Showcase game helps offensive stats, not defensive ones

Artavis Scott helped out on offense and special teams last Saturday

by Daniel Shirley - Correspondent - Wed Oct 05 13:01:02 GMT-04:00 2016

The game of the year so far in college football certainly helped Clemson’s offensive numbers after it won a shootout with Louisville on Saturday night.

But the 42-36 Tigers win damaged the team’s defensive stats somewhat.

Wayne Gallman had his best game of the year with 110 yards on 16 carries, and he moved into the top 100 in rushing yards at No. 80. Gallman is now averaging 73.2 yards per game.

With 507 yards against the Cardinals, the Tigers moved up the ladder in rushing offense (167.8 yards per game, T73) and total offense (463.4 yards, 43), and they also moved from No. 53 to a tie for 47th (35.2 points per game) in scoring offense with their six touchdowns.

The Clemson defense dominated the first half against Louisville, but Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals came alive in the second half. And that hurt the Tigers’ national stats. Clemson dropped from fifth to 13th in scoring defense (16.0 points), 15th to 39th in rushing defense (128.8 yards), third to 14th in passing defense (159.6 yards) and third to 12th in total defense (288.4 yards).

Deshaun Watson had 397 yards of offense against Louisville and now ranks 34th in passing offense (260.4 yards) and 26th in total offense (302.6 yards).

On defense, Jadar Johnson had another interception to raise his season total to three, which is tied for fifth. He also ranks 13th with seven passes defensed.

Other NCAA rankings of note:

TEAM

Offense

Passing offense: 295.6 yards per game (29).

Defense

Sacks: 3.6 per game (T10).

Tackles for loss: 9.6 per game (4).

Interceptions: 1.6 per game (T10).

Special Teams

Punt returns: 14.5 yards per return (16).

Kickoff returns: 24.92 yards per return (28).

INDIVIDUAL

Offense

Receiving: Mike Williams, 74.6 yards per game (61).

Defense

Tackles: Van Smith, 39 (T75); Ben Boulware, 38 (T86).

Sacks: Carlos Watkins, 3.0 (T64); Albert Huggins 3.0 (T64).

Tackles for loss: Christian Wilkins, 6.5 (T31); Kendall Joseph, 6.0 (T44).

Passes defensed: Cordrea Tankersley, 5 (T53).

Special teams

Punt returns: Ray-Ray McCloud, 16.8 yards per return (8).

Kickoff returns: Tavien Feaster, 20.14 yards per return (95).

Scoring: Greg Huegel, 8.0 points per game (T70).

Daniel Shirley is the sports editor of The Telegraph in Macon, Ga., and co-host of The Midday Sports Zone on Middle Georgia’s ESPN, 93.1 FM and 99.5 FM. Follow him on Twitter at @DM_Shirley and read his blog at macon.com/peachsports