The Clemson vs. Auburn game, in statistics.
3 – Total number of kickoff returns
The new kicko\0x80ff rules had a blatant impact on the game Saturday night. Ten of 13 kickoffs were touchbacks and the combined returns for both teams yielded only 17 yards per return. Running back Tre Mason led the SEC in kicko\0x80 return average last season, but with the advanced ball placement on the 35-yard line, the kickers had no problem sending it deep. Also, the touchback possession line has been moved from the 20 to the 25-yard line, meaning teams may settle more for kneeling in the end zone than returning against a defense with a head start.
4 – 3rd down conversions for Auburn
Auburn converted four of 13 third down opportunities compared to Clemson’s eight of 17. Against an offense as dynamic as Clemson’s, this was especially crucial, because failed conversions mean loss of possession and more time the defense must spend on the \0x95field. Although defensive tackle Je\0x80ffrey Whitaker insisted the defense’s conditioning was not a problem Saturday, Clemson’s third down conversions were able to keep drives going, giving them five drives of 60 or more yards. Auburn only had two.
17.6 – Yards per completion for Frazier
One of the more positive stats for Frazier, his yards/completion average was well above Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd’s respectable 8.7 yard average. Frazier’s numbers were inflated a bit from his 54-yard touchdown to Emory Blake, but even without that Frazier had 10 completions for 140 yards and a solid 14-yard average. Frazier has the arm strength to make all the throws required of him, but must improve his accuracy—41 percent—to take pressure o\0x80 the running backs and force teams to respect the pass.
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