http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/88955/north-carolinas-tempo-will-challenge-clemsons-depth
The tempo alone isn’t what is concerning though. It’s that combination with Clemson’s lack of depth on defense -- a concern throughout this season.
“We’ll be tested that way,” Venables said of his depth. “We’ll need to have a full arsenal ready to go, for sure.”
That depth has been developed over the course of the season, but the numbers suggest Clemson has still appeared run down later in games. In the first three quarters of games this season, the Tigers are allowing less than a point per drive. In the fourth quarter, that number doubles. Even looking just at close contests -- avoiding a garbage-time letdown -- Clemson allows 1.94 points per drive and more than a yard-and-a-half per play.
The tempo alone isn’t what is concerning though. It’s that combination with Clemson’s lack of depth on defense -- a concern throughout this season.
“We’ll be tested that way,” Venables said of his depth. “We’ll need to have a full arsenal ready to go, for sure.”
That depth has been developed over the course of the season, but the numbers suggest Clemson has still appeared run down later in games. In the first three quarters of games this season, the Tigers are allowing less than a point per drive. In the fourth quarter, that number doubles. Even looking just at close contests -- avoiding a garbage-time letdown -- Clemson allows 1.94 points per drive and more than a yard-and-a-half per play.
