Some more props for the D

[VirginiaBlue]

I think it's interesting to look at Clemson's yardage production as a measure of our D, and the changes as the game progressed.

In the first qtr, Clemson gained 97 yards on 16 plays, an average of 6.1 YPP.
In the second qtr, Clemson gained 73 yards on 10 plays, an average of 7.3 YPP.
At the half, they had 170 yards on 26 plays, an average of 6.5 YPP.

I admit I was thinking when the game started that we were having a tough time stopping them until the red zone, and at the half I wasn't at all comfortable with the 14-6 lead. Were you?

The third qtr was where the game was decided. Clemson gained 74 yards on 21 plays, or only 3.5 YPP. I don't know whether it was good halftime coaching or the players just stepped it up, but we played some real defensive football in the 3rd qtr IMHO.

In the fourth, Clemson production ballooned up to 152 yards on 19 plays, 8.0 YPP, as we went to the prevent. That really skewed the stats, and took some of the shine off what I think was a pretty good game for the D. :thumbup

[johnkyblue]

Who was the coach that said the most important part of the game was the beginning of the second half?

[poodoo]

Nice post, VirginiaBlue. Excellent points.

Like you, I hate that the defense's performance was "skewed" by the two possessions against the "prevent" defense. Too, while I sometimes dislike the "prevent" defense, with our large lead and the amount of time remaining, it was the right way to go. I would still love to see the final score and defensive stats if only we had not had the personal foul penalty during our late drive on offense. Regardless, yes, the defense deserves "props" for its performance Friday.