Clemson Report Card

Offense

One of the things that interim coach Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier have to done since taking over the play-calling duties is to get the ball into the hands of the Tigers top playmakers - in other words C.J. Spiller. Good strategy. Spiller had 179 yards of total offense, including an 83-yard TD reception in the third quarter that seemed to deflate the Duke defense. Cullen Harper had his best game throwing the ball all season, finishing with 292 yards. He had time to plant his feet and had some zip on the ball that he hasn't shown all season. Of course it helps when you're not running for your life. The Tigers had 466 yards of total offense, their most since putting up 525 yards on The Citadel. The Tigers also did not turn the ball over. It could have been worse as Swinney called off the dogs midway through the third quarter with a 31-0 lead.

Grade: A-.

Defense

As any coach will tell you, football isn't a one-man game. Tell that to defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson. Jackson didn't even start the game, he's been out most of the season with a knee injury, and had just one tackle. But the senior from Union was in the Blue Devils backfield most of the game. After the game, Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said Jackson's presence was "the missing key" to the Tigers defense all season. Freshman Da'Quan Bowers had his most productive game with three tackles, two tackles for loss and he patted down two passes. The Tigers knocked Duke quarterback Thaddeaus Lewis, who was leading the ACC in total offense, out of the game in the first quarter. The Blue Devils never recovered managing just 168 yards of total offense and a meaningless touchdown late in the game.

Grade: A.

Special Teams

The Tigers didn't make any big plays in the special teams, but they didn't give up any either. Mark Buchholz connected on a 39-yard field goal, but missed a 53-yarder with a swirling wind. Jimmy Maners averaged 38.0 yards per punt. A solid effort all-around.

Grade: B+.

Coaching

The first job of a head coach is to get his players motivated to play and Swinney did that after last week's disheartening loss to Florida State. The Tigers looked fresh and hungry and that's a credit to Swinney and the coaching staff. Swinney has started to make Spiller a focal point of the offense and that's only bad news for Virginia and South Carolina. Koenning blitzed more than he has in the past and the gamble paid off with more pressure on the Duke quarterbacks.

Grade: A-.

Overall

Yes, it's Duke and historically the Blue Devils have been nothing more than a mild speed bump for the Tigers at Death Valley. But this was an improved Duke team and the Tigers made it look easy. Swinney has been looking for a "complete game" from the Tigers and it's hard to argue that he didn't get it no matter who the opponent happened to be. Offense, defense, special teams, all looked like they were on the same page for the first time in a long time.

Grade: A.