A.J. Terrell
FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson is tackled by the Clemson defense during the first half of a NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. The crunching hits, game-changing interceptions and dominating defense is the same for No. 1 Clemson. It's just the names that change from year to year. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
No. 1 Clemson has new faces on defense and still dominating

By Pete Iacobelli Oct. 20, 2020 03:50 PM EDT

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, left, meets LSU quarterback Joe Burrow on the field after a NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans. LSU won 42-25. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson D, Lawrence falter as LSU rolls to championship

By Pete Iacobelli Jan. 14, 2020 02:25 AM EST

FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young, right, works against Florida Atlantic during an NCAA football game, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State said, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, the NCAA has concluded that star DE Chase Young must sit out one more football game before he can return. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File)
Playoff matchups: OU slowdown vs LSU; Clemson keys on Young

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 24, 2019 09:51 AM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2019, file photo, Miami tight end Brevin Jordan (9) celebrates a Miami take away in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, in Tallahassee, Fla. Jordan was selected to The Associated Press All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser, File)
Clemson RB Etienne, LB Simmons lead AP All-ACC teams

By Joedy Mccreary Dec. 10, 2019 12:50 PM EST

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) scrambles out of the pocket while defended by Wake Forest's Ja'Corey Johns (41) Clemson's during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Lawrence throws 4 TDs as No. 3 Clemson tops Deacons 52-3

By Pete Iacobelli Nov. 16, 2019 06:47 PM EST

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney calls out commands during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Clemson's re-tooled defense playing like 'one of the best'

By Pete Iacobelli Oct. 29, 2019 12:23 PM EDT

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, left, argues with a game official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Once again, No. 4 Clemson not allowing many yards or points

By Gary B. Graves Oct. 20, 2019 04:44 PM EDT

FILE - In this April 6, 2019, file photo, Clemson's Trevor Lawrence drops back to pass during Clemson's annual Orange and White NCAA college football spring scrimmage in Clemson, S.C. Clemson’s defense was a big reason why the Tigers won a second national championship in three seasons. Now that unit has massive holes to fill after losing its entire front to the NFL, along with three key linebackers and two members of the secondary _ and that could mean the Tigers have to win shootouts behind quarterback Trevor Lawrence to stay on top. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Clemson needs to fill major holes on defensive line

By Pete Iacobelli Jul. 16, 2019 04:24 PM EDT

Clemson's Trevor Lawrence drops back to pass during Clemson's annual Orange and White NCAA college football spring scrimmage Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)
Retooled Clemson D has strong spring as it moves forward

By Pete Iacobelli Apr. 06, 2019 06:54 PM EDT

Alabama head coach Nick Saban reacts after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Column: Saban endures most humiliating loss of Bama career

By Paul Newberry Jan. 08, 2019 12:35 AM EST

Clemson's Christian Wilkins celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Clemson uses big moments to topple Tide for title

By Pete Iacobelli Jan. 08, 2019 12:01 AM EST

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney kisses the championship trophy after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Orange Crush: Clemson topples No. 1 'Bama for national title

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 07, 2019 11:51 PM EST

Clemson's Travis Etienne celebrates after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. Clemson beat Alabama 44-16. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Latest: Clemson returns home to thousands of fans

Jan. 07, 2019 07:20 PM EST

Andy Anderson makes his way to Levi's Stadium before the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Alabama and Clemson Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
CLE at Alabama 1/7/2019

Jan. 07, 2019 06:32 PM EST

Clemson's Travis Etienne (9) runs for a touchdown against Pittsburgh as Trevor Lawrence (16) follows in the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
No. 2 Clemson clobbers Pitt 42-10 for 4th straight ACC title

By Steve Reed Dec. 01, 2018 11:41 PM EST

Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) hits Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell (3) in the helmet during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Latest: Playoff hopefuls make case, selections are next

By The Associated Press Dec. 01, 2018 12:24 PM EST