The Clemson defense did something no defense has been able to do so far this season: hold Wake Forest under 35 points. The Demon Deacons entered Death Valley on Saturday averaging over 40 points a game and with a win, they could have clinched the ACC's Atlantic Division.
Enter the Clemson defense headed by defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Through mixing up coverages and schemes, the Tigers defense held Wake to 27 points, sacked quarterback Sam Hartman seven times, and forced three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception).
The defense came out of the barrel like a smoking bullet in the first half, holding the Deacons to only 10 total yards of offense and sacked Hartman four times in the opening quarter.