In the upcoming Clemson Tigers vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers game, both teams will put their defenses to the test. Clemson, ranked No. 25, had a tough start to the season, allowing 447 yards in a loss to Georgia, with 169 yards on the ground and 278 through the air. While Clemson’s defense held strong in the first half, limiting Georgia to just six points, they struggled in the second half, giving up 34 points. This has put pressure on Clemson’s defensive coordinator, Wes Goodwin, although not as much as on offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
Appalachian State, on the other hand, had a more successful opener, limiting East Tennessee to 305 yards of total offense and just 10 points. However, one concern for the Mountaineers is their run defense, which allowed 209 rushing yards. This could prompt Clemson to rely on their running back, Phil Mafah, in an effort to exploit this weakness early in the game.
Several key defensive players from both teams will be crucial in this matchup. Starting with Clemson, junior linebacker Andrew Mukuba from Tampa, Florida, had an impressive season opener with nine tackles, including one for a loss, and a special teams tackle. Mukuba is a versatile player who can line up at both linebacker and safety. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 51 tackles, 11.5 of which were for a loss, along with 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt. This season, Mukuba is expected to elevate his game even further.
Clemson’s cornerback Toriano Pride Jr., a junior from Mauldin, South Carolina, played the most snaps in Clemson’s opener against Georgia, registering seven tackles and a half-tackle for loss. Pride set a career high in tackles in that game, signaling his increasing role in the defense. Last season, he played 189 snaps over seven games, making 10 tackles and three pass breakups. Now, as a key part of Clemson’s defense, he is no longer a backup but someone who will be heavily relied upon.
Defensive lineman Peter Woods was another standout for Clemson in their game against Georgia. Woods, a sophomore from Alabaster, Alabama, was highly active in the backfield, making six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Last season, Woods was a Freshman All-American, contributing 27 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a forced fumble in 12 games, though he only started two of those. As a former five-star recruit, Woods seems ready for a breakout season.
On the Appalachian State side, defensive coordinator Scot Sloan will need to shore up his run defense, especially with Clemson’s potential emphasis on their running game. Sloan’s defense performed well in their first game but must improve against the run to handle Clemson’s offense.
In summary, the defensive units of both Clemson and Appalachian State will be pivotal in this matchup, with key players like Mukuba, Pride, and Woods looking to make an impact on the Tigers’ side.
