Watson’s numbers continue to climb

Watson continues to climb in the national rankings

by Daniel Shirley - Correspondent - Thu Nov 03 08:01:02 GMT-04:00 2016

Deshaun Watson and the Clemson Tigers won another big game Saturday.

And they won another close game.

While Watson did throw two interceptions, the Tigers’ junior quarterback had a huge night in leading the Tigers over the Seminoles. In doing so, Watson continued to climb the rankings in the NCAA’s national statistical categories.

Watson is now 21st in the nation in passing yards (291.0 yards per game) and 13th in total offense (332.4 yards).

While the defense struggled at times against Florida State, it did come up with the key plays when it needed to with sacks, tackles and an interception. The Tigers rank in the top 10 in the nation in all three categories: 31 sacks (T2); 73 tackles for loss (3); and 12 interceptions (T8).

The Tigers also continue to be strong in kickoff coverage, which has helped the defense. Allowing just 16.13 yards per game, Clemson ranks fourth nationally.

Other NCAA rankings of note:

TEAM

Offense<

Scoring offense: 36.6 points per game (26).

Rushing offense: 164.88 yards per game (76).

Passing offense: 314.0 yards per game (17).

Total offense: 478.9 yards per game (30).

Defense

Scoring defense: 17.6 points per game (11).

Rushing defense: 136.25 yards per game (37).

Passing defense: 181.1 yards per game (17).

Total defense: 317.4 yards per game (14).

Special Teams

Punt returns: 10.47 yards per return (32).

Kickoff returns: 23.22 yards per return (35).

INDIVIDUAL

Offense

Rushing: Wayne Gallman, 71.38 yards per game (94).

Receiving: Mike Williams, 81.0 yards per game (34).

Defense

Tackles: Ben Boulware, 63 (T76); Van Smith, 61 (T88).

Sacks: Carlos Watkins, 4.5 (T77).

Tackles for loss: Christian Wilkins, 10 (T35).

Interceptions: Jadar Johnson, 4 (T7).

Passes defensed: Johnson, 10 (T21).

Fumbles: Ben Boulware, 2 (T37).

Special teams

Punt returns: Ray-Ray McCloud, 10.93 yards per return (23).

Kickoff returns: Artavis Scott, 25.18 yards (28).

Field goals: Greg Huegel, 84.6 percent (T24).

Scoring: Huegel, 8.1 points per game (T58).

*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.