Let me start this off by saying I like data, but also recognize that A) I'm not a statistician, and B) I know data is not the end-all-be-all for understanding the opponent. However, unlike David Pollack, I find it important to at least recognize the value of objective data, then analyze it as objectively as possible (to err is human) to better prepare for the road ahead.
The data provided in this post is from NCAA.com, and is updated as of 12/8. Though a better indicator may exist with regard to "Passing Defense," I used "Passing Yards Allowed."
Chart 1:
Category | Rank |
---|---|
Passing Offense | 20 |
Rushing Offense | 10 |
Passing Defense | 1 |
Rushing Defense | 9 |
At a data-specific satellite level, Clemson looks as good as their reputation suggests. Let's go a level deeper.
Chart 2:
Opponent | PF | PA | PO | RO | PD | RD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GeorGIA TECH | 52 | 14 | 123 | 72 | 38 | 118 |
TEXAS A&M | 24 | 10 | 54 | 74 | 45 | 29 |
SYRACUSE | 41 | 6 | 59 | 70 | 110 | 108 |
cHARLOTTE | 52 | 10 | 82 | 24 | 23 | 97 |
UNC | 21 | 20 | 25 | 42 | 78 | 58 |
fLORIDA STATE | 45 | 14 | 33 | 101 | 120 | 64 |
LOUISVILLE | 45 | 10 | 70 | 23 | 84 | 115 |
bOSTON COLLEGE | 59 | 7 | 107 | 6 | 126 | 89 |
WOFFORD (FCS) | 59 | 14 | ||||
NC STATE | 55 | 10 | 68 | 76 | 101 | 50 |
WAKE FOREST | 52 | 3 | 18 | 47 | 97 | 73 |
SOUTH CAROLINA | 38 | 3 | 75 | 82 | 84 | 68 |
VIRGINIA | 62 | 17 | 37 | 113 | 69 | 30 |
AVERAGE (mINUS WOFFORD) | 45.5 | 10.33 | 62.58 | 60.83 | 81.25 | 74.92 |
My general observation is that the offenses Clemson faced, on average, are better than the defenses they faced. You'd think this would reflect in the overall ranking, when in fact, it's the inverse (Clemson's D is statistically better than their O).
I decided to take it one step further, and see how Clemson performed on offense and defense against the statistically best and worst in each category.
Chart 3:
Opponent | PYA | RYA | PY | RY |
---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia Tech | 168 | 411 | ||
Texas A&M | 79 | |||
Charlotte | 94 | |||
Boston College | 76 | 275 | ||
Wake Forest | 41 | |||
Virginia | 104 | |||
Georgia Tech was the worst passing team Clemson faced this year, and threw for 168. They were also ranked as the worst against the rush, and it showed, allowing a team total of 411 yards on the ground. Conversely, A&M was the best rush defense Clemson faced (ranked 29), and allowed 121 yards.
Like all good data, there are anomalies that can be objectively and/or subjectively thrown out, but in looking at the big and small pictures, we gain a greater understanding as to the team lining up opposite our beloved Buckeyes.
If/when time allows, I'll compile the same set of data for Ohio State.