Don't look now: another defensive slobber-knocker coming

Oct 12, 2014, 1:21 PM

Clemson's defensive performance the past two weeks has moved the Tigers to a tie for No. 6 in the nation in overall defense.

The team right behind us? Boston College.

Both teams are limiting opponent production to less than 300 yards, though in slightly different ways. Boston limits yardage by holding the ball longer on offense (which, given our current situation, may not be so bad). Clemson's defense limits yards, rather than possessions. In fact the per-yard average of Clemson's D (4.41) is third among top 10 defensive teams, second only to Louisville and Stanford). In total, Clemson allows less than 3 yards per carry on the ground, while BC allows about 3.5 ypc.

In passing Clemson is 17th, BC is 18th, with about 5 yards per game difference. In scoring defense, BC holds a 1-point advantage.

One spot that will likely tell the tale: Clemson allows only 25 percent of third-down conversions, third in the nation behind ... you guessed it ... Louisville and VTech. Boston is not among the top 50, at above 40 percent. However, BC is in the top 10 in 4th down stops at 35 percent, while Clemson allows nearly 40 percent.

So, if this is to be another battle of field position, Clemson must avoid 4th down and inches. As we saw yesterday, that doesn't bode well for us. Steady movement against BC's defense, either on the ground or short-yardage passes to limit their D Line's chance to sack, seems to be most effective. Just be efficient with your possessions, because the Eagles like to devour the clock on offense.

On defense, play straight man, since BC throw about a dozen times per game and isn't especially effective when they do. BC runs ... and runs ... then they run some more. Murphy, their QB is very good at tucking an running, and the Eagles have several designed runs for him.

If Clemson is able to maintain the running defense we've seen the past few games, and we're able to generate offensive consistency, then Clemson will win. If not, it's another nail-biter in Boston.

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Don't look now: another defensive slobber-knocker coming

Re: Don't look now: another defensive slobber-knocker coming

Yep. This one will be lot those contests of old where the

So, basically, I need to invest in some more Sam Adams this coming weekend...

Rev, great write-up, but I beg to differ on the...

Re: Rev, great write-up, but I beg to differ on the...

BC put away a decent USC team***

Re: Rev, great write-up, but I beg to differ on the...

We will gameplan them just as we do Georgia Tech

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