Since 2014, Clemson has been ranked in the top 10 in defense every year, while also being ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense in five of the last six seasons. Clemson led the nation in total defense in 2014 and were tops in the country in scoring defense in 2018 as well.
With numbers like that, no wonder Clemson made defensive coordinator Brent Venables one of the highest paid assistant coaches in the country.
Last year, despite having to replace their entire defensive front, the Tigers finished the season sixth in total defense and third in scoring defense.