FanHouse

So There's a Clemson Bowl Game Tomorrow

Jeremy Parker — 2006-12-28T22:09:00 00:00

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, Bowl Games

Well, in case you haven't noticed, the holidays have slowed things down around here. Us Clemson folk tend to do the family and friends thing around Christmas time which leaves little time for blogging...

But I digress.

Clemson takes on the Wildcats of Kentucky tomorrow in the "Some stupid advertiser's name goes here" Music City Bowl. Kickoff is at 1PM--eastern standard time. The game is in Nashville, Tennessee making it a Noon kickoff locally.

I'll refrain from the the usually "Keys to Victory" for this one ... that would just be too easy. Ya know, run the ball well, don't turn the ball over, etc.

Instead, I'll give a nice "Go Tigers!" and wish the boys well--especially those seniors playing in their last game as a Clemson student-athlete.

Oh ... and just like every other week, I'll predict a Tiger victory. Clemson 31, Kentucky 24. The Tiger running game will be too much for a Kentucky defense that allows 189 yards per game on the ground.

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Thomas Hunter Next to Fall to Foot-breaking Turf

Jeremy Parker — 2006-12-11T12:32:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Injuries

Well, it has happened again.

Clemson senior starting tight end Thomas Hunter broke his foot on Sunday. His career as a Clemson football player is now officially over as he'll miss the Music City Bowl game against Kentucky.

For those keeping score, that's the third broken foot this season.

Both Chansi Stuckey and Michael Hamlin suffered the same injury earlier this season, although both were able to return to the field.

Is it the shoes? Is it the turf? Is it karma?

At any rate, Hunter had this to say about his injury:

"This is difficult to accept," said Hunter. "It is a tough way to end your career, but I have no regrets. When I came here all I wanted to do is run down the hill. I got to play in over 40 games and be a part of some very big games here. This probably won't sink in until we get to Nashville and I am watching from the sidelines."

Best of luck to you in the future, Thomas. Your presence will be missed and your contributions to this football team were impressive. Thanks for choosing Clemson.

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James Davis is Upset

Jeremy Parker — 2006-12-09T11:07:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Coaching

Well isn't this just spectacular?

Star running back James Davis is miffed at his limited role (and productivity) over the last four games of the football season.

First, from the Anderson Independent:

"I've been frustrated a long time," he said. "I didn't get the ball like I used to in the first half of the season. I've been trying, trying, trying my best to wait it out and see what the coaches have in mind. I'm going to continue to talk to them and see what's going on and see if I can get more of a role in the offense."

I'm cool with that type of talk. It's the "I want to play more because I love the game and I really enjoy banging heads out there". And he's right, his role has diminished. That role became limited partly with the success of C.J. Spiller and partly with Davis' shoulder injury.

But Davis continues (discussing the final series of the South Carolina game):

"I think Reggie started off that series. That was my series to start with," Davis said. "Coach Burns told me he's going to put Reggie in, see what Reggie can do. I want to see Reggie play, it's his last game (at home), I'm not mad at Reggie about it.

"Me, I just want to win the game. But then they took him out, it's my turn to get in, and it's like, oh, get CJ. That becomes a question right there."

Davis said he tried to talk with Burns after the game, but "coach Burns was mad, so he didn't want to talk to nobody."

So, since Coach Burns wouldn't talk to you about, James, you decide to go to the press?

I don't like that. James Davis is an amazing running back. Unfortunately for him, so is C.J. Spiller.

If we can't learn to play nice, folks, then this is going to be a long offseason.

More on this from The State.

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Clemson Versus South Carolina: A Day in Pictures

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-29T11:48:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

It wasn't meant to be this year for the Tigers as the Spurrier-led Gamecocks held off Clemson in a 31-28 upset.

The Gamecocks really dominated much of the game, and that put a damper on part of the day.

But football in the South is more than just the game.

It's the experience.

So without further ado, here is this year's version of the Palmetto rivalry ... in pictures.

(Yes, that is the Tiger. Yes, he did show up at our tailgate after the game. No, he never uttered a word.)

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Grading Clemson Keys to Victory Over South Carolina.

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-27T11:20:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

In case you missed it, South Carolina managed to pull out a close one over the Tigers on Saturday dropping the Clemson record to 8-4 on the season.

Of course, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and again as this was only the second time in ten years that Carolina managed to defeat the Tigers.

Go figure.

