Written by Marc Givler of Cap City Preps
Stoudt Picks The Tigers
Things had been quiet for Cole Stoudt and his recruitment over the last two weeks since receiving his Clemson offer. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback from Dublin Coffman used the time to focus on getting his team into the playoffs and contemplating his collegiate future. On Friday afternoon, Stoudt broke his silence and opted to switch his commitment from Wyoming to the Clemson Tigers. Cap City Preps spoke with Stoudt and his father, Cliff, after Coffman’s 27-9 victory over Upper Arlington on Friday night.
“I called them while I was in school at lunch,” Stoudt said. “I ran into (Athletic Director Tony Pusateri’s) office and called. I called coach (Billy) Napier to let him know and then I didn’t know that you couldn’t commit to the quarterbacks coach so he put (Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney) on the line and he was really excited.”
Though Stoudt had amassed nearly a dozen offers, the decision came down to either sticking with Wyoming, or making the switch to Clemson.
“It was just my gut instinct,” said Stoudt of the decision to make the switch. “Me and my parents had about five two-hour long discussions like almost every night (over the last week) and it was just my gut instinct to pick Clemson. I’m the most comfortable with them and I’m really happy that I made the decision.”
While it was certainly a tough decision for one of Ohio’s top prospects, the Clemson staff really made an impression with Stoudt and his family on the visit to campus two weeks ago, despite being a bit sleep deprived.
“We drove down directly after the Hilliard Davidson game,” Stoudt recalled. “I slept the whole way, it was very uncomfortable in the backseat but it was great. We got there and we went straight to the hotel and slept for about an hour and then we went to the game and we got to go through the Tiger Walk and the atmosphere of the game was huge. There were 80,000 people there, screaming fans, and just the vibe I got from the coaches and players that I hung out with made me realize it was where I wanted to be.”
Stoudt’s father, former NFL quarterback Cliff Stoudt, was equally impressed with the visit.
“They really put on a first class show,” he said. “I’ve always told the kids when they ask me how they will know where they want to go, that you’ll know by the way you get treated by the school. They did everything perfectly. The game was amazing and before the game, they took him out on the field literally during warm-up. I think his favorite part was Sunday morning going into the locker room and they had his locker already setup with the uniforms and his number. It’s an honor to be picked by a program like that.”
One of the major factors that went into the decision was the familiarity that the family has with the area.
“It’s a great school with a great history and ironically Cole was born down there just 25 miles away,” Cliff explained. “It’s kind of like going home. When we went down there a couple of weeks ago, we knew the whole area. We’re just thrilled to death for him to have an opportunity like that.”
While Cole is clearly excited about the decision, it’s also a relief to finally have the process over as he and his teammates prepare for the Ohio High School playoffs starting next Saturday.
“I’m just focusing on Dublin Coffman right now,” he said. “After that, then I’ll focus on Clemson and learning the plays and all of that.”
For Stoudt, the process of familiarizing himself with Clemson’s offense will start in the Spring, as he plans to enroll early in order to participate in spring ball.
“I told (the Clemson coaching staff) that I’m going to be enrolling early,” he explained. “I know that they also have another commit, Tony McNeal, and he’ll also be going in mid-year so we will probably be battling it out for the second spot.”
Stoudt capped off his exciting Friday by breaking the school’s all-time passing yards record by throwing for 323 yards on 21-for-31 with two touchdowns in a big win over Upper Arlington. The game didn’t get off to a great start however, as Coffman found itself in a 9-0 hole in the first half before scoring 27 unanswered points to end the game.
“It’s very exciting,” said Stoudt of the big win on senior night. “We were losing at halftime 9-6 but when we were in the locker room, I was just like, ‘hey let’s pick this up. It’s our senior night and it’s our last home game’. I just got into a rhythm on that first drive (of the second half) and things picked up from there.”
One of the most interesting dynamics in Stoudt’s recruitment is the fact that his old brother Zack is also going through the same process as he is currently at Iowa Western Community College.
“We could have had a chance to go to the same school, Akron, Toledo, or Wyoming,” he said. “I spoke to him right before I decommitted from Wyoming and he said to do whatever was my gut feeling. I just felt that I needed to be there and Z felt the same thing and he was really supportive through the whole recruiting process.”
For now, Stoudt will remain focused on trying to lead his team on a playoff run but once that time is over, he can’t help but be excited about his future at Clemson.
“The thing I’m excited about is just learning more about the game,” he explained. “I know that coach Napier and coach Swinney know a whole lot more than me and I’m just waiting to get that knowledge about the game.”
Stoudt Picks The Tigers
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Joke Is Over
A great perspective from a lifelong Clemson fan
"Seriously.
Even I got fooled briefly.
I was never "all in." I didn't support hiring Dabo. But I did think it was possible to experience success under him. I was jumping around my living room Thursday night when NC State won thinking we had a chance to go back to the ACCCG.
I am a die hard Clemson fan. I've been going to games for 25 years. I love the Tigers. I will always pull for them and quite frankly, it has way more impact on my life/happiness than it should. My wife thinks I'm nuts sometimes.
All of that said...this is getting ridiculous. Not only can we not beat good teams (1-7 vs. top 25 teams under Dabo), but now we've dropped 2 straight to the worst teams in our division (UMD '09, BC '10). Talent is not the issue. We have guys in the hunt for ACC offensive and defensive player of the year. We are a top 20 talented team by every scouting service.
The issue is coaching. We hired an unqualified HC. He hired or retained an unqualified staff. We are a poorly coached team.
