Linebackers didn’t let Clemson defense slip

Associated Press

CLEMSON, S.C.

Clemson’s defense looked ready to take a big step backward after losing eight starters from its No. 1 unit. Coordinator Brent Venables knew, though, returnees like linebackers Ben Boulware and B.J. Goodson, would have a huge say in keeping the defense playing at a national championship level.

Goodson leads the team with 146 tackles with Boulware right behind at 132. They’ve combined for nine sacks and four interceptions — and becoming the hard hitting soul of the nation’s No. 1 team. The Tigers (14-0) face No. 2 Alabama for the national championship on Monday night in Arizona.

Safe to say, Clemson would not have come this far without the consistent play of its linebackers.

“It has helped a lot,” Venables said.

The Tigers led the country in defense last year, allowing 260 yards a game. They were powered by a fiercesome front four led by defensive end and first-round NFL draft pick Vic Beasley. Clemson also lost linebacker Stephone Anthony, a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints.

“We knew had a good first group,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We knew we’d have to get some of the young guys to grow up.”

That task fell to Boulware and Goodson.

“We obviously lost a lot of guys on the front and the back end,” Boulware said. “I knew the leadership and the maturity of the guys we have now. So I think it was more outside of Clemson who thought there was going to be a drop-off.”

Goodson is a 6-foot-1, 250-pound fifth-year senior who showed his big-play potential last year with three recovered fumbles as a part-time starter. He stayed around the ball at middle linebacker, collecting two more fumbles this year to go with two interceptions.

Before defensive tackle Carlos Watkins stopped Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer on a two-point conversion to preserve Clemson’s 24-22 win last October, Goodson had an interception and pounced on a fumble to halt two fourth-quarter drives.

“I call him Mr. Everything because he does everything,” Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson said.

If Goodson is poised and in position, Boulware is a frenetic player who’s volume always goes up to 11. He’s had seven pass breakups, the most of Clemson’s linebackers. He’s also usually around the ball, blitzing past opposing lineman to get near the quarterback.