Clemson vows better defense vs Gamecocks
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables just can’t forget what happened against South Carolina a year ago.
The Tigers had one of their worst defensive performances in Venables’ tenure when they hosted the Gamecocks — and he is ensuring his players remember the effort as well.
Clemson, about six weeks before winning the national championship last year, gave up 600 yards and five passing TDS to the Gamecocks in a 56-35 Tigers’ win. South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley threw for 510 yards and set off a panic.
“Yeah, we didn’t play well,” Venables said this week. “That never sits well with you, so you try and learn from failures and how you prepare.”
Clemson fans expected their Tigers to crush their state rivals, who instead threw a scare into the College Football Playoff-bound Tigers.
The Tigers (11-0) are looking to redeem themselves this week. Clemson is looking for its 27th
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Clemson’s Tanner Muse (19) sacks Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman during the first half Nov. 16 in Clemson, S.C. straight win and second straight down the film. He said the Tigers 12-0 regular season when they were too slow getting pressure on play the Gamecocks (4-7). Bentley, who set personal career
South Carolina and Clemson highs with five touchdown throws were both off last week and Tiger and in passing yards. Muse said defenders have spent part of the technique was shoddy at times, past two weeks watching — and rewatching allowing for passes to areas that — last year’s game tape. were supposed to be covered. He
“That was super embarrassing added that tackling when the for us as a back seven,” said Clemson Tigers had a chance to limit the safety Tanner Muse. “We just damage was also inconsistent. can’t let something like that happen South Carolina receiver Deebo again. That’s just not who we are.” Samuel, now with the San Francisco
Muse, a senior, painfully broke 49ers, had 10 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Samuel’s teammate Shi Smith had 109 yards. For Clemson to allow a pair of 100-yard receivers is unthinkable in Venables’ lock-down world.
“Human nature is when you feel like you’re playing well is to take one hand off the wheel,” Venables said. “Bad things can happen.”
There seems to be little chance of more bad things happening to Clemson in this one.
The Tigers are second nationally to Ohio State with 128 yards passing allowed per game. Bentley, South Carolina’s starting quarterback, has been out since week one with a foot fracture. The Gamecocks rank 67th in passing yardage and with freshman Ryan Hilinski leading the offense, South Carolina has only 12 touchdown passes this season.
With South Carolina already out of the bowl picture, a big effort against Clemson would be the balm to a painful season.
“It’s going to be what it is,” said South Carolina running back Tavien Feaster, who won two championship rings in three seasons at Clemson before transferring. “It’s a rivalry game. The other team’s going to look to play you hard.”