Clemson Football: Wes Goodwin has been a bright spot for Clemson

The performance of the defense has been a bright spot for Clemson in 2023. Wes Goodwin deserves a lot of the praise.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has shown that he's not afraid to make a move. Swinney, who joined Clemson legend Frank Howard at 165 wins last weekend, moved on from offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter after just one season. Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin was in a similar spot as Streeter last year. 

Replacing legendary defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who had taken the Oklahoma head job, Goodwin struggled to match the success of his predecessor and mentor. Clemson's defense gave up big plays, seemed lost at times, and allowed a ton of points. Coming into 2023, the pressure was on Goodwin and he's answered.

• Clemson ranked 28th in total defense last year, giving up 334 yards per game. So far in 2023, the Tigers are currently ranked seventh in the nation, allowing just 261.8 yards on average.
• The Tigers are also doing a better job of limiting big plays. Through six games, they've given up 17 plays of 20+ yards. Last year, they gave up 60 such plays over 14 games.
• It feels like Goodwin is taking a more conservative approach this year with playcalling. Clemson has just 15 sacks this year (on pace for 30) compared to 44 last year, but a lot of that has to do with the Tigers rushing just four at a much higher rate, allowing them to keep seven in coverage.
• The Tigers are on pace for 22 takeaways this year, compared to 21 last year, but more importantly, they're giving up just 4.16 yards per play, good for fifth in the nation. Last year's unit gave up almost a yard more per play at 5.03.

It's been an impressive turnaround for Goodwin. Replacing a coach like Venables would be too much for a lot of coaches, but, after a rocky start, Wes Goodwin has answered the call.

Title photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics/Dawson Powers