TCI grades Clemson’s performance by position group in Saturday’s 56-41 win at N.C. State…
Quarterbacks: A+
There really isn’t much more Deshaun Watson could be expected to do. He completed almost 80 percent of his passes for a whopping 383 yards and five touchdowns, with no interceptions. He also picked up 54 yards on the ground while carrying the ball 14 times, accounting for another score along the way. He was sensational, making every throw and finding holes in the Wolfpack coverage every time he needed to do so.
Running Backs: A
Wayne Gallman was magnificent as a runner in this game. He set a new career mark by running the ball 31 times—a true workmanlike performance—and amassing 172 yards. He scored a touchdown in the game, as well, and he caught three passes. The only time Gallman had issues was in pass protection, but those issues were isolated and did not occur close together in the flow of the game. Zac Brooks had 16 yards rushing on three carries and added a 35-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the second half to add to the performance from this group.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A+
As is the case with the quarterbacks, it feels like this group did almost everything it could in this game. Five difference pass-catchers had touchdown grabs, and four of them were in this position group: Deon Cain, Ray Ray McCloud, Charone Peake, and Hunter Renfrow. Three of those four players were freshmen, and none of them led the Tigers in receptions. That would be Artavis Scott, who hauled in seven balls for 64 yards in the game.
Offensive Line: B+
The offensive front deserves a good bit of credit for taking control of the game in the second half and paving the way for a ball-control finish to the victory. It also deserves some credit for making it possible for Watson to have the career day he enjoyed throwing the ball. Still, it felt as if the Wolfpack moved the line of scrimmage too often, particularly in the first half. This group has upheld a standard of dominance this season, and though this was a solid performance, it was not dominant.
Defensive Line: B-
Where was the pass rush from these guys? Jacoby Brissett routinely bounced off tacklers all afternoon, and many times, those players came from the Tigers’ front four. They did not provide enough pressure to make Brissett as uncomfortable as they did a year ago in Memorial Stadium. Shaq Lawson and Austin Bryant both recorded sacks in the game, but the Wolfpack were able to win the battles at the line of scrimmage more often than not against this crew.
Linebackers: B+
The duo of Ben Boulware and B.J. Goodson made a ton of plays on Saturday. The pair combined for 20 tackles—including five tackles for loss—and two sacks in the victory. Goodson was particularly solid, showing his coverage abilities and wrapping up and bringing down whoever was in his path. Boulware struggled a bit in coverage, with the most egregious example coming on a touchdown pass where he broke late and tackled poorly on a backside route from a receiver.
Defensive Backs: B-
There were moments in which this group looked as polished and sure of itself as it did last week—frankly, as it has all season long minus a single quarter against Notre Dame. There were other moments in which Brissett dialed up whatever he wanted against a secondary that had to defend for too long and experienced some uncharacteristic busts along the way. It was not enough of an issue to cause long-term concern, but this crew had hiccups that cannot happen on a championship run.
Special Teams: D
N.C. State’s return game was electric, while Clemson’s return game was decent in comparison. Greg Huegel made all three of his field goals, but he also had a pair of extra points blocked. Andy Teasdall had clearly his worst game of the season, averaging only 34 yards per punt with a long of only 39 yards. None of his punts pinned the Wolfpack inside its own 20. This group was an abject disaster all game long. The problems need to be fixed immediately, before a closer game goes against this team.