Washington Defense vs Clemson Defense

As predicted by the advanced stats, the Washington defense was very good, and very balanced. Here were Washington's S&P+ ratings going into the game.

Total Defense S&P+ : 10th
Rush Defense S&P+ : 7th
Pass Defense S&P+ : 8th

That's a dang good defense. We were sputtering as usual lately, and Lane's play calls were a bit confusing, but that was a very solid defense. The best defense we've played outside of LSU. They didn't screw up, they didn't miss many tackles and they were balanced in their strengths. On top of that, they turn other teams over.

So what about Clemson? They were fantastic last night, but let's pump the breaks on talking about them like they are the '85 Bears.

Total Defense S&P+ : 6th
Rush Defense S&P+ : 32nd
Pass Defense S&P+ : 4th

Clemson's rush defense stats from October on

Louisville - 273 yards, 4.96 YPC
Boston College - 155 yards, 3.23 YPC
NC State - 128 yards, 4.00 YPC
Florida St - 163 yards, 5.82 YPC
Syracuse - 105 yards, 3.75 YPC
Pittsburgh - 156 yards, 4.73 YPC
Wake Forest - 71 yards, 1.97 YPC
South Carolina - 111 yards, 3.83 YPC
Virginia Tech - 102 yards, 2.91 YPC
Ohio State - 88 yards, 3.83 YPC


Honestly - Clemson played great last night. They have great athletes. They will present issues. However, they give up plays and they are NOT a great rush defense.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't think that they are built to beat us. I think Washington was built about as well as anyone could be (other than LSU, who is the 2nd best defense in America other than us). It's going to be a war, and Jalen will have to play better and Kiffin will have to call a solid game, but I'm definitely not going to overreact over them shutting down an offense that hasn't produced in two months.