NCAA ranks: Clemson moves into top 25 in total, scoring offense

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Sun Nov 26 17:05:06 GMT-04:00 2017

Clemson enters its next championship game with a defense ranked in the top-10 nationally and an offense that’s cracked the top-25 in a number of categories.

The Tigers join Ohio State, Auburn and Alabama as Playoff contenders with top-25 ratings in total and scoring offense and defense.

Dabo Swinney’s group has been especially efficient on third and fourth down and in the red zone – in the top-10 in fourth down offense (2nd; .800), third down defense (6th; .286), red zone touchdown percentage defense (6th; .458) and third down offense (10th; .464) and top-25 in red zone touchdown percentage offense (18th; 72.7) and red zone offense (21st; .909).

Looking ahead to Saturday, Clemson ranks first or second in the conference in total offense and defense, passing and rushing defense, third down offense and defense and red zone TD percentage offense and defense, while Miami is sixth or lower in the league all of those categories except red zone TD percentage D (1st; 43.75).

The Hurricanes rank last in the ACC in third down offense (30.7). On the flip side, they lead the country in turnover margin (17) with 29 turnovers forced (most in the Power 5).

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Fourth down offense – 2 (.800), sacks per game – 4 (3.33), scoring defense – 4 (13.6 PPG), third down defense – 6 (.286), red zone defense TD percentage – 6 (45.8), total defense – 6 (283.3 YPG), pass efficiency defense – 7 (108.23), team tackles for loss – 7 (8.2), first downs defense – 9 (181), passing defense – 9 (169.7), third down offense – 10 (.464), rushing defense – 14 (113.6), red zone TD percentage – 18 (72.7), red zone offense – 21 (.909), punt returns – 21 (11.22), first downs offense – 24 (277), turnovers lost – 24 (13), total offense – 24 (457.9), scoring offense – 25 (35.2).

Other key stats

Red zone defense – 33 (.792), turnover margin – 48 (0.25).

Top individual national ranks

PR Ray Ray McCloud – Punt return average 8 (12.3).

QB Kelly Bryant – Completion percentage 9 (.664).

RB Travis Etienne – Yards per carry 14 (7.4).

DE Clelin Ferrell – Sacks per game 18 (0.63), tackles for loss per game 22 (1.3).

ACC team stat rankings: Clemson v. Miami

Total offense: Clemson – 2nd (457.9); Miami 6th (422.9).

Total defense: Clemson – 1st (283.3); Miami – 7th (362.4).

Passing offense: Miami – 5th (258.2); Clemson – 7th (243.3).

Passing defense: Clemson – 1st (169.7); Miami – 8th (210).