Clemson Tigers
ACC
For Clemson, the 2015 season basically came down to two games, a two point home win over Notre Dame and a 23-13 victory at home against Florida State. But winning all 12 regular season games is not easy no matter what conference you are in and the Tigers deserve a lot of credit for going to places like Louisville, Miami and North Carolina State and coming home with victories, in many cases decisive victories.
2015 Record: 13-0, 8-0
Coach: Dabo Swinney
Coach Bowl Record: 4-3
Big Wins: 10/3 Notre Dame (24-22), 11/7 Florida State (23-13)
Bad Losses: None
Strengths:
Statistically speaking, Clemson is impressive all over the field. With quarterback Deshaun Watson leading the way, the Tigers led the ACC in total offense, tallying over 500 yards per game. During the regular season, Watson threw for 3,223 yards and 27 touchdowns and added 756 yards and nine more scores on the ground. Watson has had some huge games, like against Boston College where he threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns and added another score on the ground. Against North Carolina State, the 6-2 sophomore threw for 383 yards and five touchdowns and added yet another with his legs. Against tougher competition like Florida State, Watson still threw for 297 yards and rushed for 107. He simply makes plays against every team Clemson faces. Watson does get some help from receivers Artavis Scott, Charone Peake, Deon Cain and Jordan Leggett. Scott has been the most effective receiver, catching 77 passes for 709 yards, but Peake and Cain are the big play receivers and Leggett, a 6-5 tight end, is a great target in the red zone. Often lost in the shadow of Watson and the passing game is Wayne Gallman. The back rushed for 1,145 yards and nine scores during his 11 appearances during the regular season. He may not be a dominating back, but he has been consistent. On the other side of the ball, Clemson boasts one of the best pass defenses in the country.
Weaknesses:
The potential problem for Clemson is their run defense and turnovers. The run defense ranks in the top 25 in the nation, but they can be susceptible to quality backs. Florida State’s Dalvin Cook rushed for 194 yards against the Tigers and if the rest of the offense could do anything, FSU could have made things interesting against Clemson. Yet, this is a team that will give up points against better competition. They will also outscore that competition most of the time. Against better competition, the difference could come with turnovers. During the regular season, Clemson had a negative turnover margin, but the offense and defense was more than potent enough to win the game anyway. That may not remain the case though.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Wayne Gallman, RB, 1,332 yards
Passing: Deshaun Watson, QB, 3,512 yards
Receiving: Artavis Scott, WR, 805 yards
Tackles: B.J. Goodson, LB, 91
Sacks: Shaq Lawson, DE, 9.5
Interceptions: Codrea Tankersley, CB, 5
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 214.1 (25th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 288.4 (23, 1)
Total Offense: 502.5 (14, 1)
Scoring Offense: 37.9 (15, 2)
Rushing Defense: 127.7 (24, 4)
Pass Defense: 150.8 (4, 1)
Total Defense: 288.5 (7, 2)
Scoring Defense: 18.8 (17, 3)
Turnover Margin: -0.25 (84, 10)
Sacks: 3.00 (10, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.17 (15, 2)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2014 Russell Athletic Bowl Oklahoma (40-6)
2013 Orange Bowl Ohio State (40-35)
2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl LSU (25-24)
2011 Orange Bowl West Virginia (33-70)
2010 Car Care of Texas Bowl USF (26-31)
2009 Music City Bowl Kentucky (21-13)
2008 Gator Bowl Nebraska (21-26)
2007 Chick-fil-A Bowl Auburn (20-23)
*all team stats through 11/30
