A month ago, Clemson’s defense was coming off a 51-point beatdown at LSU. On Friday night at Cal, it looked like a completely different unit.
The Tigers’ road win over the Golden Bears was built on a secondary that took over the game and never let go. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was bottled up throughout the night, and Clemson’s defensive backs were the main reason why. Ashton Hampton and Elliot Washington II were the standouts, with Hampton breaking up three passes and Washington picking off two balls over the last two games.
That kind of performance matters even more because Clemson’s back end was such a weakness a season ago. Under Tom Allen, the turnaround has been fast and dramatic. The additions of Jerome Carter III and Corey Myrick from the transfer portal have helped, but Friday was really about Hampton and Washington making life miserable for Cal’s receivers.
According to PFF, the Tigers’ corners were operating at an All-American level against the Golden Bears. Receivers covered by Ashton Hampton finished with 2 catches for 10 yards, while receivers covered by Elliot Washington II managed just 1 catch for 9 yards and those two interceptions.
The impact went beyond the stat line. Clemson’s secondary gave the rest of the defense room to breathe.
The pass rush kept building, with London Merritt continuing to rise alongside Will Heldt, and the defensive line is starting to flash some edge. The linebackers, meanwhile, have been steady as usual.
That’s the kind of balance Clemson can live with in ACC play. Outside of Miami, there aren’t many teams on the schedule that look capable of truly testing this secondary. That gives Allen the freedom to get more aggressive up front, knowing the back end isn’t likely to crack.
For a team that was trying to shake off last season’s frustration, the win in Berkeley was a major step. Clemson didn’t just beat Cal; it controlled the game by shutting down the offense and playing with confidence across the board. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a clear sign that this defense is moving in the right direction fast.
In Other News...
Dabo Sends Clemson A Clear Warning Before Miami Arrives
The road win gave Clemson a useful reminder of what can travel well, and Dabo Swinney made sure to point to the defense and the kind of finishing drive that can change the tone of a game. He also noted how the quarterback worked through a difficult night, while still stressing confidence in the players growth as the Tigers move deeper into the season.
Now the focus shifts to a home meeting with a strong opponent, and Swinney didnt shy away from the challenge of getting the team back into rhythm after the travel and the quick turnaround. The warning was clear enough: Clemson handled one tough test on the road, but the next one asks for a different level of readiness, especially with Miami coming to town. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson Took A Brutal Backfield Hit Before Miami
Clemsons backfield took another hit heading into a pivotal stretch, with running back David Eziomume expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a leg injury against California. Coach Dabo Swinney confirmed the news and said Eziomume will need surgery, a tough turn for a Tigers offense already managing injuries elsewhere on the roster.
The timing is especially rough with Miami looming, and Clemson is now trying to sort through a thinner mix of options while keeping the rest of the lineup intact. Swinney also said starting guard Elyjah Thurmon, nickel Corian Gipson and defensive tackle Devarrick Woods are dealing with short-term injuries, which at least leaves some reason to think the list of sidelined Tigers may not keep growing much further. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson Just Got A Tougher Miami Test Than Expected
Miamis trip to Clemson is looking a little sturdier than it might have earlier in the week. Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. are expected to be available for the matchup, giving Miami a pair of key pieces back after both missed the Central Michigan game.
Both players were held out as a precaution after minor injuries against Wake Forest, and Cristobal said they are healthy and ready to return. For Clemson, that adds a little more heft to a game already carrying the usual weight of an ACC showdown, especially with Miami likely to be closer to full strength than it was in its last outing. [Read more 🡒]