Carter says mindset was issue for defense in second half: 'They knocked us off the ball'

Georgia averaged almost 10 yards per play in the second half. (Photo: Dale Zanine / USATODAY)

Ariana Pensy - Correspondent - Sunday, September 01 2024

ATLANTA - With No. 14 Clemson’s 34-3 loss to No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, it was the worst defeat the Tigers have suffered since losing 51-14 against Florida State in October of 2013.

For senior linebacker Barrett Carter, who had three tackles in this game, the first half was promising, but the second half was not.

“First half, I feel like we came out pretty solid. Still a little bumps and wrinkles and mistakes we have to fix. But, proud of the way that we came out,” Carter said. “We can’t let up off the gas. If things are going our way, if things are not going our way, we got to keep pushing and that’s what we didn’t do. That’s what we failed to do in the second half. So, proud of the way we came out initially.”

Things started as a defensive battle with five consecutive punts; there were a total of 11 punts in the game. It was 6-0 at the half with Clemson’s defense holding Georgia to just 143 yards. While some players on defense would be frustrated by seeing their offense not put up any points in the first half, Carter said it is just motivation for the defense to play harder. However, that motivation was not reflected in the second half as the Bulldogs were simply more physical.

“If the offense isn’t putting points on the board, we know we have to really hunker down on defense and just control what we can control and just focus on our jobs, and we trust those guys on that side of the ball. We trust (offensive coordinator) Coach Riley and that whole staff,” Carter said. “They were the more physical team in the second half. I feel like the first half, we came out strong. But, we didn’t come out with that mentality the second half … They knocked us off the ball. They got on the perimeter … It’s a physical game.”

This loss would have all but eliminated the Tigers from the Playoff in the previous four-team format. However, with the new 12-team CFP that guarantees a first-round bye to the four top-ranked conference winners, which should include the ACC Champion, Clemson still has a shot at one of the top four seeds in the playoffs. Knowing that while the Tigers lost the game, they still have a chance at the postseason, is something Carter will continue to preach to the team throughout the season.

“Obviously, this one hurts, and you want to come out and win every single game. But, we lost the battle today. We didn’t lose the war. So, that’s just the mindset and the mentality that I have. Going to keep preaching that to the young guys, preaching that to the whole team, and just help (them) understand yes, this one hurts. But, we have a long season ahead of us,” Carter said. “At the end of the day, football is about players making plays and they made more plays than us at the end of the day. So, for us, as far as separation goes, we have a lot of stuff to clean up and I feel like we can compete with the best. They’re a great team, and they showed that today. But, I really feel like (we) can be one of those top teams. We just got to watch the film and bounce back.”

Clemson's home opener is against Appalachian State on Saturday, Sept. 7 (8 p.m. / ACC Network), which gives them a chance to score their first touchdown and win of the season.