But make no mistake, the Gamecocks outplayed Clemson Saturday. So how'd the Tigers do against the "keys"?

1. Throw deep. The first Clemson series of the game saw a 76-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Ford. The rest of the game saw ... nothing. Um, it worked once guys, why not try it again? And yes, I know the defender fell down--but so what. Ford just showed he could catch the long one. Throw deep, darnit. Tigers get a C for this one despite the one play success.

2. Get two big plays. Well, this was clearly a poor choice for a "key". Every touchdown for the Tigers was a play over over 30 yards. All four of them. Amazing, huh? I have a theory. The two big plays from Spiller and Ford early in the game forced the Tiger defense back onto the field with limited rest. They were tired. Yup. That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it. I guess. I have to give the team an A+ for this one. They did make it exciting.

3. Hold Carolina to under 15 points. Um ... F. Carolina put together 31 points and 492 yards of offense. Where'd the Clemson defense disappear to? I have no idea. Of course, the Tiger defense gathered up 3 interceptions on the day--which should have been 5. Ugh. Blake Mitchell played well enough to win the game for the Gamecocks. There was no pressure on the quarterback. Poor tackling. I could go on.

So there ya have it. If you would have told me that Clemson would score 28 points at home against South Carolina, I would have guaranteed victory every time you said it.

I would have been wrong.

I hate being wrong.

The only question left now is, where are we "bowling"?

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Clemson Keys to Victory Over South Carolina

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-24T17:28:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is just about time for the final game of the Clemson football season and the Gamecocks are the team to beat.

The Tigers come in ranked 24th in the nation in all the major polls with Carolina enters Death Valley unranked but bowl eligible for the second straight year under head coach Steve Spurrier.

So let's get right to it ... what do the Tigers have to do to win one for the thumb?

1. Throw deep. A complaint I had with the Maryland loss was the lack of the deep ball from the Clemson offense. The Tigers lost that game, and I think much of it had to do with Maryland's ability to stop the run because there was no threat of a deep pass--until late in the game. The N.C. State game was different because Proctor threw deep at least three times. They were all incomplete, but the potential of the deep ball softened the State defense and allowed for a better rushing game. Same goes for the Georgia Tech game earlier in the season. Do the same against Carolina, and the Tigers can win.

2. Get two big plays. C.J. Spiller has become the master of the big play. His freshman highlight reel rivals ... well ... that of James Davis. The Tigers need one big offensive play (30+ yards) coupled with another either offensive or defensive "big play" if they expect to win. See key number 1 for a big play possibility.

3. Hold Carolina to under 15 points. I liked this one so much for the N.C. State game that I'm using it again. The Tiger defense is holding opponents to 13.73 points per game. But Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell has the hot hand in the past few weeks, so pressure is key. Rattle him early and rattle him often and the Gamecock offense will hopefully fold under the pressure. Keep them under 15 and I predict Clemson victory.

So there you have it. Simple, right?

The rivalry prediction: Clemson 24, South Carolina 13.

Go Tigers!

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McElrathbey Fund Gets Contribution from Cavaliers

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-22T15:41:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, Virginia Football, ACC, NCAA FB Campus

The Ray Ray and Fahmarr McElrathbey story has been chronicled here before.

But the story just got a little better today as the Virginia Cavaliers have announced that they will contribute $2,565 to the Fahmarr McElrathbey Fund.

The contribution is a collection of money from the players themselves--mostly from the per diem given to them to cover meals over the Thanksgiving holiday.

A few thoughts:

"In just like an hour, I think we collected just over $2,000," said junior defensive end Chris Long. Virginia players contributed some of the meal money they receive while in town over the Thanksgiving holiday.

"It's a really legit cause, and I think it's great. Everybody really bought into that," Long said.

Groh, on his radio show Monday night, said: "This is a nice thing we're doing, but the young player at Clemson is the real hero."

Virginia becomes the second team to contribute to the fund as the Temple Owls made a contribution earlier this year.

A thanks goes out to both of those teams from this Tiger fan.

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Tigers do Well with Two Weeks of Preparation for Carolina

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-22T11:56:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, South Carolina Football

Statistics are a strange creature.

You can bend them, twist them, and turn them into just about any interpretation you desire.

I love them.

And this particular stat concerning the Clemson/South Carolina rivalry is an interesting one: Clemson is 7-1 when playing South Carolina on a full two week break.

The last time the Tigers lost to South Carolina when Clemson had two weeks to prepare? 1896. Yep, the first year the two teams played.

