COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHRONICLE SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

It was 367 days ago when the Clemson Tigers faced a make-or-break game against the Syracuse Orange.

This Saturday, the Tigers faced their first test since that loss. Having dominated every opponent since that day, the Tigers were thrust into a situation against North Carolina that they were unfamiliar with.

They were clinging to a 1-point lead as the Tar Heels prepared to go for a potential game-winning 2-point conversion.

The coaching staff knew that this moment would come. Eventually, there would come a time to face their biggest opponent—adversity.

“I think (playing in tight games) just continues to build belief and a toughness and confidence, cohesion,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “That’s how the chemistry comes together, you know, playing for one another and guys just fighting their guts out. Whether you’re on the right side or the wrong side of it, still those same attributes are gained through the adversity.

“We talked all week about “the adversity is coming.” Not that it doesn’t ever happen week to week, but sometimes, you know, there’s a lot less stress. We really perpetuated that idea of, “The adversity’s coming and it’s going to define really who you are as a competitor and as a teammate and as a Clemson Tiger.”

The Tigers weathered a 16-play drive that took more than 8 minutes off the clock in the 4th quarter, 2 fourth down conversions and a barrage of clutch plays. When it came time for them to stand tall, they did just that, snuffing out the speed-option, 2-point conversion attempt and sending the sidelines and Venables into a celebration that was well-deserved.

“Our guys really, again, I just couldn’t be more proud of them to put the kind of display on that they did,” Venables said. “Again, that that second half, to come out and punt, punt, punt, turnover on downs, and then gave up the touchdown there in the last, you know, couple of minutes of the game... that was a 16 play drive we were just barely off. How fitting for how the day went, you know, again, just finding a way to win.”

The 2018 Tiger defense made their mark with the leadership provided by the front four. The 2019 defense may be defined by a propensity for stopping teams on the goal line. That type of gutsiness and will to make the critical stand when their backs are against the wall is something that comes as a direct result of preparation, work ethic and desire.