re: OSU averaged 48ppg and Clemson held them to 23

quote:

---

defense made play after play in the redzone.

---

That is how Venables seems to have adjusted to a lot of uptempo teams and/or those with talent and skill position parity. They have a very solid defense that gets even stronger when the field shortens. They play a bend but don't break style of defense against top teams. Through 14 games this year they have allowed just 10 red zone TDs (tied 1st nationally)

In last year's CG, Clemson had only 40 more total yds than Bama, fewer rushing yds, less time of possession, and fewer first downs. Bama moved the ball but turnovers or turnovers on downs after longer drives kept the game well out of reach as Bama couldn't keep pace.

That said, if the Clemson offense plays as it did last night, LSU will have a big game.