BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Dabo Swinney described the performance of his Clemson defense Saturday in one word.
"Mentality," he said following the 23rd-ranked Tigers' 24-14 win over Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium.
Clemson's mentality was to stop Virginia Tech, and it did. The Tigers held the Hokies to 228 total yards, while forcing three turnovers. Virginia Tech entered the game averaging 201.4 rushing yards per game and 5.21 yards per carry. The Tigers held the Hokies to 40 rushing yards and 1.90 yards per carry, both season lows for Virginia Tech.
Saturday's performance was a complete 180 from what happened last week in a loss to Louisville at home.
"That was just want to. There was nothing different," defensive end T.J. Parker said. "We had a game plan we put in, but it was just want to. Stopping the run is all about want to and imposing your will on the offensive line.
"That is all it is and that is what we did tonight."
Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) did not allow a touchdown on defense until there was 1:43 remaining in the final quarter. It would have been Clemson's first time holding an opponent without an offensive touchdown since a 31-3 win against Boston College in 2022.
"Mentality. Their heart. Guys being relentless to do their job," Swinney said. "That's what I saw."
The Tigers looked like the old Tigers playing defense on Saturday. They were flying to the ball. They were aggressive on every snap and they dominated the line of scrimmage.
It was the most aggressive Clemson has played this year, while holding the Hokies to 2 of 14 on third down, including 0-for-7 in the second half.
"Coach Swinney challenged us all week about not backing down," said Parker, who forced a second quarter fumble. "I am super excited with the way we played tonight. We played with courage. We played with effort. We were flying to the ball.
"Even when we faced adversity, we kept playing. We talked to each other, 'Let's keep going, the next play.' Obviously, we have things to correct, but we just go on to the next one."
The next one will be at Pittsburgh next Saturday. The game kicks off at noon and will be televised by ESPN.