Clemson’s Defense Turns the Corner Under Tom Allen - But Big Questions Loom Ahead of Pinstripe Bowl
As Clemson grinds through bowl prep in upstate South Carolina, the defensive unit that took its lumps early in the season is starting to look like a different group. The Tigers are riding a four-game winning streak heading into next weekend’s Pinstripe Bowl clash with Penn State at Yankee Stadium - and much of that momentum can be traced back to the defense.
Let’s rewind for a second. Through their four ACC losses, Clemson’s defense was giving up a rough 34.8 points per game.
That’s not just uncharacteristic - it was unsustainable. But in November, something clicked.
Over their final four games, the Tigers allowed just 13.3 points per contest. That’s not just improvement - that’s dominance.
And that turnaround has Tom Allen’s fingerprints all over it.
Allen, in his first season as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, met with reporters this week for the first time since the regular season ended. With a matchup against his former team on deck, Allen was reflective, candid, and focused on the road ahead - even as the Tigers prepare to play without at least five defensive starters, including standout names like Avieon Terrell, T.J. Parker, and Peter Woods.
Facing His Former Team
Allen didn’t hide his excitement about facing Penn State, where he spent the 2024 season as an analyst. “I’m looking forward to seeing the players and staff I was close with,” Allen said. And while he admitted he once imagined facing Penn State in a playoff scenario, the Pinstripe Bowl offers its own kind of full-circle moment.
He also gave a nod to interim Nittany Lions head coach Terry Smith, who worked under Allen last season as a cornerbacks coach. “Terry did a great job,” Allen said, showing the kind of mutual respect that often flies under the radar during bowl season.
Next Man Up Mentality
With several key pieces missing on defense, Allen is embracing the challenge - and so are his players.
“We’re taking a next-man-up mentality,” Allen said. “I’m excited for some of these guys to show who they are.”
That’s more than coach-speak. Bowl games often serve as a springboard for younger players, and with so many starters out, Clemson’s depth will be tested in a real way. For Allen, it’s not just about filling gaps - it’s about evaluating who’s ready to step into bigger roles in 2026.
Transfer Portal Strategy: Help Wanted
Allen was also refreshingly honest about Clemson’s needs - and how the Tigers plan to address them.
“To me, it’s about how do you improve your roster?” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions about that... I do see us doing that, obviously at certain positions more than others.”
Translation: Clemson is going to be active in the transfer portal, especially on defense. Allen emphasized the importance of fit - not just talent - when it comes to adding new faces. “It’s still about getting the right fit, for the locker room, the culture, and the way you want to play defense.”
That’s a clear signal that Clemson recognizes the need for experienced reinforcements, particularly after a season that exposed some depth concerns.
Building for the Long Haul
Allen also touched on one of the program’s most promising young defenders: Ari Watford. The freshman edge rusher, who Allen originally recruited while at Penn State, is working his way back from ACL surgery.
“This offseason is going to be huge for him,” Allen said. “He’s a guy we expect big things from in the future.”
Watford’s development will be one to watch, especially with Clemson likely needing to replace production up front.
Allen also took a moment to reflect on his former head coaching stop at Indiana, noting how rewarding it’s been to see the program invest more seriously in football over the past two seasons. It was a subtle but telling comment - a coach who’s seen both sides of the resource divide and knows what it takes to build something sustainable.
A Veteran’s Final Stand
Senior linebacker Wade Woodaz earned high praise from Allen for his performance against South Carolina - a game that marked the final chapter of his college career.
“He played his best game of the season,” Allen said. “He’s just one of those guys you want to see do well. He’s been so disciplined and tough when the season didn’t go the way any of us expected it to.”
Woodaz’s leadership and resilience have been invaluable for a defense that had to grow up fast.
What the Season Revealed
Allen also gave a bit of insight into the learning curve that came with taking over this unit in Year 1. He admitted that some of the defense’s holes weren’t fully visible until the games started.
“You’re just trying to get a team full of guys that are tough and physical - and that’s built in the offseason,” Allen said. “When you get put in the fire, it’s revealed who you are. I think that’s what this season has done for us.”
That kind of honesty is rare - but it’s also exactly what Clemson fans should want to hear. This isn’t a coach sugarcoating things. It’s a coach who knows where the team fell short, where it got better, and where it has to go next.
Looking Ahead
As the Tigers head to the Bronx, they’ll do so with a reshuffled defense and a coordinator who’s already thinking about 2026. But first, there’s one more game to play - and for a Clemson defense that’s finally found its footing, it’s a chance to finish strong and send a message about what’s to come.
Penn State may be familiar territory for Allen, but this Clemson defense is his now. And if the last month is any indication, they’re starting to play like it.