Brent Venables' defense "left no doubt," but he wasn't expecting that
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables was as happy as we’ve seen him in a while after Clemson’s 34-10 victory over South Carolina.
“I’m super proud of our players, their commitment, their willingness to prepare, and their toughness to go on the road,” Venables said.
Venables was very complimentary of South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley even after his 16-of-29 performance for 126 yards and two interceptions.
“He’s a really well-schooled, very smart quarterback. If he knows what you are in, he can make it hard on you. Jake’s like a coach out there on the field.”
But Venables did say that he thought his defense was able to rattle the sophomore quarterback.
“I don’t feel like they stood back and had a firm pocket very much. I thought our disruption and pressure was good.”
The Tigers were able to generate pressure on Bentley without starting linebacker Tre Lamar but got back a healthy Dexter Lawrence. Venables was pleased with the depth his defense showed.
“Other than Tre, we finally got our guys back as healthy as you are going to be through the course of a season. That was a major part when those guys are full speed. We’ve been able to develop some depth throughout the course of a season as well, both at safety and at corner. I thought that was big here tonight.”
Venables, like other members of the coaching staff, couldn’t speak highly enough about Clemson’s ability to go on the road in hostile environments and play their best football.
“I think it shows a lot of courage, a lot of toughness, the poise that it takes. I really think as a team we are starting to get into a rhythm and really develop our chemistry on defense. There is a lot of trust, a better understanding through game 12. Guys understand what the other guys around them are doing.
“Some years you have it, some years you don’t. I think this group has really bought into the idea of understanding more than what they are doing and trying to be a complete defensive player. To come in here - a great environment for college football and (South Carolina) has played very well as a team, Jake’s an excellent player – to come in here and leave no doubt through three-and-a-half quarters, I wouldn’t have guessed that.
"The best players, best units, and best teams I've been around get better as the years go on. You can definitely say that about this group.”
Watch Venables' full interview above.