Midway through the season, Clemson has been what most thought they would be. 5 wins 1 loss and in the thick of the ACC Conference Championship hunt. But Clemson has played only 1 top 25 opponent and will have tougher matchups in the 2nd half of the season. How does Clemson grade out and what can we expect to see for the remainder of the season?
Offense
Clemson's offense has shown up and performed well every week thus far. Surprisingly, Clemson hasn't gotten much out of Sammy Watkins but has still been explosive. Boyd has proved to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He has been more elusive than last year and has been able to be a factor in the run game. He has been able to look to DeAndre Hopkins in critical situations. Hopkins has elevated his game to another level leading the ACC in receiving yards and ranking 5th nationally in yards per game. In critical
situations, Hopkins has found ways to get open or catch the ball when well covered. Andre Ellington has been very good in the run game and leading the ACC in rushing. But it seems as he is flying under radar and having a big season quietly. And last, the offensive line has held up well. The line was a big question mark coming into the year but has opened up holes for the backs in the rushing game and done well protecting Boyd. Dalton Freeman, Tyler Shatley, and Gifford Timothy have established themselves as reliable linemen. Overall offense grade: A-.
Defense
Clemson's defense has yet to show any consistency. They performed well against an offensively challenged Auburn team but haven't really done well since. Malliciah Goodman and the rest of the defensive line have yet to come up big. Goodman just hasn't got to the quarterback enough and hasn't made many tackles either. The linebackers look confused at times but Stephone Anthony has been a consistent contributor. He should could continue to elevate his game the rest of the season. Jonathon Willard has done well also averaging over 7 tackles per game. The secondary has 3 seniors in the rotation but has lacked a playmaker. Rashard Hall has managed to get 3 interceptions and Brashaud Breeland has been a solid tackler. Other than Breeland and freshman Travis Blanks, the secondary has had trouble making tackles. Garry Peters has stepped in the past 2 games in place of Darius Robinson and been solid in pass coverage. Overall, the defense has struggled to stop opposing teams. Expect Clemson to give some younger guys more playing time, if the D continues to struggle, starting with Lateek Townsend and Tony Steward. Townsend had a good offseason and Steward has been a factor on special teams. Overall defense grade: C-.
Special Teams
Special teams have been solid all year for Clemson. Veterans Chandler Catanzaro and Spencer Benton have been dependable in the kicking game. Clemson has also used Freshman Bradley Pinion on kickoffs. On kickoff and punt returns Clemson has yet to make any big impact plays but has been able to secure the ball and not give opponents opportunities to score. Clemson's coverage team has been solid as well only allowing one big return against FSU. With the Tigers talent level, Clemson should have some big returns but hope to continue solid play on special teams. Special teams grade: B.
Overall
Clemson has done what was expected of them before the season. Most importantly for Clemson they are the thick of the conference championship hunt and if they are able to win out or lose only once the Tigers could find themselves in a BCS Bowl for the 2nd straight year. It's not any easy road with home games against Virginia Tech, NC State, and South Carolina and road games against Wake Forest and Duke. Most think Clemson needs to beat rival South Carolina for the season to be a success. The defense has to be much improved to slow down the Gamecocks and take win the battle for the Palmetto State.
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