Huge As Clemson LB Barrett Carter Makes Significantly Bold Declaration For CFB Playoff
Clemson LB Barrett Carter came back to Tiger Town with more goals on his mind than just improving his NFL Draft stock.
Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter returned to Tiger Town with ambitions beyond just boosting his NFL Draft prospects. His senior season at Clemson is not merely about playing another year of college football; it’s about achieving something greater. In a recent press conference, Carter voiced his high aspirations, stating, “I didn’t come back here to just win a bowl game,” according to Clemson Sports Talk.
At 6’2″ and weighing 230 pounds, Carter has been a defensive powerhouse for Clemson since his days at North Gwinnett High School in Georgia. While Clemson once seemed destined for the College Football Playoff, circumstances have shifted. After three consecutive seasons without a playoff spot, the Tigers are now in a strong position halfway through the current season.
With a record of 5-1 and perfect in ACC play, Carter’s leadership on defense has been vital to the team’s achievements. For him, though, it’s about more than just winning; it’s about establishing a standard of excellence.
“Coach Swinney always says, good teams win at home, but great teams win on the road,” Carter elaborated. “That’s what we’re trying to show—that we’re a great team capable of being special.”
This season, Carter has prioritized enhancing Clemson’s red zone defense, a critical element that can make or break games. “It starts with practice habits,” he emphasized, explaining that the team treats each red-zone drill as if it were an actual game. “You have to act like, as our coaches say, you’re defending a blade of grass.”
That sense of urgency has shown results, with Clemson’s defense stepping up when it counts, achieving stops that have altered the momentum in their favor.
Despite challenges from last season and a tough loss to Georgia, Carter asserts that the team’s drive is internally motivated and rooted in their love for the game. “Our motivation comes from within,” he stated.
Despite early skepticism following a heavy loss to Georgia, the Tigers have been impressive in their last five games. The offense—led by players like Cade Klubnik, Phil Mafah, Antonio Williams, Jake Briningstool, and Bryant Wesco—has revitalized, transforming the team into a drastically different contender than what was seen in August.
During their last five outings, Clemson has shown dominance, with their narrowest win being a solid 29-13 victory over Florida State, a game they controlled throughout. Now ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll, the Tigers have been defeating opponents decisively and are emerging as strong contenders for the ACC Championship.
Even if Clemson falls short of the ACC title, many analysts expect the Tigers to receive an at-large berth. However, there are still numerous games left in the season.
This weekend, the Tigers will host Virginia before heading into their second bye week. They will then face a pivotal stretch with a home game against Louisville, followed by tough road games against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh, all of which could involve ranked opponents depending on upcoming performances.
The Tigers appear to have found a new gear this season. With the offense finally firing on all cylinders—thanks in part to Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley and a more composed Cade Klubnik—Clemson looks revitalized after a period of struggles post-Trevor Lawrence. Additionally, their receiving corps is healthy again after injuries hindered them in previous seasons.
As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see what Clemson can achieve. They seem headed for a showdown with the Miami Hurricanes for the ACC Championship, but in college football, nothing is guaranteed. Dabo Swinney and his seasoned leadership, including Barrett Carter, are well aware of this reality.
Clemson and Virginia will kick off at 12 p.m. on the ACC Network.