News:Analysis: Lost in the impressiveness that was Clemson's offense Saturday against North Carolina State was their defensive struggles. Despite forcing two turnovers, the Tigers surrendered nearly 600 yards and allowed 48 points. Imagine if this were Oregon playing Clemson, and not the Wolfpack.
News:Clemson surrendered just ten points, and held Maryland to 41 yards passing on Saturday.
Analysis: The forced three fumbles, and sacked Maryland QB Shawn Petty twice. They've righted the ship somewhat, and a pass happy, yet mistake prone North Carolina State team is on tap.
News: In addition to Darius Robinson (broken ankle,) starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland didn't travel to Winston-Salem for Thursday night's game at Wake Forest, notes the Charleston Post and Courier.
Analysis: The Tigers' defense is coming of their best performance of the season in Week 8 against Virginia Tech, but these absences paired with the return of Wake WR Michael Campanaro make them a unit to avoid.
News:Clemson's defense forced four turnovers Saturday against Virginia Tech, and took an interception for a score.
Analysis: The Hokies' managed a late score, and the Tigers gave up 17 points as a result. It's an encouraging showing for a unit that's been gashed by lesser offenses.
News: Led by defensive end Kourtnei Brown, the Clemson defense intercepted North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner three times, forced three fumbles and scored two touchdowns.
Analysis: They also gave up 38 points, but we'll forgive them for their indiscretions there. A struggling Georgia Tech offense is up next for a unit that is emerging as a fantasy force.
News:Analysis: Clemson allowed 13 points against North Carolina State Saturday while totaling four sacks, one interception and a fumble recovery. They're a surprisingly decent play against Florida State if Christian Ponder is out.
News:Analysis: While the Clemson defense didn't have the same spectacular game that they did last week, they did put together a solid effort against a very tough offense to defend. They were able to force an interception and register a sack but it was mostly a game of trying to keep the Georgia Tech ground game from gaining any momentum. They have a potentially favorable matchup against BC and their anemic pass offense next.
News:Analysis: Clemson's defense and special teams had a big day, adding points from a kickoff return and an interception return for a touchdown. In total, the Clemson defense forced three interceptions while also registering three sacks. However, things are likely to get tougher against Georgia Tech and their option-based offense coming up next.
News:Analysis: Clemson's defense didn't play bad but wasn't good enough to prevent UNC from scoring three touchdowns. They were able to get two sacks but no interceptions. Maryland's up next and shouldn't give you any reason to re-consider Clemson as your defense.
News:Analysis: The Clemson defense continues to be a fairly lackluster fantasy option. In addition to a sack, they were able to force two interceptions but that was probably more Miami QB Jacory Harris forcing things than it was Clemson causing them. UNC is up next and it's hard to imagine the Clemson defense doing a dramatic turnaround after they've played the past two games; avoid.
News:Analysis: Clemson's defense started out strong until they allowed Auburn to get on the board right before the half. They were able to get some pressure on the QB, sacking him twice and forcing two interceptions but overall, did not have a very good fantasy output. Clemson's next game isn't for two weeks but you should avoid them as they'll be taking on Miami (FL).
News: Safety DeAndre McDaniel (hip) missed Wednesday's practice but returned on Thursday, ESPN reports.
Analysis: McDaniel might be the best strong-type safety in the country, and his presence is crucial for Clemson's defense. It looks like there's not much news here, which is always good news.
News: Clemson lost 34-17 to rival South Carolina on Saturday and allowed 388 total yards. The Tigers did force two turnovers in the game.
Analysis: Clemson's defense faces a major test in Saturday's conference championship game against Georgia Tech, as the Jackets average 440 ypg and 35 ppg. Those numbers are tops in the ACC.
News: The Tigers may have won 43-23 Saturday against NC State, but the Wolfpack racked up 377 yards with a balanced attack that had more first downs (26) than Clemson (20).
Analysis: Clemson knew they would have their hands full with NC State. The ACC's second-ranked defense should fare much better in Week 12 against Virginia, which is last in the week with just 266.7 yards and 19.8 points per game.
News: DE DaQuan Bowers (knee) is out for Saturday's game with NC State, ESPN.com reports. Meanwhile, CB Coty Sensabaugh (toe) is probable and DB Kantrell Brown (concussion) has been cleared to play.
Analysis: Bowers will be missed again, as he anchors the Clemson D-line and has 25 tackles through eight games and three sacks. Clemson faces NC State on Saturday and the Wolfpack, statistically, one of the best offenses in the ACC.
News: The Tigers forced one fumble and intercepted four passes as part of a 40-24 win over FSU on Saturday. They also held the 'Noles pass attack to 264 yards, well below average.
Analysis: The defense for Clemson has really stepped up the last two weeks, but another challenge awaits with NC State. The Wolfpack is averaging 33.7 points and 417 yards per game this season.
News: The Tigers have reason for concern going up against FSUs Christian Ponder this Saturday, as QBs have been the top rusher against Clemson in four of eight games this season.
Analysis: Ponder has rushed for better than 20 yards per game with two touchdowns this season, which can make him dangerous when combined with his 2,453 yards passing and 13 TDs.
News: Clemson held Coastal Carolina to 170 total yards and intercepted two passes in a 49-3 win on Saturday.
Analysis: Clemson's defense won't have it so easy in Week 10 going up against Florida State and the ACC's top overall offense.
News: Clemson may have allowed 433 total yards and 37 points to Miami, but they also forced four turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown, in their 40-37 win on Saturday.
Analysis: In all, the Tigers forced one fumble and intercepted three passes to put Clemson back in the positive at plus-two in the turnover margin. Clemson should not have too much trouble this week, when they venture outside the ACC and welcome in Coastal Carolina.
