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Clemson football: Undefeated 2020 season a near-lock for Tigers

By Michael Hanich

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks on prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks on prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Brent Venables, Clemson football (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images) /

Defense to be among nation’s top units despite key losses

When talking about some of the strongest defensive units in college football, Clemson is among the elite. Last season, the Tigers were ranked third in the nation in points allowed per game (13.5) and sixth in the nation in total yards allowed per game (288.3).

The Tigers return five of their starters from last season. Four of them are in the front-seven, which is expected to be one of the most elite units in the nation. Brent Venables returns as the defensive coordinator for the ninth season.

The loss of defensive end Xavier Thomas is huge when considering how much production Venables demands from the defensive line. Last season, they accounted for 47 total sacks. There was an evenly spread out production throughout the entire defensive line that still returns three of its starters.

Senior defensive end Justin Foster returns after accounting for 35 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He is the main run stopper on the edge and will more rely on in the pass rush. Defensive tackle Tyler Davis was one of the most impactful true freshmen this past season as he accounted for 45 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. K.J. Henry is projected to the starting end by taking over the redshirted Thomas.

Outside of Lawrence, outside linebacker Isaiah Simmons was one of the valuable players for the Tigers this past season. He was the most dynamic defensive playmaker in the nation. Baylon Spector is next in line to take over Simmons’ outside linebacker position as he accounted for 44 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. The Tigers were 19th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (116.1) as they expect to be more in stopping the run.

Senior middle linebacker James Skalski returns as a starter after accounting for 90 total tackles (second on team), 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three pass deflections this past season. Mike Jones Jr. is projected to start at the other outside linebacker position as well as contributing nickel.

The Tigers have a lot of work to do in their secondary as they return only one starter from last season. They were one of the most efficient pass defenses in the nation as they were ranked fourth in passing yards allowed per game (172.3).

Junior cornerback Derion Kendrick returns as the No. 1 coverage cornerback for the Tigers as he accounted for 43 total tackles, five pass deflections and two interceptions. Senior safety Nolan Turner will make his first full-season start for the Tigers at free safety after accounting for 48 total tackles, 30 solo tackles and eight pass deflections.

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