Walking away from Clemson’s season-opening loss to LSU, it’s easy to point fingers. A sluggish offense. Missed opportunities. A defensive line that just couldn’t quite get home. But if you’re ready to throw up your hands about this defense under new coordinator Tom Allen, I think you’re jumping the gun.
Because for nearly half the night, Clemson’s defense looked exactly like what Tiger fans hoped they would: tough, disciplined, and opportunistic. And with just a little help from the other side of the ball, this group can absolutely hold its own as the season rolls along.
A First-Half Masterclass
Let’s start with the obvious: Clemson held LSU to just three points at halftime. Three. Against Brian Kelly’s Tigers.
That doesn’t happen without players buying in to Tom Allen’s system right away. LSU’s offensive line came in with plenty of hype, yet their focus on double-teaming stars TJ Parker and Peter Woods opened the door for the linebacker duo of Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown to shine.
Woodaz finished with 6 total tackles, 5 of them solo, while Brown put together a monster stat line: 11 tackles with 8 solo stops. Their speed and toughness kept LSU from breaking free, especially early when Clemson had the momentum.
And the turnovers? Those weren’t by accident. Two forced fumbles in the first half showed Allen’s fingerprints on this defense: aggressive, physical, and always attacking the football.
The Surprise Star: Ronan Hanafin
Maybe the biggest storyline of the night wasn’t even about the linebackers or the D-line. It was safety Ronan Hanafin.
Yes, that Ronan Hanafin, the wide receiver turned defensive back. Not only did he settle into his new role, he led the team in tackles with 12, including 6 solo. He was everywhere. Sideline to sideline, you saw No.5 flying into the frame to clean up plays.
If anyone was wondering whether the move to safety would stick, Hanafin answered that question loud and clear in Week 1.
The Letdown Up Front
Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine. The defensive line, the supposed anchor of this unit, never really got going. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had far too much time in the pocket, getting sacked just once all night by defensive end Will Heldt.
That’s not the standard Clemson’s front has set in years past, and it showed. Without pressure up front, Nussmeier eventually found a rhythm, finishing with 230 of LSU’s 246 passing yards total on the night.
The run defense, though, was solid. LSU managed just 108 rushing yards, which on most nights would be good enough to get the job done.
Clemson Defense Worn Down by the Clock
The real dagger wasn’t necessarily the scheme, or even LSU’s talent, it was the clock.
By the end of the game, LSU had controlled the ball for 20 minutes and 33 seconds in the second half, compared to just 9:27 for Clemson. That’s not a sustainable formula for any defense, no matter how talented.
It was most glaring in the third quarter. LSU dominated time of possession 10:40 to 4:20, the Clemson offense not producing and having quick three and out drives forced the Clemson defense back onto the field over and over again. Eventually, wearing Tom Allen’s defense down.
Big Picture Takeaway
So here’s the thing: if Clemson’s offense can start pulling its weight, I don’t think there’s much to worry about with this defense.
Tom Allen’s first game already showed plenty of positives with takeaways, smart adjustments, and guys stepping into bigger roles. If the defensive line can start producing pressure the way we all expect them to, and if the offense can keep the defense from spending nearly 40 minutes on the field in a game, then this group is going to be just fine.
Yes, LSU eventually wore them down. But make no mistake: this Clemson defense has the pieces, the toughness, and the coordinator to be a strength all season long.
Game Takeaways
- Strong first half: Clemson held LSU to just 3 points before halftime.
- Linebacker duo shines: Wade Woodaz (6 tackles) and Sammy Brown (11 tackles) stepped up with Parker and Woods double-teamed.
- Turnover edge: Clemson forced two fumbles in the first half.
- Breakout performance: Ronan Hanafin led the team in tackles (12) at safety.
- Defensive line struggles: Just 1 sack and little pressure on LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier.
- Run defense solid: LSU limited to 108 rushing yards.
- Time of possession killer: LSU controlled the ball for 20:33 in the second half, wearing Clemson down.
- Big picture: With better offensive support and improved D-line play, Clemson’s defense can still be one of the ACC’s best.
