re: So why don't the Clemson fans ever mention their defense?

Our defense is as bad as advertised, ranked at #74 in total defense. If you don't think we've been talking about it, you've not been paying attention to Clemson football.

We have 3 fundamental problems on defense that even backup quarterbacks can exploit. First is that there's little pressure coming from the end position, giving pocket passers way too much time to find open receivers. Second, our linebackers are poor in pass coverage situations. Third, a depleted secondary is prone to missed assignments and poor tackling. The only bright spots are that the d-line and linebackers are decent against the run, and seem to step up on 3rd down.

If our defense was a little above average (ranked in, say, the 30's), we'd be sitting at either 11-1 or 12-0.

That said, I'm not sure our D is much worse than Les Miles' offensive play calling. I guess we'll find out for sure on Monday night.