And it gets better.

Clemson is 7-2 against the Gamecocks when the game is played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The Tigers (ranked 24th) are 5-1-1 at home in the series when they come into the game ranked in the top 25.

So what does all this mean for the game on Saturday?

Your guess is as good as mine.

After all, Clemson is just 1-6 against the Gamecocks in years that Clemson is competing for its fifth consecutive win--which is the case this year.

Aren't statistics fun?

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Tigers Await Thanksgiving Feast

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-21T12:01:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Campus

It must be tough for a college football player to know that he will be away from his family on Thanksgiving day. Worse yet, it might be even more difficult to handle the thoughts of missing out on mom's home-cooking.

Such will be the case for many Clemson players this week as they will have to practice on Thanksgiving morning in preparation for the South Carolina game.

But not to worry, the Tigers will be well fed:

Clemson will have 25 turkeys of assorted variety on hand, with the dessert options limited to bananas foster.

Now that's a lot of turkey.

I do hope the players aren't disappointed in the limited desert options. I had to look up what bananas foster was ... I'm not exactly a gourmet chef myself. But I'm cool with any dish that has to be "ignited" to be cooked. Outstanding.

Of course, all of this is just an appetizer as the main course will be fried chicken on Saturday.

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Tigers Defeat 'Open Date', Move up in Polls

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-21T09:52:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

I never expected to have a follow-up piece to this post, but I guess I'll have to.

You see, Clemson managed to climb to the 24 spot in the AP, Coaches, and BCS Polls this week following ... well ... nothing.

Okay, so my analysis is too simplistic.

Maryland's loss to Boston College dropped the Terps from 21 to out of the polls. This allowed the Tigers to bump up a spot in all of the polls.

Good for us.

Clemson is one of four three-loss teams to be ranked in the Top 25. That leaves clear room for improvement in the polls if the Tigers can take care of business against the Gamecocks this Saturday. Such improvement may make a bowl appearance in Jacksonville or Atlanta more tenable for the selection committees of the Gator and ~~Peach~~ Chick-fil-a bowls respectively.

Meanwhile, the ACC Atlantic standings are a mess. Boston College still has to take on Miami in Miami while Wake and Maryland also have to play each other. What a year.

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Clemson Keys to Victory Over 'Open Date'?

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-18T11:15:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

In case you haven't noticed, Clemson does not have a game this weekend.

But that does not have to stop me from pointing out the keys to victory, right?

Well, there are a few things I think the Tigers need to do this weekend to make sure they stay prepared for the Gamecocks and for improvement of the program in general.

Here they are:

1. Watch the Ohio State versus Michigan game. Why? Because the Tigers might learn something. These two teams have been at the top of college football for years. Their winning programs. Period. Except for a few down years, these two programs win 8, 9, or 10 games a year--every year. They have name recognition and prestige. Pay attention, boys. This could be you.

2. Avoid injuries. Well now this goes without saying, right? No word on any freak injuries so far during this practice week, and I hope the Clemson team keeps it that way. Keep your feet underneath you, avoid unnecessary contact, and don't practice in the mud.

3. Rest. Rest. Rest. Bowden has talked about the fatigue factor with this team and the lack of an open date through eleven straight games. So this weekend appears to be desperately needed. Take advantage. Sleep late. Go to bed early. Ya know, all that stuff good college kids do. Right?

Of course, the biggest key of all is make sure you prepare for South Carolina. But I guess that goes without saying, huh?

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Is Brad Scott Headed to FSU?

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-16T12:29:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Rumors

Not likely.

I'm not sure where this rumor got started, but Brad Scott quickly squashed the idea of him becoming the new offensive coordinator for FSU after the departure of Jeff Bowden.

I suppose the feeling is that Scott, now the Clemson offensive line coach, might desire a return to "former glory" and his days as offensive coordinator for the Seminoles in the early 1990s. Ya know, back when the mere utterance of the letters FSU put fear into opposing fans.

Scott had this to say about the situation:

"I have not been contacted, nor would I think I would be since I'm already working in the Bowden family," Scott said.

"And if I am contacted, I would not be interested because I am happy here."

Well good for him ... and Clemson. Scott has helped to guide the offensive line to being one of the best in the ACC as the Tigers lead the ACC in rushing offense and have allowed just 8 sacks this season.

But did anyone really think that Bobby would hire a coach right out from under his son Tommy's nose?

