Clemson Football: 5 Startling Statistics Through 6 Weeks

Through five games this season, things have been up and down for the Clemson Tigers, but overall it hasn’t been far off from what we expected. Some statistics have surprised us, though. In the preseason—especially with new leaders on offense—it was tough to predict how well those new faces would be able to contribute.

I have put together a list of five statistics that have been shocking through the early part of the season. I ranked each statistic by the level in which it should come as a surprise.

Vic Beasley: 7 Sacks

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This is one of the statistics that has been a good surprise for the Tigers. Beasley was a preseason All-American, so we expected big things from him, but seven sacks through five games is just unbelievable.

He is currently tied for third in the nation in this category and is off to a great start this season.

The fact that he has been this disruptive to opposing quarterbacks isn’t a huge surprise, but it’s worth noting that he is on pace to finish with 16 to 17 sacks this season.

Rushing Totals

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Clemson has had its share of great running backs, but this season we haven’t seen one guy run away with the job. In 2012, Andre Ellington was the main back and rushed for 1,081 yards. Even last year with a new starter, Roderick McDowell ran for 1,025 yards, so it’s kind of surprising that we haven’t seen similar success coming on the ground this year.

The offensive line isn’t as experienced as last season—with the losses of Brandon Thomas and Tyler Shatley—but the rushing totals haven’t been as high as expected.

Through five games, the Tigers are only averaging 155.0 rushing yards per game and have been held to less than 100 yards twice. The Tigers barely went over this mark versus Florida State, with 101 yards on the ground.

With Deshaun Watson playing the way he is playing, there hasn’t been a need for a strong running game. If the Tigers are able to add that element to their offense though, it will only help further develop the passing game.

Cole Stoudt: 1 Touchdown Pass

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This statistic is kind of bittersweet. While it is startling that Cole Stoudt has only thrown one touchdown on 69 pass attempts, most of that can be attributed to Deshaun Watson running away with the job.

Coming into this season, I thought Stoudt would throw in the range of 27 to 30 touchdown passes, but that isn’t going to happen.

FoxSports.com ranked Stoudt as the No. 19 candidate for the Heisman Trophy this preseason. He hasn’t necessarily played badly when he’s been on the field, but he hasn’t performed as well as expected.

Jordan Leggett: 5 Receptions

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Jordan Leggett was one of the Tigers that we expected to break out this season, but things haven’t gone so smoothly for No. 16. Through five games, he has only five catches for 63 yards. He has one touchdown catch, but the fact that he only has five receptions is very surprising.

Seven players on this roster have more receiving yards this season than Leggett. Jay Jay McCullough has stepped up at tight end in place of Leggett, but he only has 73 yards receiving.

The production at tight end has been lower than previous years, but it hasn’t slowed down the offense. The Tigers still own the nation’s No. 10 overall passing offense and average 335.8 yards per game.

In the preseason, I thought Leggett would easily catch 40 passes and be somewhere close to eight touchdowns. The fact that he is on pace for well below both of those numbers is why he appears at No. 2 on the list.

Deshaun Watson's Numbers

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Watson clearly had the talent coming out of high school, but for a true freshman to handle the big stage like he has is simply amazing. The young signal-caller is currently ranked No. 1 in ESPN's total quarterback rating.

Some may look at his completion percentage and think it’s the product of numerous short passes or screens, but Watson has been completing these passes with throws down the field. Against North Carolina, five of his six touchdown passes were from at least 20 yards out.

This statistic is more startling than any other on this list because it shows how poised and calm Watson has looked through his first five collegiate games.