Chad Smith and Tigers have a chip on their shoulders heading into 2019

Chad Smith makes a tackle against Wake Forest last seasonCLEMSON – Chad Smith message has a message for all of the doubters. The Tiger defense is still relevant.

Brent Venables’ defense finished fifth nationally in total defense a year ago, allowing 285.9 yards per game. The Tigers finished first in scoring defense, however, allowing just 13.1 points per game despite playing 15 games.

However, Venables lost all four starters on the defensive line and two of his linebackers, along with several veteran backups, and the rest of the nation is in wait-and-see mode in 2019.

Smith, who will likely start at the weakside linebacker spot, thinks the train will keep right on rolling.

“I think so. I think…