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Clemson

Clemson DC Wes Goodwin named ACC Coordinator of the Week

Matt Connollyby:Matt Connolly•10/03/22•

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Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin is in his first season leading the Tigers' defense. (Wil Langston/Clemson Athletics)

The Clemson defense bounced back from a poor showing at Wake Forest in impressive fashion this past weekend against NC State.

The Wolfpack managed only 13 points until a garbage time touchdown late as Clemson earned a critical 30-20 win.

Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin called a great game against the Wolfpack, and on Monday, Goodwin was named the On3 Coordinator of the Week for the ACC.

“Goodwin’s defense held NC State to its lowest yards per play total since 2019 (4.0) during Clemson’s 30-20 victory over the then-No. 10 Wolfpack,” On3’s Matt Zenitz wrote. “NC State had just 13 points through 59 minutes before a meaningless late touchdown.”

Making the defensive performance even more impressive is the fact that Clemson was down several starters on that side of the ball.

Bryan Bresee, Xavier Thomas and Sheridan Jones missed the game, while Andrew Mukuba was ejected in the first half for targeting.

Still, NC State finished with only 279 yards of offense and only 34 rushing yards.

“I thought Wes did a great job tonight as far as just when we needed to pressure,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We did some good things coverage wise. Just kind of played to our guys’ strengths a little bit. Did a good job.”

The performance against NC State was much needed after the Tigers struggled mightily the previous weekend against Wake Forest.

Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman passed for six touchdowns against the Tigers, but Clemson did a much better job against the pass against NC State.

Goodwin spoke last week about how he was still growing as a defensive coordinator and play caller.

It’s clear that he took a big step forward against NC State.

“You go back and critique everything, from the week of preparation leading up, to how we made adjustments in the game, to how we played certain sets and that sort of deal,” Goodwin said after the Wake Forest game. “There’s a lot of challenges being a first-year coordinator.”

Goodwin is clearly improving, though, and he will look to take another step forward Saturday against Boston College.