Friedlander: Clemson defense cause for concern heading into clash with NC State

Dabo Swinney was so impressed with what he saw from his defense during spring practice in April that he proclaimed it could be “as good as they want to be” this season.

Four games in, the Tigers haven’t lived up to that expectation.

They haven’t been North Carolina bad, mind you. And they’re still 4-0, ranked 5th nationally heading into Saturday’s ACC Atlantic Division showdown against No. 10 NC State.

But despite a rash of injuries and other extenuating circumstances, there’s genuine cause for concern.

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