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Clemson reportedly will change defensive formation, start true freshman vs. Virginia Tech
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Clemson is set to make a significant change to its defense against Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon, according to a report.
Per The Clemson Insider’s Will Vandervort, the Tigers will start 3 linebackers on Saturday vs. the Hokies. With the new formation change, true freshman line linebacker Sammy Brown will earn his first-career start, the report added.
Clemson is presumably hoping that a formation change will help shore up its run defense. Clemson allowed Louisville to rush for 7.8 yards per carry last weekend in Death Valley.
While that was Clemson’s worst performance of the year against the the run, the Tigers have struggled to stop rushing attacks all season long. Clemson ranks 121st nationally in EPA-per-rush allowed, according to Game on Paper. Clemson ranked 8th in that category a year ago, so this has been an uncharacteristic fall for the Tigers.
For Brown, this is an exciting step in his development. Brown was the No. 19 overall player and the No. 2 linebacker in the country for the class of 2024, per 247Sports Composite rankings. Brown has 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks already this season.
The Clemson Insider report did not say who Brown is starting in place of on Saturday. Wade Woodaz and Barrett Carter will remain as starters at linebacker, per the report.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
