Ok kids time for the stats to start coming out. This week I am looking at THE ACC.COM’s combined team stats for the season so far for the upcoming battle between #15 Clemson Tigers and the undefeated and team receiving the most votes out of the top 25; Wake Forest.

OFFENSE:

Offensively the two teams come out about even in the pass/rush distribution with Wake resorting to the run about 53% of the time and Clemson 54%. By the numbers though Clemson has put about 50% more on the board:

Wake Clemson
Passing 748 1023
Rushing 837 1203

Both teams seem to be solid ground teams as Wake has received 10 out of their 13 TD’s via foot. Clemson has resorted to the rush for 17 of their 25 TD’s. Due to the concentration of the rush let’s delve a bit more into this aspect of the game.

Wake and Clemson have attempted rushing the ball evenly at about 200 tries. Clemson tops off the average though with 5.8 yds/carry against Wake’s 4.2. The average yards per game is also awarded to Clemson with its 240 against Wake’s 167. Wake has lost 155 yards on the run while Clemson has been pretty positive in only contributing 64 yards in the loss column rushing. The numbers come out pretty even for the offensive rushing schemes so this may be a clock burner of a game if it comes down to the run as both teams seem rather comfortable and successful in their running game.
The other side of the O is the passing game. Clemson may have accessed the pass more often this season (131 att vs 96) but Wake is more accurate with a 66% completion rate in comparison to the Tigers 60%. The average pass is exactly the same at 7.8 yards along with the average yards at around 12. Clemson takes the yards per game by 50 though with 200.

Wake Clemson
Total Offense 1585 2226
Ave/Game 317 445

DEFENSE

Now we will talk about the Tiger pride, that bone crunching ball seeking beast that is the D. As with the O, the rush will be focused on first followed by the pass. As with the O these teams seem balanced defensively with a little nod to the Tigers on the rush Defense.

Wake has allowed 50 more yards (594 v 503) on the ground than the Tigers but both teams have held the opposing teams to an average of 2.2 yards per rush. The Deacs have had better success at stopping the run with 203 lost yards in comparison to the Tigers 157 but the Tigers have an average of 69 yards per game against them while the Deacs have 78.
In the air the two teams are very close with the average pass and yards after within a point of each other in each category. Wake has allowed 194 yards and Clemson 170 with 5 passes resulting in TD’s on the Deacs and only 1 on the Tigers. The Tiges, however, have been more dominant on the pass defense with a completion percentage of about 49% in comparison to Wake’s 55% completion allowance. Both teams have converted about half of their 3rd down conversions and Clemson is the only team to attempt 4th down conversions.

Wake Clemson
Total Defense Yds. 1365 1198
Ave/Game 273 239

Checking the total offense v the total defense Clemson caps this one when comparing their offensive potential versus the deac’s defensive performance. Also throw in that Clemson is the ACC lead as mentioned by Broken in his previous post. Wake may be ahead of the Tigers in defense but really have they played a team like BC of FSU talent?

Finally the potential downfall of the Tigers, the special teams. The reality is that, on paper, the teams are pretty balanced in terms of yards gained and allowed on special teams in both punts and kicks.

Additional notes:

Clemson has double the amount of fumbles as Wake and both teams have forced about the same amount of fumbles.

Clemson has 6 picks to Wakes 4 but Wake has the longer return average.

Both teams have amassed similar penalty yardage.

In the end both teams come in with great stats. Clemson has been an offensive powerhouse with an underrated defense holding up their end of the bargain while Wake has silently been slaying multi-conference opponents to get to an undefeated 5-0 record. By the numbers this should be a good game but that home field advantage always puts an edge towards the Deacs. Clemson may have to fight for the win but they will definitely not need motivation this week as the sting of the past three years sits heavy on the seniors. Look for this game to be a great football game with a two touchdown max difference in score (heck, if the Tigers keep their 50+ games this may be a great game!).

I see the Tigers finally pulling it out in Winston Salem with the support of the travelling Orange to the tune of 31-24.

How ya like dem apples!!

Posted on Monday, October 2nd, 2006 at 8:30 pm by Clem

Filed under Football, Wake Forest.

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