Clemson by the numbers: Venables defense builds on impressive start

by TigerNet Staff - Sep 22, 2019, 2:50 PM

Clemson's defense gave up one drive of over 30 yards and only allowed a field goal on that possession Saturday to bolster its strong rankings early.

The Tigers rank No. 3 nationally in red zone TD percentage defense (27.27), No. 4 in scoring defense (10 PPG), No. 7 in total defense (246.5 YPG), No. 8 in pass efficiency defense (94.14) and No. 8 in team sacks (4 per game).

Brent Venables' group is one of nine teams nationally holding opponents under four yards per play (3.78) and No. 5 among those playing just FBS competition so far (Wisconsin leading the way there at 3.17).

Given the number of players getting into the games, top-tier individual ranks are few right now. Junior receiver Tee Higgins does still rank in the top-10 nationally in yards per reception (23.5), however (10th).

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Red zone TD percentage defense - 3 (27.27), scoring defense - 4 (10 PPG), kickoff return defense - 5 (10.67 per), total defense - 7 (246.5), punt return defense - 7 (0.00), first downs offense - 8 (106 gained), pass efficiency defense - 8 (94.14 rating), team sacks - 8 (4 per), passes intercepted - 12 (5), red zone defense - 12 (63.6 percent), sacks allowed - 13 (.75), passing defense - 13 (152 YPG), tackles for loss - 13 (8.3), total offense - 15 (524.8), first downs defense - 17 (52 allowed), turnovers gained - 19 (8), rushing defense - 24 (94.5), scoring offense - 19 (42.3 PPG), fumbles recovered - 19 (3), fourth down defense - 19 (25), rushing offense - 21 (247 YPG), third down defense - 21 (29.2).

Other key stats

Passing offense - 40 (277.8), red zone TD percentage offense - 44 (68.75), red zone offense - 46 (87.5), third down offense - 47 (43.2 percent), passing efficiency - 55 (146.23), turnover margin - 59 (0.00), kickoff returns - 108 (17).

Top individual national ranks

Tee Higgins - Yards per reception 10 (23.5), receiving yards 17 (376), receiving yards per game 22 (94)

Travis Etienne - rushing yards per carry 14 (7.45), rushing yards 15 (395), rushing TDs 23 (4), rushing yards per game 23 (98.8).

Xavier Kelly, James Skalski, Baylon Spector - fumbles recovered 20 (1)

Trevor Lawrence - passing yards per completion 21 (14.02), points responsible for 22 (60)

Tanner Muse - interceptions per game 26 (0.5)