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Helmet Smacks & Hard Truths: How Tom Allen’s No-Nonsense Defense Is Firing Up Clemson

Related Topics: Tom Allen, Dabo Swinney, No Nonsense

After their worst defensive season since the ’70s, Clemson brought in Tom Allen to fix the chaos. Fewer plays, more discipline — and a helmet smack or two — have the Tigers looking like a brand-new beast in 2025.

Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen during the first football practice at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Friday, February 28, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last season, Clemson’s defense was a shadow of its former self — leaky against the run, soft in coverage, and miles from the dominant units Tiger fans have come to expect.