Clemson fans are passionate. They love everything Clemson. Their love has blinded many to our staff's incompetence. Some people like to pump sunshine and scream at those that are realists and can look at both sides of the token. I've reviewed both sides and feel there is enough evidence to render a judgment.
Dabo will not get us to the promised land. We will not win BCS bowls with Dabo. Coaching matters too much in college football. Clemson cannot out-recruit incompetent coaching.
A successful season is now off the table. We've lost 4 games already...Tommy Bowden's average for regular season losses. We cannot go back to the ACCCG for all practical purposes.
The only thing that remains is to avoid an embarrassing, program damaging season. A mediocre 8-4 mark is the best we can hope for. We will be lined dogs in 2-3 more games. If we lose 2 of those, we will have eclipsed Tommy Bowden's worst season ever for regular season losses. You would have to go back to Tommy West's 3-8 season to find one worse.
If we lose to SCar, we will have destroyed a 40 year old record of not losing to them back to back. This season is already a failure. I just hope our experiment doesn't result in a devastating season that sets us back years as a program.
Firing Dabo won't fix everything though. That's not what I'm saying (though I am saying we should have never hired him). We have a moron for an athletic director, so allowing him to make another hire does us no good. We have an anti-athletics president as well, so fired the AD just allows Barker to appoint another puppet (likely Billy D).
The problem is Barker. We must eradicate Clemson of his horrific leadership if we want to find success anytime in the near future.
I hate today. I really do. Up until this moment, I had retained hope. I wasn't "all out." I still won't pull against Dabo or this team, but I've resigned myself to the fact that he's not a good head coach, he doesn't have a good supporting staff, and we will not reach my measure of success under his leadership.
It's a very sad day for this lifelong Clemson fan."
"Seriously.
Even I got fooled briefly.
I was never "all in." I didn't support hiring Dabo. But I did think it was possible to experience success under him. I was jumping around my living room Thursday night when NC State won thinking we had a chance to go back to the ACCCG.
I am a die hard Clemson fan. I've been going to games for 25 years. I love the Tigers. I will always pull for them and quite frankly, it has way more impact on my life/happiness than it should. My wife thinks I'm nuts sometimes.
All of that said...this is getting ridiculous. Not only can we not beat good teams (1-7 vs. top 25 teams under Dabo), but now we've dropped 2 straight to the worst teams in our division (UMD '09, BC '10). Talent is not the issue. We have guys in the hunt for ACC offensive and defensive player of the year. We are a top 20 talented team by every scouting service.
The issue is coaching. We hired an unqualified HC. He hired or retained an unqualified staff. We are a poorly coached team.
Clemson fans are passionate. They love everything Clemson. Their love has blinded many to our staff's incompetence. Some people like to pump sunshine and scream at those that are realists and can look at both sides of the token. I've reviewed both sides and feel there is enough evidence to render a judgment.
Dabo will not get us to the promised land. We will not win BCS bowls with Dabo. Coaching matters too much in college football. Clemson cannot out-recruit incompetent coaching.
A successful season is now off the table. We've lost 4 games already...Tommy Bowden's average for regular season losses. We cannot go back to the ACCCG for all practical purposes.
The only thing that remains is to avoid an embarrassing, program damaging season. A mediocre 8-4 mark is the best we can hope for. We will be lined dogs in 2-3 more games. If we lose 2 of those, we will have eclipsed Tommy Bowden's worst season ever for regular season losses. You would have to go back to Tommy West's 3-8 season to find one worse.
If we lose to SCar, we will have destroyed a 40 year old record of not losing to them back to back. This season is already a failure. I just hope our experiment doesn't result in a devastating season that sets us back years as a program.
Firing Dabo won't fix everything though. That's not what I'm saying (though I am saying we should have never hired him). We have a moron for an athletic director, so allowing him to make another hire does us no good. We have an anti-athletics president as well, so fired the AD just allows Barker to appoint another puppet (likely Billy D).
The problem is Barker. We must eradicate Clemson of his horrific leadership if we want to find success anytime in the near future.
I hate today. I really do. Up until this moment, I had retained hope. I wasn't "all out." I still won't pull against Dabo or this team, but I've resigned myself to the fact that he's not a good head coach, he doesn't have a good supporting staff, and we will not reach my measure of success under his leadership.
It's a very sad day for this lifelong Clemson fan."
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tired Of Feeling Like This After A Clemson Game?
Write, call and email James Barker and Terry Don Phillips and voice your displeasure surrounding the state of our athletic department. Only you the fans can make a difference.
James Barker
201 Sikes Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Phone: (864) 656-3311
Fax (864) 656-0622
jbarker@clemson.edu
Terry Don Phillips
Jervey Athletic Center
P.O. Box 31
Clemson, SC 29633-0031
Phone: (864) 656-1935;
Fax (864) 656-7425
pterry@clemson.edu
Clemson Recruit Performance - 10/29/10
Mike Bellamy and Charlotte had a bye this week. Bellamy has 1,667 yards and 31 total touchdowns in 8 games this season. Charlotte plays at Port Charlotte next week.
Marlin Lane had 13 carries for 54 yards in Mainland's 43-0 win over Deltona. Lane also hauled in 1 catch for 4 yards. Mainland has a pivotal game against DeLand for the district title next week.
Charone Peake had 5 catches for 135 yards and 1 touchdown in Dorman's 21-14 victory over Byrnes. Peake was also heavily involved in Dorman's rushing game. Peake hauled in a 80 yard touchdown pass on a route down the sideline.
Adam Humphries missed the second half of Dorman's 21-14 victory over Byrnes with a back injury. Humphries wasn't a factor offensively for Dorman in the first half, but did make a couple nice plays on special teams and defensively for the Cavaliers.
