5 reasons Clemson will still make the College Football Playoff

4. Their defense has stepped up to the challenge

Clemson’s defense was their biggest question mark coming into the 2016 season. They lost seven defensive starters to the 2016 NFL draft, including four in the first two rounds. Their defensive line and defensive backfield in particular were decimated. Highly-ranked recruits were set to step into new roles this year, and growing pains were to be expected. And though there has been ups and downs, the Tigers’ defense has exceeded expectations. Despite relying on a lot of new starters, the Tigers are ranked 14^th in the nation in total defense and 12^th in scoring defense.

Upperclassmen cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, linebacker Ben Boulware, and safety Jadar Johnson have all stepped up this year as leaders on the defense. Each of them could all be drafted this year to make it 11 defensive players drafted from Clemson in two years. Defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell, and Christian Wilkins have all stepped in this year and have been difference makers on the Tigers’ defensive line.   Linebacker Kendall Joseph has arguably eclipsed Boulware as Clemson’s best backer and has been key in their defensive success.

Pittsburgh had 464 total yards and scored 43 points on Clemson’s defense last Saturday. The young starters appeared lost at times and failed to force a turnover. Louisville and Florida State’s talented offenses had some degree of success on Clemson but ultimately the defense did enough for them to win. But despite those struggles, the defense has only allowed 15.4 points per game outside of those three games this year. They should be able to learn from the Pitt performance and improve going forward. Experience is key to any young unit, and the more experience Clemson adds to their talent, the scarier they become.