FSU football: Breaking down Clemson weaknesses and tendencies
By Kelvin Hunt
Clemson Defense
I will start with the Clemson defense since that’s the unit most considered the strength of the team. Clemson has had excellent defensive lines and linebacker play during their recent run. Clemson lost two first-round NFL talents from the defensive line.
They also lost a third-rounder and a fifth-rounder. That’s a lot of talent and experience that’s not easily replaced. While Clemson recruited at a high level, they don’t have the same type of game-wreckers as when they were at their peak.
Despite playing weak competition, Clemson only has four sacks but with 21 QB hurries. Although they probably pulled some starters early against Charleston Southern and FAU, that decrease in production tells a story.
It’s third and long in the clip, and Clemson rushes three with a spy on Duke QB Riley Leonard. Duke’s offensive line handles this rush easily, and the linebacker gets caught in the wash, and Leonard runs for an easy first down. See FSU fans, other good defenses get burned like this way more than you think.
I know many folks think FSU linebackers are terrible. It’s true they made some major mistakes against Boston College. I think most people would consider Clemson linebackers to be near the top in the ACC. Let’s check the footage:
Clemson brings a linebacker blitz off the edge, but the middle linebacker gets caught watching the QB and not the running back leaking out of the backfield. The Duke running back runs for a huge 28-yard gain.
Do you want to see their linebackers get abused again? Sure you do. Check the video below:
Watch the Clemson linebacker who’s standing right on the ACC logo. He stops and stares as the Duke running back leaks into the flats and goes for a huge gain.
FSU has been attacking defenses with vertical passes, but I think the plan against Clemson should be establish the run and take the easy stuff underneath. Once Clemson rolls those safeties down, then it’s time to take the one-on-one matchups vertical.
Also, Clemson will give it up against the run, especially when facing a mobile QB. Duke running backs averaged over five yards per rush, as Duke’s QB rushed for 12.3 per rush.