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Clemson and Veteran's Day: Video

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-15T14:00:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Campus, NCAA FB Fans

Saturday was Veteran's Day, and the Clemson family honored the day in fine fashion from start to finish. I have mentioned already that the day started with a parade of veteran's down to Death Valley. There were also military displays on Bowman field that I was unable to visit.

One of the more memorable moments took place prior to kickoff as four F-16s soared over the South stands. From my vantage point in the South upper deck, I felt as if I could touch them. The sound on this video doesn't do the experience justice, but take my word for it--it was bone-shaking loud:

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Beating South Carolina Doesn't Matter for Clemson?

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-15T11:40:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Fans, South Carolina Football

Clemson has beaten South Carolina four straight times. Bowden led teams have won six out of the last seven against the Tigers' in-state rivals. Through the course of history, the series hasn't really been close as the Tigers have won 63 games compared to South Carolina's 36 (there are 4 ties).

The rivalry, though, remains despite the lopsided records. It divides friends, co-workers, and families. There's a storied history between the teams from "Big Thursday" to "The Catch" to "The Catch 2" (or "The Push"--depending on your point of view). The rivalry game was even canceled for six seasons from 1903-1909 due to ... well ... armed conflict among the students of both schools. And you thought "the brawl" was an isolated incident?

But is beating the Gamecocks a requirement every year?

Nope. Not, according to Tommy Bowden:

"It is important," he said. "But I would rather win the ACC Championship than beat them myself."

If you told me that we would lose to South Carolina every other year, but still win four ACC Titles in a decade, I would take it in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, this season won't be one of those where we play for an ACC Championship, and the past 15 seasons have been void of titles as well.

That's why beating South Carolina does matter--at least in recent years. Because Clemson isn't winning titles, Bowden must beat the Gamecocks to create recruiting advantages, to boost overall records and bowl placement, and to ensure job stability (you could argue that a loss to SC in 2003 would have cost Bowden his job).

So expect a full house in Death Valley on the 25th of November as Steve Spurrier brings his Chickens into Clemson for the next installment of this historic Palmetto State rivalry.

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Clemson Versus N.C. State: A Day in Pictures

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-14T15:19:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, NCAA FB Campus, NCAA FB Fans

It was another beautiful day in the upstate of South Carolina this Saturday as Clemson took on the Wolfpack.

There was not a capacity crowd in the stadium, but there we plenty of fans enjoying the tailgating atmosphere around Death Valley in the hours both before and after the game.

Here's just a little of what the average Tiger fan might have experienced on game day:

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Grading Clemson Keys to Victory Over N.C. State

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-14T14:36:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

I mentioned before that Saturday's victory over N.C. State was not exactly pretty. Luckily, Chuck Amato left his red shoes at home or else the day might have turned even uglier. But the Clemson team pulled together and did what was necessary to come away with a victory.

Here's how they did when compared to expectations:

1. Pass, baby, pass. I hedged away from the traditional "run the ball" key last week. Turns out I may have been right. Will Proctor threw multiple deep balls early in the game. None of them were complete (badly overthrown), but the mere threat of the deep ball helped the running game. Proctor also demonstrated great skill in throwing the short pass while on the run--into coverage. I was impressed with much of his game. Well, except for the boneheaded pass to the flats that led to an N.C. State interception which was returned for a touchdown. I'll give the Tigers a B- on this one.

2. Score more points. The Tigers were held without a touchdown in the first quarter bringing the number of quarters without a touchdown to eight. But that's okay because C.J. Spiller scored on yet another 50+ yard run (his third of the year). Will Proctor added a touchdown pass to Tyler Grisham on the opening drive of the third quarter, and Jad Dean booted two field goals. All told the Tigers mounted a big fat 20 points. But it was enough. They get an A- for this one because I was vague in terms of the key.

3. Hold N.C. State to 15 points. Um, State had 14 points. A+. Kudos to the Tiger defense for holding on fourth and goal near the end of the first half. And kudos to Nick Watkins for being named ACC defensive player of the week.

A win is a win is a win. The Tigers go to 8-3 on the season with South Carolina coming to town the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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Kickoff Set for the Clemson vs. South Carolina Game

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-13T15:45:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC, South Carolina Football

Oh the masses are not happy about this one.

The powers that be have scheduled the Clemson/Carolina game for Noon on the 25th of November.

