Clemson by the numbers: Red zone defense stands out through 3 weeks

(USA TODAY Sports-Rich Barnes)

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Sun Sep 15 16:24:29 GMT-04:00 2019

Clemson is one of a select few nationally to open the season with three Power 5 conference opponents -- and the number of top-tier statistical rankings after that start is impressive for the No. 1 Tigers.

The effort in the 41-6 win at Syracuse on Saturday was particularly impressive in red zone, where they held the Orange to no touchdowns in four trips to improve their ranking to No. 5 nationally in TD percentage allowed (22.2) and No. 10 in red zone defense overall (55.6).

Brent Venables' group is now back in the top-15 in the nation in scoring (7th; 10 PPG) and total defense (15th; 256.7 YPG).

The Tigers' offense jumped back into the top-15 nationally with the 600-plus-yard effort, up to 13th (544.3 YPG).

Individually, Trevor Lawrence passing for a career-best 395 yards vaulted him into the top-25 nationally in passing yards (20th; 831), passing yards per completion (22nd; 14.1), total offense (23rd; 295.3) and passing yards per game (277). His target for seven catches and 150 yards, Tee Higgins, moved up to the top-15 in receiving yards (318) and receiving yards per game 15 (106),

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Red zone TD percentage defense - 5 (22.2), scoring defense - 7 (10 PPG), passes intercepted - 8 (4), turnovers gained - 9 (7), kickoff return defense - 9 (13.5 per), red zone defense - 10 (55.6 percent), first downs offense - 10 (79 gained), sacks allowed - 12 (.67), total offense - 13 (544.3), tackles for loss - 13 (8.7), fumbles lost - 14 (1), rushing defense - 14 (75), total defense - 15 (256.7), pass efficiency defense - 16 (101.55 rating), fumbles recovered - 19 (3), rushing offense - 22 (251 YPG), first downs defense - 24 (42 allowed).

Other key stats

Passing offense - 27 (293.3), third down defense - 30 (29.4), passing defense - 33 (181.7 YPG), pass efficiency defense - 36 (98.93 rating). scoring offense - 38 (38 PPG), turnover margin - 44 (.33), red zone TD percentage offense - 46 (66.7), passing efficiency - 67 (138.99), third down offense - 69 (40 percent), kickoff returns - 71 (20.2).

Top individual national ranks

S Tanner Muse - Interceptions per game 8 (0.7).

RB Travis Etienne - Rushing yards per carry 11 (7.95), rushing yards 12 (334), all purpose yards 17 (140.33).

WR Tee Higgins - Receiving yards 13 (318), receiving yards per game 15 (106), yards per reception - 26 (21.2).

DT Xavier Kelly, LBs James Skalski and Baylon Spector - Fumbles recovered 13 (1).

QB Trevor Lawrence - Passing yards 20 (831), passing yards per completion 22 (14.1), passing yards per game 23 (277), total offense - 23 (295.3).

(Stats per NCAA.com and CFBStats.com)