Eric MaClain and Jack Britt's lost 36-33 against Seventy-First. No stats were available for MacClain. MacClain will play TE for Clemson.
Tony McNeal went 15-33 for 203 yards and 1 TD passes in a 26-25 loss to Fairfield Central. McNeal connected on a 55 yard TD pass to Brent Minter. The Cyclones wrapped up the #3 seed in the playoffs and will face Wade Hampton next week.
Cole Stoudt went 21-32 for 317 yards in Dublin-Coffman's 27-9 victory over Upper Arlington. Stoudt connected on touchdown passes of 17 and 13 yards. Cole's father Cliff Stoudt was a quarterback in the NFL for the Steelers, Cardinals and Dolphins. Dublin-Coffman also produced NFL QB Brady Quinn.
Robert Smith connected on 20-33 passes for 294 yards while rushing 88 yards in Woodland's 48-20 loss to Hanahan. Smith connected on touchdown passes of 15 and 66 yards Smith projects as a DB for Clemson.
Cortez Davis had 1 catches for 17 yards and 1 touchdown in Mainland's 43-0 victory over Deltona. Davis also hauled in a two-point conversion. Davis projects to play defensive back for the Tiger's next fall.
Colton Walls and Charlotte Latin fell 47-17 to Charlotte Country Day. No stats were available for Walls. Walls plays both LB and HB for Latin but projects as a FB for the Tigers in a role similar to Chad Diehl.
Marlin Lane had 13 carries for 54 yards in Mainland's 43-0 win over Deltona. Lane also hauled in 1 catch for 4 yards. Mainland has a pivotal game against DeLand for the district title next week.
Charone Peake had 5 catches for 135 yards and 1 touchdown in Dorman's 21-14 victory over Byrnes. Peake was also heavily involved in Dorman's rushing game. Peake hauled in a 80 yard touchdown pass on a route down the sideline.
Adam Humphries missed the second half of Dorman's 21-14 victory over Byrnes with a back injury. Humphries wasn't a factor offensively for Dorman in the first half, but did make a couple nice plays on special teams and defensively for the Cavaliers.
Eric MaClain and Jack Britt's lost 36-33 against Seventy-First. No stats were available for MacClain. MacClain will play TE for Clemson.
Tony McNeal went 15-33 for 203 yards and 1 TD passes in a 26-25 loss to Fairfield Central. McNeal connected on a 55 yard TD pass to Brent Minter. The Cyclones wrapped up the #3 seed in the playoffs and will face Wade Hampton next week.
Cole Stoudt went 21-32 for 317 yards in Dublin-Coffman's 27-9 victory over Upper Arlington. Stoudt connected on touchdown passes of 17 and 13 yards. Cole's father Cliff Stoudt was a quarterback in the NFL for the Steelers, Cardinals and Dolphins. Dublin-Coffman also produced NFL QB Brady Quinn.
Robert Smith connected on 20-33 passes for 294 yards while rushing 88 yards in Woodland's 48-20 loss to Hanahan. Smith connected on touchdown passes of 15 and 66 yards Smith projects as a DB for Clemson.
Cortez Davis had 1 catches for 17 yards and 1 touchdown in Mainland's 43-0 victory over Deltona. Davis also hauled in a two-point conversion. Davis projects to play defensive back for the Tiger's next fall.
Colton Walls and Charlotte Latin fell 47-17 to Charlotte Country Day. No stats were available for Walls. Walls plays both LB and HB for Latin but projects as a FB for the Tigers in a role similar to Chad Diehl.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Clemson vs. Boston College - By The Numbers
Boston College comes into Saturday's contest with a 2-5 (0-4) record on the season. Boston College, who has always been a tough out since joining the ACC in 2005, has taken a step-back in year two under the direction of head coach Frank Spaziani. The Eagles lone victories in 2010 have come at the expense of Weber State and Kent State.
The blame for the poor start to the season rests at the feet of the Boston College offense, which has been abysmal to date. Boston College ranks last in the ACC in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense on top of coughing the ball up over two times per game. A lot of their problems stem from a lack of an answer at the quarterback position, which has shuffled between Dave Shinskie and Mike Mascovetra before settling on freshman, Chase Rettig. Boston College has a talented back in Montel Harris, who backed-up Jamie Harper in High School, along with some solid pieces along the offensive line lead by OT Anthony Costanzo, but opposing defenses have stacked the box and BC's hasn't been able to beat team with the pass.
The Tigers head to Chesnutt Hill with at 4-3 (2-2) mark. Offensively the Tiger's have struggled for much of the season to find an offensive identity. The Tiger's did manage to break out of the funk against a below-average Georgia Tech defense last week putting up 403 yards and 27 points.
The most encouraging aspect of their performance was the continued emergence of the wide receivers lead by freshman Nuke Hopkins and sophomore Jaron Brown who combined for 7 catches and 87 yards. Most importantly the group didn't have a single drop and match some tough catches for big chunks of yardage and to extend drives.
The passing game will need to continue its maturation this week as the Tiger's face a much stingier defense that specialize in taking away the run. The Tigers should still lean on their strength running the football with Andre Ellington, but the offense is going to have to be efficient in the passing game to put up points against the maroon and gold.
Boston College puts a defense on the field that is in the same mold as the last few defenses the Eagles have fielded. They stuff the run well and feature studs at linebacker, while being mediocre in the secondary. Luke Kuechly is a cyborg and one of the most underrated players in the country. The Eagles have given up more points this year, but a lot of that is simple due to an anemic offense putting them in poor positions defensively.
