The media narrative entering the 2019 season was that Clemson’s defense was due for major regression after losing seven starters from a year ago, including six in the front seven and all four starting defensive linemen — three of whom were first-round NFL Draft picks in Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence.
Through seven games, all the Tigers’ defense has done is prove people wrong. Heading into Saturday’s game against Boston College, second-ranked Clemson is No. 8 nationally in scoring defense (12.0 points per game allowed), No. 5 in total defense (256.0 yards per game allowed) and No.