Parker, Defense Inspired by Success of Clemson's Offense

CLEMSON — The 21st-ranked Clemson Tigers showed out on both sides of the ball in Saturday’s 59-35 win over NC State.

The Clemson defense allowed only one touchdown in the first half in comparison to the Tigers’ six, limiting the Wolfpack to only 29 rushing yards throughout two quarters.

The Tigers (2-1, 1-0 ACC) forced two crucial fumbles in the first quarter that granted quarterback Cade Klubnik and the offense immediate scoring opportunties. The Tigers turned around and scored on both drives following the forced turnovers.

This “complimentary football” allowed Clemson to take an early 28-0 lead that NC State could not claw its way back.

Defensive end T.J. Parker got the defense going when he sacked Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey and knocked the ball out. Cade Denhoff jumped on the loose football, setting the offense up at the NC State 18.

Five plays later, Klubnik found Antonio Williams for a second time on a two-yard throw to give the Tigers a 21-0 lead at the time.

Parker told the media after the victory that the Tigers do their best work when big plays by the defense are followed by offensive success, and vice versa.

“I love it,” he said. “Going back to the summertime, just watching all the work that those guys put in on offense and watching all the work we put in on defense  I love seeing it go hand-in- hand cause we really care for each other. We really are happy to see each other thrive…  going out  there, stopping them with a three-and-out or getting a turnover and just seeing them go put the ball in the end zone, I just love it for everybody.”

Parker clarified the defense does not need the offense to score to feel motivated, however.

“Even if [the offense] went three-and-out we’re still going to have that same energy because we get to go play football at the end of the day… Regardless if they score or not we’re going to be good,” Parker said.

Ultimately, Parker believes that “iron sharpens iron” and the improvements the offense made in the offseason have only shaped Clemson’s defense this year.

“I’m so happy for them. They work their tail off and it and allows us to get better as well,” he said.

The Tigers have another chance to showcase their complimentary style next week when the Stanford Cardinal ventures across the country to take on Clemson at Memorial Stadium (7 p.m., ESPN).