Clemson’s defense led the nation in 11 different statistical categories

by CU Athletic Communications - Sat Jan 17 10:36:47 GMT-04:00 2015

Clemson’s defense for the 2014 season led the nation in 11 different statistical categories and has to be regarded as one of the best in school history, if not the best. Brent Venables unit led the nation in total defense, allowing 260.8 yards per game. That is the first time since 1990 that Clemson led the nation in total defense and the 260.8 figure was the best for a Clemson team since that 1990 team allowed just 219 yards per game.

Clemson also led the nation in pass efficiency defense for the first time with a 98.3 passing efficiency rating, the only team in the nation to score under 100 rating points. Clemson also led in first downs allowed per game (14.2), third-down conversion defense (27.4%), tackles for loss per game (10.1), sack yardage (356), fewest yards per pass attempt allowed (5.3), fewest yards per play allowed (4.03), fewest plays of 10 yards or more allowed (126), scoring defense vs. FBS teams with a winning record (18.6) and yardage on tackles for loss (553).

Additionally, Clemson was third in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 16.7 points per game, second in passing yardage allowed per game (157.4), and fifth in rushing defense (103.4). The passing yardage allowed per game was the best by a Clemson team since 1981. Clemson was the only school in the nation to rank in the top five of all four of the major defensive categories, scoring, rushing, passing and total defense. It was the first time in Clemson history the Tigers ranked in the top five in the same year.

Clemson Top 25 Rankings in NCAA Stats

Category Rank Figure

Total Defense 1st 260.8

Pass Efficiency Defense 1st 98.3

Fewest First Downs Allowed 1st 14.2

Tackles for Loss/Game 1st 10.08

Tackles for Loss Yardage 1st 553

Sack Yardage 1st 356

Third Down Defense 1st .274

Fewest Yards/Pass Attempt 1st 5.3

Fewest Yards/Play Allowed 1st 4.03

Fewest Plays 10+ yards Allowed 1st 126