Syracuse Football: Breaking Down Defensive Play-Calling vs. Clemson

The numbers say the Syracuse Orange defense got torched on Saturday. The unit gave up 570 yards for the third-consecutive game. They gave up 6.8 yards per play - which is sadly an improvement over the last two weeks, which both topped 7 per play. They gave up 37 points, making it the sixth time this season the Orange have spotted their opponents 30+ points.

The numbers also say the first quarter was a disaster, giving up three touchdowns and 200 yards of offense.

But then you look a little deeper, and you see a team that held the No. 1 team in the nation to 16 points over the final 45 minutes. You see a team that forced three turnovers and another three 3-and-outs - two of those turnovers coming in that disastrous first period.

You see a defense that basically did its job after recovering from the two early scores in the first, creating several opportunities for the offense to take advantage.

Clemson burned the Orange a couple of times with deep passes, but the Tigers were content to methodically chip away most of the day. The run game was effective, racking up 5.6 yards per carry, but when Syracuse took that away, Clemson simply shifted to WR screens, completing 16-for-16 for 102 yards (6.4 per attempt).

I wouldn't really criticize guys getting beat by Clemson receivers or running backs, since that's going to happen with the giant gap in talent between these teams. But I do have to question why the staff seemingly refused to adjust to the screens. Of the 16 screen passes, only four all day went for less than a five yard gain. This was a scheme issue, as Clemson frequently put two receivers wide - one to block and one to catch - and SU continued to play base defense, forcing a linebacker to race out to make a play on the receiver. As long as the Tigers executed on the block between the extra receiver and the cornerback, they were basically guaranteed at least five yards.

First Quarter

Clemson Play Calls: 9 runs, 16 passes

Defensive personnel: 23 base defense, 2 subpackages

Blitzes: 11/25 (44.4%)

What do you say about a quarter like this? Do you focus on the two huge turnovers? Do you focus on three seemingly-easy touchdown drives? When you spread it all out, you have three great drives by the defense - two fumbles, and a three and out. You also have the Clemson offense moving the ball at will - 200 yards gained on 25 plays (8 yards per play). This was boom/bust at it's best and worst.

Second Quarter

Clemson Play Calls: 3 runs, 13 passes

Defensive personnel: 7 base defense, 9 subpackages

Blitzes: 11/16 (68.8%)

A decent quarter here for the Orange defense. Sure, they gave up a 40 yard bomb in single coverage, but you have to give credit to both the quarterback and the receiver for amazing execution on that play. Clemson picked up the pace at the end of the first and throughout the second quarter - note the time elapsed after non-incomplete plays - but because SU typically runs only a few different defensive formations, it didn't seem to bother them too much. Despite giving up some pass plays, the secondary stood tall on back to back plays to end the final possession with good coverage even though the pass rush failed to get to Watson.

Third Quarter

Clemson Play Calls: 6 runs, 12 passes

Defensive personnel: 14 base defense, 4 subpackages

Blitzes: 10/18 (55.6%)

The third quarter was easily the best for the defense on Saturday. For once, the unit stepped up after facing some adversity, giving up chunk yardage on the first drive, before getting two tipped balls at the line in a row to force a punt. Then on the second drive, giving up yards on two costly personal fouls, followed up by a big time interception. Usually when this defense has gotten punched in the mouth this year, it has cowered. Not in the third quarter on Saturday.

Fourth Quarter

Clemson Play Calls: 13 runs, 12 passes

Defensive personnel: 23 base defense, 2 subpackages

Blitzes: 12/25 (48%)

More bending without breaking for the SU defense, which is pretty much all you could hope for at this point. Sure they gave up some yards, and weren't able to flip the field, but when you only give up 6 points in the fourth quarter against the No. 1 team in the nation, it's hard to be upset with that result. If we're being critical, we can point to the two big conversions on defensive penalties - first on a defensive hold, and second on an offside penalty on fourth down that allowed the Tigers to run out the rest of the clock.