Rudolph looks for the defense to bring the heat at Syracuse

Clemson held Texas A&M to just 289 total yards last week

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Thu Sep 12 20:03:14 GMT-04:00 2019

CLEMSON – Defensive end Logan Rudolph didn’t make the trip to Syracuse two years ago during his redshirt season, and he watched the upset unfold on the television set in his room.

Even though Rudolph wasn’t on the field that night, it’s not a feeling he wants to experience first-hand.

The Tigers (2-0, 1-0 ACC) travel to Syracuse to take on the Orange (1-1, 0-0) in a 7:30 game (ABC) Saturday night in the Carrier Dome, and Rudolph is looking forward to the challenge.

“I do love home games and being in the Valley, but it’s a great opportunity to be in a new environment,” Rudolph said. “It’s a new place and I have heard a lot of stuff about the Carrier Dome and it's loud. Obviously two years ago didn't go as planned, so we’re definitely looking forward to going back and just playing Clemson football.”

Rudolph could only watch as the Orange pulled off the upset two years ago.

“I remember watching it and being really bummed out after that. Everybody was,” he said. “It was going into a bye week and that wasn't a fun week to be a part of, but we rebounded and got better from it. We rebounded.”

The Dome doesn’t have air conditioning and Syracuse players and coaches have promised a warm reception for the Tigers.

“They have kind of talked about how they don't have air conditioning in the Carrier Dome, which is unique,” Rudolph said. “Which is why I think we are practicing outside today, but we're used to hot weather and playing in 95-degree heat, so I think it will be just fine. I think it'll be a great loud experience. I heard it’s a great venue to play at.”

The Clemson defense held its own in the heat last weekend, holding Texas A&M to 289 total yards and without a touchdown until just six seconds were left on the clock. The temperature at kickoff was a Death Valley record 96-degrees.

“It was great. It was hot. Hot one for sure, but it speaks to our fans and the environment we put out there every Saturday,” Rudolph said. “They weren't afraid of the heat and neither were we, so we came out and performed and did the best we could. It was a lot of fun. It was a huge confidence builder for the defense and I think that's the best result we could have got. I think everybody was pleased with it and it's big going into this week.

“I think the defense and the defensive line especially did a good job. Just being disruptive and a lot of that is a testament to Coach V, and the great system he puts in every week, and the blitzes we dial up. So, I think we did a great job and I think we're only going to get better.”

The motto for the young defensive line? No drop-off.

“Kind of the motto we’ve had in the d-line room since spring and now is just been no drop-off,” he said. “We're going to do everything we can to carry on the legacy that those guys left last year, and we don't have to be Clelin Ferrell or Austin Bryant, we just need to be ourselves and give great effort everyday and if we do that we are going to be successful.

“I think we are hard workers, blue-collar, not afraid to put our face in it. I think we'll establish more of an identity as the season goes on, but after the first two games, I think they are certainly pleased with what they have seen. We can establish ourselves as the year goes forward.”