 yards of total offense and just 2.5 yards per carry on the ground.

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Venables will now have over a week to prepare the defense once more for another test with a second national title in three seasons on the line for Clemson.

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