Tuesday, October 14, 2014

How good is Clemson's Defense?

Clemson DC Brent Venables

After touching on BC's win, Addazio quickly turned his Monday press conference to Clemson and their Defense. He seems legitimately scared of the Tigers. This wasn't fluffy coach talk, Addazio is comparing them to the 2009 Alabama team he faced at Florida. Addazio is always respectful of our upcoming opponents but this was over the top for him. It got me thinking, if he is this worried, should we all be worried? After looking at the stats, I don't know what he's seeing.

I do think Clemson is talented and will give us trouble, but the numbers don't back up Addazio's fears. The Tigers are a middle of the pack defense so far. Their 7th in the ACC in scoring per game and 3rd in yards per game (just slightly ahead of BC). Georgia scored 45 on them and UNC score 35. They held Florida State to 23 points, but that was without Winston.

Will they put pressure on BC? Sure. Do they have playmakers? Of course. Is Venables a good coordinator? Yes, but we knew that last year. They contained our main threat in Williams, but Willis and Amidon exploited them for big TDs. This year we have more weapons and are not as one dimensional. Scoring won't be easy, but we have plenty of guys who can break a big play.

Addazio knows more about his team and more about Clemson than I do. Maybe he's right. I just hope we are giving the Clemson coaches the same sort of worries they are giving us.

7 comments:

NEDofSavinHill said...

Last year they lost by 10 at Clemson. The Rettig fumble led to one of their TDs. Take that away and it's a three point game. Is BC's team better this year than last? Yes. Is Clemson better this year than last ? NO. They lost Boyd, Watkins, Bryant and their RB. Their offense is less capable with Stoudt at QB and the attrition they suffered. BC gave up 430 yards a game on defense in 2013( last in the conference). In 2014 they are only allowing about 300. On offense they are getting about 70 yards more per game than last year. If they can beat USC they can take Clemson. Should be a fun game.

blist said...

Rope-a-dope going on maybe?

Hoib said...

As I commented in an earlier post it seems like Defense is becoming a lost art in college football. I actually enjoy a good defensive game. I just don't want to see one played by Clemson this week.

CT said...

The up-tempo offenses make yards allowed less important due to the sheer volume of plays being run.

With our offense, the clock keeps running. With our defense, I think that's good.

eagleboston said...

Ned brings up some good points. I just wish we had a threat in the passing game. My fear is that Clemson is just going to load up in the box and dare us to pass. Could be a lot of 3 and outs, putting pressure on our defense.

SaturdaysOnShea said...

I hope our first offensive play is a pass play. Even if it's an incomplete, I think it sends the message "Hey, we're not afraid to throw, and we're coming at you." If it's a completion then it's just that much more effective.

JBQ said...

At the ND game with NC, Doug Flutie commented after NC ran a trick play. The team that runs a trick play first is the looser team. Clemson is a very good team. BC has a good offense but their defense is suspect. The pressure defense and blitz package doesn't work at all. They become vulnerable to passes underneath. The back out of the backfield just can't be covered by Daniels. Unless they can design a stop on the back, that is what will beat them.