Wes Goodwin knows some execution issues must be tightened up before facing a dynamic QB like UNC’s Drake Maye.
CLEMSON – The Tigers’ loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks was quite a shock. While there were a number of factors that contributed to it, defensive coordinator
Wes Goodwin attributed part of the defeat to the lack of execution by the defense and a number of missed opportunities, particularly in the red zone.
“I feel like that was a big difference in the game, just giving up touchdowns in the red zone,” Goodwin said. “Fourth and four, I thought we had a great coverage call, and didn’t execute there. And on another one, we missed an opportunity for a sack and they scrambled for a touchdown.”
The defense surrendered 31 points to South Carolina, the most points they have given up at home since giving up 35 points to them in 2018; however, Clemson scored 56 points in that edition of the rivalry so they still won then. Furthermore, this loss marked the first loss at home since falling to Pittsburgh in 2016, also a one-point game, 43-42.
For Clemson, one expectation coming into the season was of a stellar defensive line and pass rush. Goodwin argues that the pass rush did enough to win the game last Saturday, but there were other areas where the Tigers did not execute.
“I thought our pass rush did enough to win the game,” Goodwin said. “Credit to (South Carolina), they had a great play call on some plays as well. We obviously missed a few sack opportunities as well with guys coming free. I think it was more our execution at times. We could have been better as well.”
The stellar defensive line expectation was not met just because not everyone performed, but also because of the multitude of injuries that the Tiger defense suffered throughout the entire season. But, as Goodwin says, “That’s football.”
“You’re never going to…
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