3rd Down Study: Clemson Defense vs Florida State Offense

Clemson had a very solid game plan vs Florida State and held Florida State to only 17 point in 4 quarters. They gave up a TD on offense, the score was 24-24 going into OT, and Florida State scored late to win the game.

They played a ton of man coverage throughout the game bringing 5 man pressures often. They ran these pressures from both their even and odd fronts. They would bring different games and pressures that kept Travis off balance throughout the game. They held a great rushing attack to 22 yards on 20 carries. In total, only 320 total yards on the day. They were great on 3rd down holding Florida State to 4-13 on the day. They also sacked Travis 3 times and had 6 qb hurries.

The game plan was solid as they went 1 on 1 with 2 elite WR and were pretty tough and stingy for the most part all day. They played a ton of man vs Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson.

Example #1

3rd and 10 5 man pressure cover 1

The offense comes out in empty and Clemson brings 5. Its an interesting look with 2 hands down and 3 rushers standing up.

They run a 3 man game with the mike and the 2 DE on the right side. They get some pressure and they get the pass break up.

They run all hooks at 10 yards and the defense does a nice job breaking it up.

Example #2

VS Empty they ran the following coverage concept on 2 occasions.

3rd and 10 4 man rush with a spy.

Another unique look as they have 1 player standing up.

They run 3 curls on the route concept.

The pressure concept is below as they bring 2 LB off the left side.

Just ends up being a 4 man rush with some movement and a rat defender as the right DE drops and spies Travis.

Same Pressure scheme

They ran a similar pressure a 2nd time. Again going man free.

3rd and 7

1 DL with their hand in the ground and 4 stand up LB/DE. Little bit of a load front based on presentation.

They bring 4 vs Empty and drop the DE to the boundary 2 wr side. Get good pressure on the play.

The route concept is 2 vert with a dig by #1. Travis tries to hit the #2 wr on the vertical route.