Overall the Eagles have a defense that is one of the toughest the Tigers have faced to date. I would put them right behind Miami, but BC is starting to get hit hard with injuries. Alex Albright (DE), Wes Davis (S) and DeLeon Gause (CB) all are unlikely to play on Saturday, so the Eagle defense is not going to be quite as strong as it was earlier this season.
The Tigers defense is trending in the right direction after getting off to a bit of a slow start defensively to start the season. Steele was finally able to slow down the Yellow Jacket offense under Paul Johnson limiting them to 13 points.
This week the Tigers should have a field day against the Boston College offense that has been pitiful to date. The Tiger's should focus on taking away Montel Harris and make Rettig beat them with the pass. I can see a repeat of last year where the Tiger's utterly dominated BC in the Valley. As bad as BC offense was last year this year’s version is worse.
Closing Thoughts
There really isn't a whole lot to say about this game. Boston College is bad. Clemson has more talent at every position outside of linebacker. Clemson should roll. It is really that simple.
My key to the game is Clemson not turning the ball over. Florida State turning the ball over and spotting Boston College good field position and points is the only reason BC was in the game at FSU and that should hold true against Clemson. Hold onto the ball and Clemson wins going away.
This is a game that the Tigers should win easily and not cover the spread in my opinion is signs of a poor performance. I definitely would take the Tigers and give the points.
The blame for the poor start to the season rests at the feet of the Boston College offense, which has been abysmal to date. Boston College ranks last in the ACC in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense on top of coughing the ball up over two times per game. A lot of their problems stem from a lack of an answer at the quarterback position, which has shuffled between Dave Shinskie and Mike Mascovetra before settling on freshman, Chase Rettig. Boston College has a talented back in Montel Harris, who backed-up Jamie Harper in High School, along with some solid pieces along the offensive line lead by OT Anthony Costanzo, but opposing defenses have stacked the box and BC's hasn't been able to beat team with the pass.
| Boston College | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Offense | 136.92 | 102.29 | -34.63 | 105 | 12 |
| Passing Offense | 187.00 | 191.86 | 4.86 | 79 | 8 |
| Total Offense | 323.92 | 294.15 | -29.77 | 112 | 12 |
| Scoring Offense | 24.77 | 19.14 | -5.63 | 104 | 12 |
| TOP | 29:05 | 27.39 | 1:24 | 109 | 12 |
| TO Per Game | 2.00 | 2.29 | .29 |
The Tigers head to Chesnutt Hill with at 4-3 (2-2) mark. Offensively the Tiger's have struggled for much of the season to find an offensive identity. The Tiger's did manage to break out of the funk against a below-average Georgia Tech defense last week putting up 403 yards and 27 points.
The most encouraging aspect of their performance was the continued emergence of the wide receivers lead by freshman Nuke Hopkins and sophomore Jaron Brown who combined for 7 catches and 87 yards. Most importantly the group didn't have a single drop and match some tough catches for big chunks of yardage and to extend drives.
The passing game will need to continue its maturation this week as the Tiger's face a much stingier defense that specialize in taking away the run. The Tigers should still lean on their strength running the football with Andre Ellington, but the offense is going to have to be efficient in the passing game to put up points against the maroon and gold.
| Clemson | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Offense | 170.36 | 175.43 | 5.07 | 40 | 5 |
| Passing Offense | 192.00 | 178.14 | -13.86 | 72 | 10 |
| Total Offense | 362.36 | 353.57 | -8.79 | 73 | 10 |
| Scoring Offense | 31.14 | 30.29 | -0.85 | 47 | 4 |
| TOP | 28:04 | 28:38 | 0:34 | 90 | 8 |
| TO Per Game | 1.71 | 1.14 | -0.57 |
Boston College puts a defense on the field that is in the same mold as the last few defenses the Eagles have fielded. They stuff the run well and feature studs at linebacker, while being mediocre in the secondary. Luke Kuechly is a cyborg and one of the most underrated players in the country. The Eagles have given up more points this year, but a lot of that is simple due to an anemic offense putting them in poor positions defensively.
Overall the Eagles have a defense that is one of the toughest the Tigers have faced to date. I would put them right behind Miami, but BC is starting to get hit hard with injuries. Alex Albright (DE), Wes Davis (S) and DeLeon Gause (CB) all are unlikely to play on Saturday, so the Eagle defense is not going to be quite as strong as it was earlier this season.
| Boston College | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Defense | 103.15 | 83.57 | -19.58 | 4 | 1 |
| Passing Defense | 224.46 | 230.57 | -6.11 | 80 | 10 |
| Total Defense | 327.61 | 314.14 | -13.47 | 22 | 3 |
| Scoring Defense | 19.77 | 25.00 | 5.33 | 65 | 10 |
| TO Per Game | 1.77 | 2.57 | 0.80 |
The Tigers defense is trending in the right direction after getting off to a bit of a slow start defensively to start the season. Steele was finally able to slow down the Yellow Jacket offense under Paul Johnson limiting them to 13 points.
This week the Tigers should have a field day against the Boston College offense that has been pitiful to date. The Tiger's should focus on taking away Montel Harris and make Rettig beat them with the pass. I can see a repeat of last year where the Tiger's utterly dominated BC in the Valley. As bad as BC offense was last year this year’s version is worse.
| Clemson | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Defense | 151.50 | 157.43 | 5.93 | 70 | 7 |
| Passing Defense | 162.79 | 195.57 | 32.78 | 36 | 5 |
| Total Defense | 314.29 | 353.00 | 38.17 | 51 | 8 |
| Scoring Defense | 20.43 | 18.43 | -2.00 | 22 | 3 |
| TO Per Game | 2.14 | 1.85 | 0.29 |
Closing Thoughts
There really isn't a whole lot to say about this game. Boston College is bad. Clemson has more talent at every position outside of linebacker. Clemson should roll. It is really that simple.
