Bryant, Clemson offense make moves in NCAA stat ranks

In his first road start, Kelly Bryant scored two rushing TDs to move into the top-five nationally in the category.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Sun Sep 17 11:41:14 GMT-04:00 2017

Clemson football managed to improve on its number of top-25 rankings after a top-15 road trip to Louisville.

In all, the Tigers rank in the top tier in 15 key stats nationally, using a big night in all phases of the game to make a move.

Thanks to 613 offensive yards, Clemson jumped from 36th to 15th in total offense a game (519.7).

Kelly Bryant ranks fifth nationally in rushing touchdowns (5) and top-30 in both total offense (27, 298.3) and yards per pass (30, 8.83).

On defense, Clemson more than withstood the challenge of Louisville’s Lamar Jackson to maintain top-10 rankings in sacks per game (2), total defense (8) and scoring defense (8). Another impressive early stat is opponent red zone TD percentage (16, 33.3 percent), where Clemson’s reserves shined in Louisville’s last drive by keeping Jackson and company out of the end zone.

On special teams, redshirt freshman punter Will Spiers moved into the top-10 nationally in punting average (10, 46.5 yards per punt), after averaging 51.8 yards on four attempts Saturday night.

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Fourth down offense – 1 (1.000), sacks per game – 2 (5), scoring defense – 5 (4.5 PPG), total defense – 8 (223.3 YPG), scoring defense – 8 (10), team tackles for loss – 10 (8.7), punt yards average – 11 (46.75), third down offense – 11 (.535 percent), passing defense – 14 (132.3), total offense – 15 (519.7), rushing defense – 16 (91), red zone defense TD percentage – 16 (33.3), first downs offense – 17 (77), first downs defense – 21 (39), red zone TD percentage – 23 (80).

Other key stats

Scoring offense – 32 (39), Turnover margin – 89 (-0.67), red zone offense – 39 (90 percent), red zone defense – 64 (83.3).

Top individual national ranks

DE Austin Bryant – Sacks per game 4 (1.33)

QB Kelly Bryant – Rushing TDs 5 (5), total offense 27 (298.3), yards per pass 30 (8.83).

P Will Spiers – Punt yards average 10 (46.5)

RB Tavien Feaster – Yards per carry 15 (9.26)

ACC team stat rankings

Total offense: 3 (Leader: Louisville, 554 YPG)

Total defense: 2 (Leader: Duke, 223)

Passing offense: 7, 271 YPG (Leader: Louisville, 362.7)

Passing defense: 2 (Leader: Florida State: 96)