NCAA ranks: McCloud return places him among nation's best

McCloud's 77-yard punt return moved him into an elite class over the weekend.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Mon Nov 06 11:34:43 GMT-04:00 2017

A 77-yard punt return touchdown will do wonders for an average, which vaulted Ray Ray McCloud to 13th nationally in the stat (13.4).

McCloud joined a group of four ACC peers with a punt return score this season, including multi-TD-returners in Pittsburgh’s Quadree Henderson (2) and Virginia Tech’s Greg Stroman (2). Washington’s Dante Pettis leads the nation in average (21.68) and scores (4).

A number of defensive stats took a hit over the weekend, but Clemson still resides in the top-10 in sacks per game (2), tackles for loss (6), scoring defense (8) and third down defense (10) – and top-20 in red zone defense TD percentage (11), total defense (13) and rushing defense (20).

Starting defensive ends Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell are each in the top-25 nationally in sacks and tackles for loss per game, with Ferrell coming off a five-TFL and one-sack game.

With three TDs in four red zone appearances Saturday, Clemson moved up to 16th in red zone touchdown percentage (73.3). With two fourth down conversions, the Tiger offense improved to third in fourth down offense, with nine conversions in 11 attempts this season.

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Sacks per game – 2 (3.67), fourth down offense – 3 (.818), team tackles for loss – 6 (8.3), scoring defense – 8 (15.1 PPG), third down defense – 10 (.285), red zone defense TD percentage – 11 (45.45), total defense – 13 (305.2 YPG), red zone TD percentage – 16 (73.3), rushing defense – 20 (122.9), passing defense – 21 (182.3), first downs defense – 22 (149), third down offense – 24 (.449), rushing offense – 25 (220.2), red zone offense – 25 (.900).

Other key stats

Pass efficiency defense – 28 (113.67), red zone defense – 31 (.773), total offense – 34 (442.9), scoring offense – 35 (32.9), turnover margin – 61 (0.11).

Top individual national ranks

PR Ray Ray McCloud – Punt return average 13 (13.4).

DE Austin Bryant – Tackles for loss per game 14 (1.5), sacks per game 22 (0.72).

QB Kelly Bryant – Completion percentage 15 (65.2).

RB Travis Etienne – Yards per carry 15 (7.88).

DE Clelin Ferrell – Tackles for loss 20 (1.4), sacks per game 22 (0.72).

ACC team stat rankings

Total offense: 6 (Leader: Louisville, 549.3).

Total defense: 2 (Leader: Virginia Tech, 300.6)

Passing offense: 8, 222.7 (Leader: Louisville, 333.3).

Passing defense: 3 (Leader: Virginia Tech, 177.8).

Rushing offense 2 (Leader: Georgia Tech, 331.88).