My key to the game is Clemson not turning the ball over. Florida State turning the ball over and spotting Boston College good field position and points is the only reason BC was in the game at FSU and that should hold true against Clemson. Hold onto the ball and Clemson wins going away.
This is a game that the Tigers should win easily and not cover the spread in my opinion is signs of a poor performance. I definitely would take the Tigers and give the points.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
AD's Decision To Elimate Clemson Swimming Handled Poorly
On April 30th 2010, the Clemson Athletic Director, Terry Don Phillips, announced via a press release that the Clemson’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams were being phased out after the 2011-2012 academic year. According to Phillips, the reason for eliminating the program was that “Having an Olympic size pool has become most important in swimming. We have made a decision not to build a 50-meter pool, and thus feel our program is in a state where it will be very difficult to compete at the highest level in the ACC and nationally.”
Men’s and Women’s Swimming has a long history at Clemson. The program was established in 1918 and reached its pinnacle in the 1980s. During this era, the program captured 4 ACC Championships while boosting multiple individual ACC Champions and 2 Olympians. The program hasn’t been as successful in recent years, failing to capture an ACC Championship since 1997; however, the Tigers have been showing improvement under Head Coach Chris Ip, and have always been outstanding representatives for Clemson and the surrounding community. Clemson Swimmers have dominated the ACC Academic Honor Roll and lead all Clemson sports with 56.5% of the team making the list. Honorees from the swimming program include twelve 4.0 scholar athletes and five Academic All ACC students. In addition to excellence in the classroom, the swimming program leads all Clemson sports in community service.
Even if you don’t have strong feelings about the decision to eliminate the swimming program, the process by which the decision was researched and handled by Clemson’s Athletic Department should be infuriating and is just another symptom of the poor leadership from the top of the university down. I recently had an opportunity to exchange emails with swimming supporters behind the website Save Clemson Swimming (Save Clemson Swimming). Through these conversations, I was able to gather more information on how the decision was reached and was shocked by the lack of time and research that was put into a decision of such magnitude.
Phillips was asked to do an economic feasibility study on all Clemson sports programs by taking into account coaching, recruiting, and facilities. Phillips alludes to this in the press release announcing the decision. It was determined from that initial study that swimming and diving presented the biggest long-term financial challenge to make the team more competitive, due to a lack of a 50-meter swimming pool. The Athletic Department then briefly researched the cost to build the 50-meter swimming pool by looking into the costs to build similar pools at Florida State and UCLA. The costs on the surface were deemed too high, so the study was stopped without digging deeper into the numbers, and the decision to eliminate the program was made by the AD. No other facilities were bench marked. No consultants, pool contractors, or builders were asked to give their opinion on the cost to build a pool in South Carolina as opposed to Florida or California. No other options, such as building the facility piecemeal, were considered by the AD even though the majority of Clemson’s athletic facilities were built in this fashion.
The decision was made hastily without the necessary research and then announced with almost no warning catching the program off-guard. In fact, on April 23 2010, a mere 7 days prior to the announcement, North Augusta High School swimmer Hannah Collins signed a partial scholarship to swim at Clemson (Clemson Signs Collins). The coaches were literally out recruiting and signing athletes to swim at Clemson for the next 4 or 5 years while the AD was knee deep in plans to eliminate the program. The AD didn't even have the decency to tell the entire team in private prior to making the official announcement to the media. This lack of communication between the Athletic Department and Coach Ip and those involved with the swimming program is a sad turn of events that should never happen at a major university.
After the announcement was made on April 30th, the program and its supporters were told that money was not the motivating factor in eliminating the program. It was repeated by the AD that the primary reason for eliminating the program was its inability to be competitive in the long-term without a 50-meter pool. This reasoning seems odd considering that Clemson was coming off back-to-back Top 25 recruiting classes. It also begs the question that if the program isn’t a burden financially, then why does it need to be eliminated in the first place? Why can’t the program at least continue to operate under the status-quo into the immediate future while other options are explored? If all financial avenues were researched thoroughly, then perhaps in 5 or 10 years Clemson might be in a position to build an aquatic facility.
The lack of proper research and the subsequent handling of the decision to eliminate the Men’s and Women’s Swimming program is just another example of the void of competence in the Clemson Athletic Department. Taking into account the egregious lack of leadership and communication skills demonstrated by this administration throughout the process, it should not be shocking to anyone that Clemson has won a grand total of 9 ACC Championships under the Terry Don Phillips regime.
To learn more and to support Clemson Swimming & Diving go to Save Clemson Swimming.
Men’s and Women’s Swimming has a long history at Clemson. The program was established in 1918 and reached its pinnacle in the 1980s. During this era, the program captured 4 ACC Championships while boosting multiple individual ACC Champions and 2 Olympians. The program hasn’t been as successful in recent years, failing to capture an ACC Championship since 1997; however, the Tigers have been showing improvement under Head Coach Chris Ip, and have always been outstanding representatives for Clemson and the surrounding community. Clemson Swimmers have dominated the ACC Academic Honor Roll and lead all Clemson sports with 56.5% of the team making the list. Honorees from the swimming program include twelve 4.0 scholar athletes and five Academic All ACC students. In addition to excellence in the classroom, the swimming program leads all Clemson sports in community service.
