Clemson by the numbers: Passing game moves up, passing defense down ranks

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Sun Nov 25 17:52:33 GMT-04:00 2018

After Michigan's misstep at Ohio State, Clemson had a viable shot at taking hold of the No. 1 total defense and adding to a No. 1 ranking in points allowed.

600 yards later in a 56-35 win over South Carolina, those 'D' numbers took quite a hit.

Clemson dropped three spots in scoring defense (4), five in total defense (7) and 24 in passing defense (35). More success in red zone defense improved the red zone TD percentage on defense to sixth, however (44.8).

On offense, the Tigers' passing attack moved into the top-25 (282.8 YPG) to go with top-tier ranks in total offense (3), TFL allowed (3) red zone TD percentage (4), scoring offense (5), red zone offense (7), sacks allowed (12), rushing offense (12), passing efficiency (18) and completion percentage (19).

Individually, Travis Etienne leads the Tigers' efforts with top-5 rankings in rushing touchdowns (2), total scores (3; rushes and receptions) and rushing yards per carry (5). Trevor Lawrence improved to top-20 rankings in passing efficiency (17) and completion percentage (18).

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Sacks per game – 2 (3.58), TFL per game – 2 (9.3), TFL allowed - 2 (3.3 per game), rushing defense – 2 (84.8), fourth down defense - 2 (.278), total offense – 3 (539.1), scoring defense – 4 (14 PPG), red zone TD percentage – 4 (78.3), scoring offense – 5 (45.7), red zone defense TD percentage – 6 (44.8), total defense – 7 (283.2 YPG), third down defense - 7 (.292), red zone offense – 7 (.917), red zone defense – 9 (.724), sacks allowed - 11 (1.08), rushing offense - 12 (256.3), kickoff returns – 17 (24.3), passing efficiency – 18 (154.19), completion percentage - 19 (.655), passing offense - 24 (282.8), pass efficiency defense - 24 (115.04 rating), fewest penalties per game - 25 (5).

Other key stats

Third down offense – 34 (.431), passing defense - 35 (198.4), turnover margin – 58 (.08), punt returns – 71 (8.29).

Top individual national ranks

Travis Etienne – Rushing touchdowns 2 (19), total touchdowns 3 (20), rushing yards per carry 5 (7.97), rushing yards 10 (1,307), rushing yards per game 14 (108.9).

Clelin Ferrell – Sacks 8 (0.88 per game), tackles for loss 27 (1.3).

Justyn Ross – Yards per reception 12 (19.7).

Trevor Lawrence – Pass efficiency 17 (156.8), completion percentage 18 (.662), passing yards per attempt 25 (8.2).

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