Clemson’s numbers keep rising with another win

Clemson's rushing attack is getting better by the week

by Daniel Shirley - Correspondent - Tue Nov 08 18:44:10 GMT-04:00 2016

Plenty went right for Clemson in its 54-0 win over Syracuse on Saturday, offensively, defensively and with the special teams.

The Tigers rolled up 565 yards of total offense, while holding the Orange to just 277 – 172 passing and 105 rushing, and those totals helped boost Clemson once again in the NCAA’s weekly statistics.

In pitching its second shutout of the season, Clemson’s defense now ranks in the top 12 nationally in several defensive categories. The Tigers have allowed just 15.7 points per game (eighth nationally) while allowing 180.1 passing yards (11th) and 312.9 total yards (12th) per game.

And the Tigers continued to apply pressure, ranking sixth with 33 sacks and fourth with 80 tackles for loss, and that has turned into turnovers: Clemson is tied for third with 15 interceptions.

Other NCAA rankings of note:

TEAM

Offense

Scoring offense: 38.6 points per game (21)

Rushing offense: 168.22 yards per game (71).

Passing offense: 320.2 yards per game (13).

Total offense: 488.4 yards per game (24).

Third-down conversions: 48.2 percent (15).

Fourth-down conversions: 66.67 percent (T14).

Defense

Rushing defense: 132.78 yards per game (34).

INDIVIDUAL

Offense

Rushing: Wayne Gallman, 70.44 yards per game (93).

Passing: Deshaun Watson, 277.4 yards per game (24).

Receiving: Mike Williams, 83.8 yards per game (29).

Total offense: Watson, 318.6 yards per game (14).

Defense

Tackles: Ben Boulware, 70 (T75).

Sacks: Carlos Watkins, 5.5 (T51).

Tackles for loss: Christian Wilkins, 10.0 (T50).

Interceptions: Jadar Johnson, 4 (T12).

Passes defensed: Johnson, 11 (T21).

Special teams

Punt returns: Ray-Ray McCloud, 10.93 yards per return (21).

Kickoff returns: Artavis Scott, 25.18 yards per return (22).

Field goals: Greg Huegel, 81.3 percent (32).

Scoring: Huegel, 8.4 points per game (T50).

*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.