Stout Clemson defense shows in updated NCAA stats

Clemson's defense ranks in the top-25 nationally in 10 different categories after back-to-back ACC games.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Sun Sep 24 11:34:50 GMT-04:00 2017

Another dominant defensive effort has Clemson in an elite class through four full weeks of college football.

The Tiger defense ranks in the top-10 nationally in sacks per game (2), scoring defense (3), total defense (3) and passing defense (9). Clemson is in the top-25 in rushing defense (12), pass efficiency defense (12), first downs allowed (14), tackles for loss per game (17) and third down defense (21).

Despite struggles over three quarters Saturday, the offense is holding steady efficiency-wise in third down offense (9th nationally) and red zone touchdown percentage (10) – and over the last two weeks, has moved into the top-15 in rushing offense per game (13; 272 YPG).

Averaging just under six carries, freshman running back Travis Etienne moved to second nationally in yards per carry (12.7), trailing only Miami’s Mark Walton (13).

Kelly Bryant ranks 18th in the nation in completion percentage (67.9) and third in rushing touchdowns (7).

Redshirt freshman punter Will Spiers is fifth nationally in yards per punt (47.1).

After not leading any major stat rankings last week, Clemson moved into the conference-lead in total and passing defense.

Saturday night’s opponent Virginia Tech is sixth nationally in scoring defense (10.3 PPG), 10th in pass efficiency (172.23 rating) and 14th in total offense (507.3 YPG) through four games. Overall, they are top-40 in most major stat categories outside of red zone offense (57th, 86.4 percent) and pass defense (47th, 203.3 YPG).

Clemson top 25 national rankings

Sacks per game – 2 (2.5), scoring defense – 3 (9.3 PPG), total defense – 3 (227 YPG), punt yards average – 5 (47.22), third down offense – 9 (.525 percent), passing defense – 9 (134.5), red zone TD percentage – 10 (85.71), total offense – 12 (510.3), rushing defense – 12 (92.5), pass efficiency defense – 12 (96.21 rating), rushing offense – 13 (272), first downs offense – 14 (104), fewest penalties – T-16 (4.5), fewest penalty yards – T-16 (36.25), first downs defense – 17 (51), team tackles for loss – 17 (8), fourth down offense – T-18 (.750), third down defense – 21 (0.288), red zone offense – 24 (92.9).

Other key stats

Red zone defense TD percentage – 29 (42.86), scoring offense – 32 (37.8), red zone defense – 64 (83.3), turnover margin – 90 (-0.50).

Top individual national ranks

RB Travis Etienne – Yards per carry 2 (12.7).

DE Austin Bryant – Sacks per game 5 (1.25), tackles for loss per game 25 (1.5).

QB Kelly Bryant – Rushing TDs 3 (7), scoring 16 (10.5), completion percentage 18 (67.9), total offense 28 (285.3).

P Will Spiers – Punt yards average 5 (47.1).

ACC team stat rankings

Total offense: 3 (Leader: Miami, 568.5)

Total defense: 1.

Passing offense: 10 , 238.3 (Leader: Louisville, 365.5)

Passing defense: 1.