Clemson lost left tackle Elyjah Thurmon on the first play against Pittsburgh and Sammy Brown to a targeting call; both were already subbing in for injured starters. Brown's dismissal left a linebacker unit to survive with limited experience and Carter shouldering a heavy load in Pittsburgh.

Last year, the Clemson defense was underwhelming in year one under new defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. In year two, the defense is improved and after limiting Wake Forest to 13 points, pretty confident. Goodwin met with the media on Monday ahead of a much-needed bye week.