Venables excited by defensive progress |
CLEMSON –
Brent Venables
Brent Venables Clemson’s defensive coordinator got his first taste of Paul Johnson’s option offense Saturday in No. 15 Clemson’s 47-31 win over the Yellow Jackets, and he told the media after the game that he was glad he didn’t have to worry about Georgia Tech for another year. “I’m so glad that game is over,” Venables said. “What a pain in the butt. I felt like I played every play today. It’s a tough offense to defend. It creates a lot of stress. They do a good job of making some good in-game adjustments.” It was never easy for the Tiger defenders as Georgia Tech ran up just fewer than 200 rushing yards in the first half and scored 21 points. Overall, the Jackets rushed for 339 yards on 46 attempts and had chances to either take control of the game or wrest the momentum away from Clemson in the second half. Each time, they were turned away. Leading 28-27, the Jackets had just intercepted a
Tajh BoydTajh Boyd Venables said he feels like he can see the defense beginning to show some growth. “They really, really responded in a big-time way,” Venables said. “They had some huge plays there in the second half. That, one, has me excited about them, and two, those were steps and growth. I was very proud of the way they responded in the second half. We just lost some leverage and had a couple of poor tackles [in the first half]. We didn’t really change a whole lot. I think our plan was good. You’ve just got to trust the guys around you and know what everybody’s responsibility is.” Venables said that Shuey’s play was just an example of a player trusting his teammates and doing his job. He said that he was proud of the way his defenders responded, even when he was trying to put the best 11 out on the field as he searched for the combination of players to stop the Tech offense. It also gives him something to build upon. “I think those were steps in growth, our confidence, and just defending more and more sound,” Venables said. “I’m really proud of our guys for staying calm, didn’t freak out. We made some minor adjustments and they handled those really well. Last week, I didn’t feel great about that one. This week, I do, [for] a lot of reasons.”
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
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now knows what it means to play Georgia Tech…it’s a pain in the butt.
RS Jr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
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pass and driven into the Clemson red zone, but were turned away when they went for it on a 4th-and-1. Later in the fourth quarter,
Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
RS Jr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
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tackled A-back Orwin Smith in the end zone for a safety, and the defense later forced a field goal attempt that was blocked.
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