Even if you don’t have strong feelings about the decision to eliminate the swimming program, the process by which the decision was researched and handled by Clemson’s Athletic Department should be infuriating and is just another symptom of the poor leadership from the top of the university down. I recently had an opportunity to exchange emails with swimming supporters behind the website Save Clemson Swimming (Save Clemson Swimming). Through these conversations, I was able to gather more information on how the decision was reached and was shocked by the lack of time and research that was put into a decision of such magnitude.
Phillips was asked to do an economic feasibility study on all Clemson sports programs by taking into account coaching, recruiting, and facilities. Phillips alludes to this in the press release announcing the decision. It was determined from that initial study that swimming and diving presented the biggest long-term financial challenge to make the team more competitive, due to a lack of a 50-meter swimming pool. The Athletic Department then briefly researched the cost to build the 50-meter swimming pool by looking into the costs to build similar pools at Florida State and UCLA. The costs on the surface were deemed too high, so the study was stopped without digging deeper into the numbers, and the decision to eliminate the program was made by the AD. No other facilities were bench marked. No consultants, pool contractors, or builders were asked to give their opinion on the cost to build a pool in South Carolina as opposed to Florida or California. No other options, such as building the facility piecemeal, were considered by the AD even though the majority of Clemson’s athletic facilities were built in this fashion.
The decision was made hastily without the necessary research and then announced with almost no warning catching the program off-guard. In fact, on April 23 2010, a mere 7 days prior to the announcement, North Augusta High School swimmer Hannah Collins signed a partial scholarship to swim at Clemson (Clemson Signs Collins). The coaches were literally out recruiting and signing athletes to swim at Clemson for the next 4 or 5 years while the AD was knee deep in plans to eliminate the program. The AD didn't even have the decency to tell the entire team in private prior to making the official announcement to the media. This lack of communication between the Athletic Department and Coach Ip and those involved with the swimming program is a sad turn of events that should never happen at a major university.
After the announcement was made on April 30th, the program and its supporters were told that money was not the motivating factor in eliminating the program. It was repeated by the AD that the primary reason for eliminating the program was its inability to be competitive in the long-term without a 50-meter pool. This reasoning seems odd considering that Clemson was coming off back-to-back Top 25 recruiting classes. It also begs the question that if the program isn’t a burden financially, then why does it need to be eliminated in the first place? Why can’t the program at least continue to operate under the status-quo into the immediate future while other options are explored? If all financial avenues were researched thoroughly, then perhaps in 5 or 10 years Clemson might be in a position to build an aquatic facility.
The lack of proper research and the subsequent handling of the decision to eliminate the Men’s and Women’s Swimming program is just another example of the void of competence in the Clemson Athletic Department. Taking into account the egregious lack of leadership and communication skills demonstrated by this administration throughout the process, it should not be shocking to anyone that Clemson has won a grand total of 9 ACC Championships under the Terry Don Phillips regime.
To learn more and to support Clemson Swimming & Diving go to Save Clemson Swimming.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Top 10 ACC Quarterbacks of the 2000s (2000-2009)
The Top 10 ACC Quarterbacks of the 2000s is a ranking of the best signal callers of the past decade. Factors included in the ranking were performance, season and career statistics, awards and team performance under their leadership relative to the teams standard performance. Years that were played in another conferance (Big East) or years that were played in another decade (1999, 2010) were not factored into the rankings.
10. Riley Skinner - Wake Forest
Riley Skinner never put up the huge statistics for the Demon Deacons, but it is impossible to disregard Skinner leadingWake Forest Wake Forest
9. Thaddeus Lewis - Duke
Thaddeus Lewis never got the recognition that his play on the field deserved due to playing for the lowly Duke Blue Devils, but make no mistake Lewis was arguable the second best QB of the last half of the decade in the ACC. Lewis lead Duke to 9 wins over his JR and SR seasons, which is 1 less than Duke amassed from 2000-2007. Lewis is Duke's leader in both career passing yards and career passing touchdowns and was named 2nd Team All-ACC in both 2008 and 2009. Lewis is currently on the practice squad for the Saint Louis Rams.
8. Bryan Randall - Virginia Tech
Bryan Randall only played one season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but his one season was spectacular leading the Hokies to an ACC Championship in 2004. Randall passed for 2264 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns and was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-ACC in 2004. Randall was one of only 4 QBs that were named ACC Player of the Year during the decade.
7. Darian Durant - North Carolina
Darian Durant was an outstanding QB that is underrated due to playing in an era with a so many other great ACC signal callers on a bunch of North Carolina teams without a ton of talent offensively. Durant was a machine offensively putting up big seasons for the Tar Heels for four consecutive years. Durant left UNC with over 50 school records.
6. George Godsey - Georgia Tech
George Godsey is another of the many great quarterbacks that played in the league in the early part of the decade. Godsey only started two years at Georgia Tech, but was prolific both years for the Yellow Jackets leading them to a 17-8 record. Statistically his 2000 season was the 2nd best in GT history behind only Heisman runner-up Joe Hamilton's 1999 season. Godsey was named 2nd Team All-ACC for his performance in 2000 and was an Honorable Mention All-ACC selection in 2001.
5. Woodrow Dantzler - Clemson
Woodrow Dantler was the first quarterback in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season a feat that Dantzler accomplished in 2001 and was one of only three quarterbacks that passed for over 5,000 yards and rushed for over 2500 yards rushing. Dantzler lead Clemson to a 16-8 record and left the school with 53 school records.