Plenty of people were irritated that the game was moved to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Couple that with the "mother of all crappy kickoff times", and you get a few thousand peeved Tiger fans.

It's the rivalry game ... you're supposed to have time prior to the game to, ya know, create more rivalry. Now Gamecock and Tiger fans are limited to just a few hours prior to kickoff on game day to hurl drunken insults at the opposing fans--which are often co-workers, neighbors, mom, etc.

Alas, the majority of the tailgating experience will have to take place after the annual ~~Clemson victory~~ Palmetto State showdown.

For what it's worth, the game will be televised on one of the ESPN stations.

Also of note, as mentioned above, this game is the Saturday after Thanksgiving--the first time since 1984. Incidentally, that was the first Clemson game I ever attended. Unfortunately the Tigers lost that game 22-21 in one of the strangest endings in the rivalry's history. I'm hoping history doesn't repeat itself.

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Gaines Adams' Sack Streak Ends

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-13T09:54:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

It wasn't meant to be for Gaines Adams this weekend.

He just couldn't get to the quarterback in time.

The senior defensive end fell just one sack short of tying the NCAA Division-1A mark for consecutive games with a sack. His streak ended at eight games.

Of course, Adams didn't seem flustered by the lack of the national record:

"I'm all about winning," Adams said. "Today we got the win with no sacks (by me), and I'm happy."

I was actually quite surprised that Adams was never able to pull down the Wolfpack QB. I figured he would power through for at least one sack. It was clear, though, that Adams was getting double and triple-teamed late in the game. Paying too much attention to Adams actually led to the game-ending sack by freshman Ricky Sapp (if I'm not mistaken).

Adams will have two weeks to rest before he gets to chase down Blake Mitchell of the Gamecocks. I'm sure Gaines will be more than ready to finish his home career with a sack or three.

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Tigers Hold Off Wolfpack

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-12T20:30:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

It wasn't pretty.

But I'll take it.

Clemson took out N.C. State 20-14 Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 81,000.

C.J. Spiller was the star of the offense as he piled up 154 yards rushing including a touchdown run. Reports are that James Davis was "under the weather", and unable to perform at 100%.

Will Proctor looked good on the short passes, but his ability to throw the long ball is in doubt. He did, however, make a bone-headed pass to the flats in the third quarter that was intercepted by N.C. State and returned for a touchdown--enough to tie the score at 14 apiece.

Jad Dean continues to turn around his early season woes, and he hit on two field goals in the fourth quarter to put the Tigers ahead for good.

I can't say enough about the Clemson defensive performance. They allowed just one N.C. State touchdown, and held on 4th and goal from the six-inch-line TWICE late in the first half (a Clemson penalty on the first attempt gave N.C. State another shot at the end zone). The rush defense was less than stellar at times, but it was strong enough to keep the Wolfpack at bay.

It was a victory desperately needed by players, coaches, and fans.

Now bring on the Chickens ... er ... Gamecocks.

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Clemson Keys to Victory Over N.C. State

Jeremy Parker — 2006-11-11T00:00:00 00:00

by Jeremy Parker

Filed under: Clemson Football, ACC

It's another noon game for the Tigers, and this week Chucky Cheese Amato brings his Wolfpack into Death Valley.

The Tigers have three losses on the season--all in conference--and are looking to ensure a strong finish to what opened up as a promising season.

So how will Clemson take down N.C. State this weekend?

1. Pass, baby, pass. So, I'm going against my old hunches. It's clear that teams have decided to put 18 men in the box (I know, I know). Because of this, Will Proctor will have to shoulder a heavier load as the season winds down. He has to take chances downfield, and the Tigers have to convert on those chances. The Tigers had three very big pass plays last weekend, but were unable to capitalize in the end zone. If Clemson can continue with the big pass play, then good things will happen.

2. Score more points. Yes, yes ... this one seems to easy. But the Tigers haven't scored a touchdown in 7 quarters. That has to change. Duh. It'll take at least one touchdown to win this weekend--and that's assuming key number three is correct AND Jad Dean boots a few field goals.

3. Hold N.C. State to 15 points. You couldn't ask for much more from the defense against Maryland. Aside from the field goal derived from a short field on the last drive, the defense held Maryland to a meager 10 points. If the Tigers can repeat that, expect Clemson to win. Of course, that's contingent on key number two.

Alas, I've picked the Tigers to win each and every game this year.

That doesn't change today. Clemson 24, N.C. State 14.

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