Clemson Defensive Coordinator Wes Goodwin Previews Showdown with No. 1 Georgia
On how preparation changes for Week 1 when the opponent is the No. 1 team in the country:
“I don't think that's really changed. Obviously, you look at the schedule and see Georgia, so that kind of piques your interest. Not every day you get the opportunity to open up with the No. 1 team in the country. I mean 130-something Division I teams, and we get that opportunity. So a tremendous opportunity for our guys. But I feel like our preparation has been no different than it was last year or it was 10 years ago. You know, from a defensive standpoint, our guys have been really focused and locked in and showed up every day with a business-like attitude, and have just gotten better each and every day.”
On if the success the defensive line had against a big, physical Notre Dame offensive line last year helps with the matchup against a similar Bulldogs offensive line:
“I do. A lot of guys that are playing Saturday played big roles in that game. They understand the physicality. This game is going to come down to the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. So, that's going to be a tremendous match-up for us against them and them against us, both offensively and defensively.”
On preparing for a Georgia offense that lost All-American tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Ladd McConkey:
“They lost a ton of production. Those two young men are tremendous players. But their roster is still loaded with talent. Adding [Trevor] Etienne to another stable of a great running backs with [Roderick] Robinson and Nate Frazier's had a really good camp. So backfield-wise, [they] got a ton of talent. They talk about one of the most talented backfields they've had in a long, long time there.
“Oscar Delp played a ton of ball. He's a really good player at tight end, so I expect him just to kind of be the next man up.
“And then, skill-wise, transfer Colbie Young. We faced him last year at Miami, obviously. Arian Smith you know the type of matchup he presents with his ability to knock the roof off the defense. And then 86 [Dillon Bell] and 6 [Dominic Lovett] are tremendous athletes who do a good job in the passing game as well. [They] get them the ball in space and make you have to tackle [them]."
On what allows Peter Woods to play defensive end at 319 pounds:
“I think his motor and his athleticism. When he showed up in January, as a freshman, I think he had the fifth most muscle mass on the team. So, he's nothing but a ball of muscle. So, I'll leave that up to the nutritionist and his position coach to manage all that. But I've seen nothing but great ability out of him during camp to be able to play wherever he's needed.”
On the progress of redshirt freshmen Stephiylan Green and Vic Burley:
“I think they've put themselves in a position this camp to battle for some playing time and stuff. How that shakes out Saturday? We still got a few days this week. But I feel confident in their ability to go in and play for us, any chance that presents an opportunity.”