Clemson by the numbers: Elite offense showing in efficiency

Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne are among the best in the nation in scoring on an offense now in the top-5 there.

Brandon Rink - Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer - Sunday, November 04 2018

As you might expect, a fourth win in a row by five touchdowns or more does wonders in the national rankings.

Going 7-of-7 on red zone touchdowns vaulted Clemson into the top-10 in red zone TD percentage (8th; 77.8) and the points scored placed the Tigers in the top-5 in scoring offense (4th; 47.8) and defense (4th; 13.3). The Tigers' average scoring margin (34.5 PPG) is second only to Alabama (37.2).

Clemson was also ultra-efficient on third down against the Cards, converting 7-of-8 chances to move into the top-25 in third down offense (19th; .430).

The top-three statistical ranks are on the defensive side still at No. 2 in tackles for loss (10.4) and sacks per game (3.44) on the No. 3 total defense (269.2 YPG). Other top-10 ranks include TFLs allowed (4th; 3.44), rushing defense (6th; 90.4 YPG), rushing offense (7th; 265.3), total offense (7th; 538), third down defense (8th; .280) and fourth down defense (9th; .286).

On the negative side, a kickoff return TD and a few more attempts than normal allowed dropped Clemson from the top kickoff return defense to 77th (21.6 YPR).

Individually, freshman receiver Justyn Ross improved on his yards per reception total to a top-10 ranking (6th; 21.6). Travis Etienne ranks second in the nation in rushing scores (15).

Clemson top 25 national rankings

TFL per game – 2 (10.4), sacks per game – 2 (3.44), total defense – 3 (269.2 YPG), TFL allowed - 4 (3.44 per game), scoring defense – 4 (13.3 PPG), scoring offense – 4 (47.8), rushing defense – 6 (90.4), rushing offense - 7 (265.3), total offense – 7 (538), third down defense - 8 (.280), red zone TD percentage – 8 (77.8), fourth down defense - 9 (.286), kickoff returns – 11 (26.3), red zone defense TD percentage – 14 (47.8), punt return defense - 15 (3.9), passing efficiency – 15 (158.72), passing defense - 17 (178.8), pass efficiency defense - 17 (109.45 rating), fewest penalties per game - 17 (4.78), red zone offense – 17 (.911), red zone defense – 17 (.739), third down offense – 19 (.430), defensive TDs - 21 (2), sacks allowed - 25 (1.33).

Other key stats

Passing offense - 29 (272.7), turnover margin – 41 (.33), punt returns – 79 (8.12).

Top individual national ranks

Travis Etienne – Rushing touchdowns 2 (15), total touchdowns 3 (16), rushing yards per carry 3 (8.6), rushing yards 10 (998), rushing yards per game 13 (110.9).

Justyn Ross – Yards per reception 6 (21.6).

Trevor Lawrence – Pass efficiency 11 (163), passing TDs 22 (18), completion percentage 24 (.654), yards per attempt 26 (8.2).

Clelin Ferrell – Sacks 16 (0.83 per game), tackles for loss 29 (1.3).

Tee Higgins - receiving TDs 29 (7).

(National and individual stats per NCAA and CFBStats.com)