4. Chris Weinke - Florida State
3. Matt Schaub - Virginia
It took until Matt Schaub's 3rd game of his redshirt junior season to win the starting job at the University of Virginia, but Schaub went on to have one of the best careers of the decade. Schaub led UVA to a 9-4 record and its best season under Al Groh while being named ACC Player Of The Year, ACC Offensive Player Of The Year and 1st Team All-ACC in 2002. Schaub battled injuries in 2003, but was still able to put together a great season and was named 2nd Team All-ACC. Schaub was drafted in the 4th Round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and is now the starting QB for the Houston Texans.
2. Matt Ryan - Boston College
Boston College
1. Phillip Rivers - North Carolina State
10. Riley Skinner - Wake Forest
Riley Skinner never put up the huge statistics for the Demon Deacons, but it is impossible to disregard Skinner leading
| Riley Skinner | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14-13 | 171 | 260 | 65.8% | 2051 | 9 | 5 |
| 2007 | 13-11 | 236 | 326 | 72.4% | 2204 | 12 | 13 |
| 2008 | 13-13 | 232 | 363 | 63.9% | 2347 | 13 | 7 |
| 2009 | 12-12 | 264 | 400 | 66.0% | 3160 | 26 | 12 |
9. Thaddeus Lewis - Duke
Thaddeus Lewis never got the recognition that his play on the field deserved due to playing for the lowly Duke Blue Devils, but make no mistake Lewis was arguable the second best QB of the last half of the decade in the ACC. Lewis lead Duke to 9 wins over his JR and SR seasons, which is 1 less than Duke amassed from 2000-2007. Lewis is Duke's leader in both career passing yards and career passing touchdowns and was named 2nd Team All-ACC in both 2008 and 2009. Lewis is currently on the practice squad for the Saint Louis Rams.
| Thaddeus Lewis | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 12-11 | 180 | 340 | 52.9% | 2134 | 11 | 16 |
| 2007 | 12-12 | 199 | 360 | 55.3% | 2430 | 21 | 10 |
| 2008 | 11-11 | 224 | 361 | 62.7% | 2173 | 15 | 6 |
| 2009 | 12-12 | 274 | 449 | 61.0% | 3330 | 20 | 8 |
8. Bryan Randall - Virginia Tech
Bryan Randall only played one season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but his one season was spectacular leading the Hokies to an ACC Championship in 2004. Randall passed for 2264 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns and was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-ACC in 2004. Randall was one of only 4 QBs that were named ACC Player of the Year during the decade.
| Bryan Randall | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 13-13 | 170 | 306 | 55.6% | 2264 | 21 | 9 |
7. Darian Durant - North Carolina
Darian Durant was an outstanding QB that is underrated due to playing in an era with a so many other great ACC signal callers on a bunch of North Carolina teams without a ton of talent offensively. Durant was a machine offensively putting up big seasons for the Tar Heels for four consecutive years. Durant left UNC with over 50 school records.
| Darian Durant | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 11-11 | 142 | 223 | 63.7% | 1843 | 17 | 10 |
| 2002 | 11-11 | 147 | 248 | 59.3% | 2123 | 16 | 9 |
| 2003 | 14-14 | 234 | 389 | 60.2% | 2551 | 18 | 8 |
| 2004 | 14-14 | 178 | 299 | 59.5% | 2238 | 17 | 9 |
6. George Godsey - Georgia Tech
George Godsey is another of the many great quarterbacks that played in the league in the early part of the decade. Godsey only started two years at Georgia Tech, but was prolific both years for the Yellow Jackets leading them to a 17-8 record. Statistically his 2000 season was the 2nd best in GT history behind only Heisman runner-up Joe Hamilton's 1999 season. Godsey was named 2nd Team All-ACC for his performance in 2000 and was an Honorable Mention All-ACC selection in 2001.
| George Godsey | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 11-11 | 222 | 349 | 63.6% | 2906 | 23 | 6 |
| 2001 | 12-12 | 249 | 384 | 64.8% | 3085 | 18 | 11 |
5. Woodrow Dantzler - Clemson
Woodrow Dantler was the first quarterback in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season a feat that Dantzler accomplished in 2001 and was one of only three quarterbacks that passed for over 5,000 yards and rushed for over 2500 yards rushing. Dantzler lead Clemson to a 16-8 record and left the school with 53 school records.
| Woodrow Danzler | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 12-12 | 122 | 212 | 57.5% | 1691 | 10 | 6 |
| 2001 | 12-12 | 240 | 369 | 60.5% | 2360 | 17 | 11 |
| Woodrow Danzler | GP-GS | ATT | YRDS | YPC | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 12-12 | 327 | 947 | 5.5 | 13 |
| 2001 | 12-12 | 240 | 1004 | 4.9 | 10 |
4. Chris Weinke - Florida State
| Chris Weinke | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 12-12 | 266 | 431 | 61.7% | 4367 | 33 | 11 |
3. Matt Schaub - Virginia
It took until Matt Schaub's 3rd game of his redshirt junior season to win the starting job at the University of Virginia, but Schaub went on to have one of the best careers of the decade. Schaub led UVA to a 9-4 record and its best season under Al Groh while being named ACC Player Of The Year, ACC Offensive Player Of The Year and 1st Team All-ACC in 2002. Schaub battled injuries in 2003, but was still able to put together a great season and was named 2nd Team All-ACC. Schaub was drafted in the 4th Round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and is now the starting QB for the Houston Texans.
