The disappointing performance by the Clemson defense will always loom over the 2024 season. As great as it was for the Tigers to get back to the playoff for the first time since 2020, you can’t help but feel there was a deeper run in that squad if the defense played better.
With a better run defense, specifically, Clemson would have found more success in 2024.
Giving up 1,000 yards rushing in the final four games of the season typically does not lead to much success. The Tigers gave up 288 rushing yards to the Citadel, 267 rushing yards to South Carolina, 154 rushing yards to SMU, and 292 rushing yards to Texas.