NCAA Ranks: Kelly Bryant moves into top-5 in completion percentage

Bryant has steadily moved up the ranks in completion percentage down the stretch.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Mon Dec 04 12:12:49 GMT-04:00 2017

Kelly Bryant now owns division and a conference crown in 13 games as a starter – and Saturday’s performance placed in him in the top-tier in efficient passing.

After connecting on 23-of-29 attempts versus Miami, Bryant now ranks fifth nationally in completion percentage (.674).

He leads an offense that cracks the top-25 nationally in red zone touchdown percentage (9th; 75.5), third down offense (10th; .467), red zone offense (14th; .923) and scoring offense (21st; 35.4).

Saturday’s effort only strengthened some impressive defensive rankings – second only to Alabama in scoring defense (12.8) and also top-10 in sacks per game (3rd; 3.39), third down defense (5th; .278), red zone touchdown percentage (5th; 44), passing defense (8th; 165.1) and tackles for loss per game (9th; 8).

On special teams, Ray Ray McCloud moved into the top-10 nationally in yards per punt return (9th; 12.1).

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Scoring defense – 2 (12.8 PPG), fourth down offense – 3 (.750), sacks per game – 3 (3.39), third down defense – 5 (.278), red zone defense TD percentage – 5 (44), 6 – First downs defense (14.7), total defense – 6 (277.9 YPG), pass efficiency defense – 6 (104.96), passing defense – 8 (165.1), team tackles for loss – 9 (8), red zone TD percentage – 9 (75.5), third down offense – 10 (.467), rushing defense – 13 (112.9), red zone offense – 14 (.923), scoring offense – 21 (35.4), punt returns – 23 (11.10), turnovers lost – 25 (14).

Other key stats

Total offense – 31 (448.2), turnover margin – 34 (0.38), red zone defense – 38 (.800).

Top individual national ranks

QB Kelly Bryant – Completion percentage 5 (.674).

PR Ray Ray McCloud – Punt return average 9 (12.1).

RB Travis Etienne – Yards per carry 19 (7.2).

DE Clelin Ferrell – Sacks per game 28 (0.65), tackles for loss per game 24 (1.31).

ACC team stat rankings

Total offense: 5th (448.2 YPG; Leader: Louisville, 560.5).

Total defense: 1st (277.9).

Passing offense: 7th (244; Leader: Louisville, 310.6).

Passing defense: 1st (165).