Tuesday September 16, 2008

NC State Game Worksheet

The NC State Game Worksheet
Offensive Goals Made
More than 225 yards passing-262
Fewer than 3 sacks per game-0
More than 150 yards rushing-166
More than 4 yards per carry-5.7
More than 20 first downs-22
Better than 60% pass completions percentage-71
Red Zone Scoring-80%- 100%

Offensive Goals Missed
Fewer than two turnovers-2
Red Zone-60% touchdowns- 50%
More than 27 points-27

Defensive Goals Made
Fewer than 18 points- 9
Fewer than 200 yards passing- 152
Less than 55% pass completion percentage- 51
Red Zone-40% touchdowns- 0%
Red Zone Scoring-70%-50%

Defensive Goals Missed
Fewer than 18 first downs-20
Fewer than 125 yards rushing- 136
More than two turnovers-2
Fewer than 3.5 yards per carry-3.5
More than 3 sacks per game- 2

Penalty yardage fewer than 50 per game- 75

Overall Report Analysis-Grades and Comments:
Offense-Rushing
Interior running game- This was one of the few sour notes from an offensive standpoint. Clemson was starting three freshmen on the offensive line and had a hard time moving the ball between the tackles.
Perimeter running game-Outstanding. C.J. Spiller had one of his best days. I also loved the way Jacoby Ford was utilized. Rob Spence used the Tigers’ speed to exploit the NC State defense.
Option game-N/A.
Draws- N/A
Short yardage running game- Another of the few disappointed parts of the offensive performance Saturday. The Tigers have to improve here.
Yards after contact- I thought Spiller had his best game from this standpoint. He actually broke tackles and ran through defenders. This was a strongpoint.
Offense-Passing
Pass protection-Excellent. State has a good front seven and hounded South Carolina quarterbacks two weeks ago. Clemson’s young offensive line allowed zero sacks Saturday. This was a very pleasant surprise.
Underneath passing game- The Tigers have to throw the ball underneath to help out the running game and take pressure off of the quarterbacks. They were able to execute the short passing game well. The first slant pass obviously was a disaster though.
Intermediate passing game- Harper was able to hit secondary receivers a few times on intermediate routes. I think his accuracy was on here. Ford’s touchdown was a key to the game.
Vertical passing game-Better than last week. The only true miss was the overthrow to Durrell Barry. Spiller’s touchdown was a thing of beauty.
Screens-I include swing passes here. I thought one of the keys was Aaron Kelly’s toughness and yards after the catch. Ford is explosive and hit some big ones here.
Drops- I don’t remember a drop from Saturday.
Yards after catch- Excellent. Ford and Kelly had a terrific game in this aspect.
QB throws on time- Harper had zero sacks and got rid of the ball on time.

Offense-Overall
First down yardage- The Tigers struggled on first down with the exception of a couple of big pass plays.
Third down conversion- Four of nine is acceptable. Ford’s touchdown came on third down so this helped.
Big Plays- The Tigers hot five plays of 20 or more yards. None were bigger than Ford’s 30 yard run/
Trick plays- N/A.

Defense-Overall
Tackling-Poor. I think this is not a very good tackling team. This might be the area where this team needs the biggest improvement.
First down yardage- Neither team was dominant on first down when State had the ball. I thought NCSU did better than expected on first down.
Third down conversion- The Wolfpack converted 7 of 17 third downs which was a major disappointment. The real issue is State converted five first downs of six or more yards.
Limit of Big Plays- State hit only one play of 20 or more yards.

Defense-Running game
Interior running game- State was able to run between the tackles with the zone read play with some success.
Perimeter running game- For the most part Clemson was able to contain the Pack’s perimeter game.
Option game- N/A
Draws- State hit a few big runs on the draw including Underwood’s big run on third and long.
Short yardage running game- NC State was 2-2 in short yardage situations.
Yards after contact- Clemson tackled poorly but State’s backs ran hard enough to break tackles too.

Defense-Passing Game
Pressure- The Tigers were able to pressure Wilson and Beck but the quarterbacks escaped too often.
Underneath passing game coverage- I thought the secondary and linebackers did a decent job here but Wilson is not much of a passer.
Intermediate passing game coverage-The Wolfpack threw to the backs and tight ends but could not spring any wide outs in the intermediate game.
Vertical passing game coverage- Clemson’s corners were excellent and shutdown any deep threat.
Screens-The Tigers limited State here.
Passes broken up- Byron Maxwell broke up a pass downfield. Brandon Thompson batted one down at the line of scrimmage.

Open field tackling-Poor. Plain and simple, poor.

Special Teams
Kickoff returns- State only kicked off three times and they kicked it short in order to limit Ford and Spiller. Spiller was able to give the Tigers field position with his one return.
Kick-off coverage- Excellent. Tyler Grisham and Crezdon Butler were stars here.

Punt return/block- Spiller returned the only return for seven yards.

Punt coverage-Snap, protection, punt, coverage- Excellent snaps, protection, punts and coverage. Jimmy Maners had a great day. Byron Maxwell provided excellent coverage as a gunner.

Field Goals/extra points-snap, hold, protection, kick- Once again Buchholz was perfect on all of his field goals and PATs. The snaps, holds and protection were excellent.

Overall Team
Energy, Enthusiasm, Leadership- I liked how the team responded with a blocked extra point after the first quick score. This was a key and the Tigers answered offensively with the next drive. The leadership here was a key.
Coaching I loved the offensive gameplan that got the ball in Spiller and Ford’s hands more often. I liked the exploitation of the speed.
Emotionally prepared-Adequate.
Game plan-Excellent on offense. Again, Spiller and Ford were given a chance and they took advantage of it.
Adjustments- I am not aware of any major adjustments that were needed.
Personnel-Like some, I think Korn deserved a chance but Harper is still the best quarterback. It was interesting to see Spiller as the main back during crunch time.
Time outs- N/A

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