Clemson's D has been a huge disappointment early on this season. Many had hoped that with the addition of new defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, that the D would get better. So far that has not been the case and he will be faced with some personnel and formation decisions.
The Venables style of defense so far has been predicated on the "bend but don't break" theory. Some coordinators prefer this style because often the opposing team struggles to get in the end zone often settling for field goals and can get frustrated leading to turnovers. This has not worked thus far in the season for the Tigers. The defense did okay against Auburn, Ball State, and Furman, but Saturday, when the Clemson defense faced its first real challenge, it failed.
Clemson's D couldn't stop Florida State giving up 667 yards of total offense. That is the second most any Tiger team has ever given up. FSU was constantly able to get to the edge for big rush yards and EJ Manuel was unchallenged when throwing the ball against Clemson's zone defense. When the Tiger's played some man to man defense, the corners got burned. Clemson's D lacks the fundamentals to cover, isn't fundamentally sound when tackling, and lacks a playmaker to come up big in key situations. How can it get better or is it time to go to younger players with more potential talent?
It's time to make some changes. Tony Steward and Lateek Townsend have gotten minimal playing time yet both were highly talented linebackers coming out of high school. They will make a very good tandem when teamed up with starting MLB Stephone Anthony. They lack experience but could they really be worse than the starters? Especially after a few games of substantial playing time Steward and Townsend should be solid defenders. Not to mention they get experience this year and will be more ready next year. Plus, it could allow Travis Blanks to play safety or cornerback where he should be more comfortable. He has done a good job of covering the run, but could help the Clemson D force more turnovers if he were in the secondary. He's ready to be more of a factor in the secondary and has the ability to deliver big hits if opposing players come over the middle. And last, don't forget about Adam Humphries. Yes, he contributes as a receiver but at corner he could give the D immediate contributions right away. Once again he has played corner and was very good. Not to mention the transition from WR to DB happens quite a bit in college and can give the secondary more depth.
Ultimately, coaches have a hard time making these kind of moves because they want to win now. Making these moves could be a huge risk for this season but the defense can't perform much worse. Clemson has only played 1 good offense thus far and ranks 93rd in total yards allowed out of 120 FCS teams. Go with young potential and playmakers and it could improve, or stick with what you have and risk being mediocre. At least there would be more talent on the field.
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