| Matt Schaub | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2-0 | 7 | 8 | 87.5% | 50 | 0 | 1 |
| 2001 | 12-0 | 140 | 240 | 58.3% | 1524 | 10 | 8 |
| 2002 | 14-12 | 288 | 418 | 68.9% | 2976 | 28 | 7 |
| 2003 | 11-11 | 281 | 403 | 69.7% | 2953 | 18 | 10 |
2. Matt Ryan - Boston College
| Matt Ryan | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 10-5 | 121 | 195 | 62.1% | 1514 | 8 | 5 |
| 2006 | 12-11 | 263 | 426 | 61.7% | 2942 | 15 | 10 |
| 2007 | 14-14 | 388 | 654 | 59.3% | 4507 | 31 | 15 |
1. Phillip Rivers - North Carolina State
Phillip Rivers, an unheralded recruit out of Alabama , quickly won the starting job at North Carolina State
| Phillip Rivers | GP-GS | CMP | ATT | CMT% | YRDS | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 11-11 | 327 | 441 | 53.7% | 3054 | 25 | 10 |
| 2001 | 11-11 | 240 | 369 | 65.0% | 2586 | 16 | 7 |
| 2002 | 14-14 | 262 | 418 | 62.7% | 3353 | 20 | 10 |
| 2003 | 13-13 | 348 | 483 | 72.0% | 4491 | 34 | 10 |
Monday, October 25, 2010
Clemson Tigers In The NFL - Week 7
Offense
Charlie Whitehurst didn't play in Seattle's 22-10 win at home over Arizona. Whitehurst has yet to take a snap this season as the back-up QB behind starter Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle.
James Davis didn't accumulate any stats in Cleveland's 30-17 win at New Orleans. Cleveland traded back-up RB, Jerome Harrison, to the Ravens for RB Mike Bell last week. Bell was the primary back-up behind Peyton Hillis in yesterday's win over the Saints.
Davis was cut by the Browns on Monday night. Davis is currently on the waiver wire, but is expected to be claimed by another team.
C.J. Spiller had 7 carries for 33 yards in Buffalo's 37-34 OT loss at Baltimore. Spiller also fumbled on a kick-off return in the second quarter leading to a Raven's TD. The Bills who traded Marshawn Lynch to Seattle on October 5th gave the bulk of the carries to Fred Jackson.
Jacoby Ford recorded his first two catches on the season in Oakland's blowout win over Denver. Ford had 2 catches for 15 yards and also has 2 rushes for 29 yards on the game. Ford was targeted three times by Jason Campbell.
Chansi Stuckey had 2 catches for 16 yards in the Brown's 30-17 victory on the road against the Saints. Stuckey also had a nice one handed catch that was nullified by a defensive penalty. Stuckey was targeted three times by Cleveland QB, Colt McCoy.
Michael Palmer failed to record a reception in the Falcon's 39-32 home victory over the Bengles. Palmer who was elevated to the #2 TE for the Birds after Justin Peelle was injured last week was targeted on one pass from Matt Ryan. Peelle is out 4 to 6 weeks.
Barry Richardson started at OT in the Kansas City Chiefs 42-20 victory at home over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Barry graded out at around 90% on pass blocking and around 80% on run blocking against the Jags.Richardson Richardson
Defense
Nick Eason had one tackle in the Steelers’ 23-22 win over the Dolphins. Eason has 1.5 sacks on the season from his DT position. Eason is used primarily as a pass rushing specialist by the Steelers.
Trevor Pryce and the NY Jets had a bye week in Week 7.
Dorrell Scott had one solo tackle and one assist in the Rams' 18-17 loss to the Bucs.
Kavell Conner is out with a fracture left foot. It is not clear when Conner will return after missing his 3rd consecutive game with the injury. Conner was backing up Clint Sessions at OLB. The Colts had a bye in Week 7.
Anthony Waters recorded 1 solo tackle in the Saint's 30-17 loss to the Browns. Waters is primarily a special teams player for the Saints.
Crezdon Butler didn't record any stats in the Steelers' 23-22 win over Miami. Butler is on the roster, but has been inactive for every game this season.
Chris Clemons had an active game in the Dolphin's 23-22 OT loss to the Steelers. Clemons recorded 6 solo tackles, 3 assists, .5 sack and forced two fumbles including the controversial fumble by Roethlisberger at the goal line late in the 4th Quarter. Roethlisberger was later quoted saying "I thought he broke my arm, he hit me so hard. My arm kind of went numb" when speaking about Clemons hit.
Brain Dawkins suffered a strained knee ligament two week against the Ravens and will be out for another week or so. Dawkins has been starting at safety for the Broncos. Dawkins missed the Broncos blowout loss at the hands of the Raiders.
Notes:
-Leroy Hill, Phillip Merling, Ricky Sapp are injuried.
-Tyler Grisham, Mike Hamlin and Kevin Alexander are on teams 8 man practive squad.
Charlie Whitehurst didn't play in Seattle's 22-10 win at home over Arizona. Whitehurst has yet to take a snap this season as the back-up QB behind starter Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle.
| CMP | ATT | CMT% | LNG | YPA | TD | INT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARZ | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 |
James Davis didn't accumulate any stats in Cleveland's 30-17 win at New Orleans. Cleveland traded back-up RB, Jerome Harrison, to the Ravens for RB Mike Bell last week. Bell was the primary back-up behind Peyton Hillis in yesterday's win over the Saints.
Davis was cut by the Browns on Monday night. Davis is currently on the waiver wire, but is expected to be claimed by another team.
| ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @NO | 0 | 0 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
| Season | 4 | 9 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
C.J. Spiller had 7 carries for 33 yards in Buffalo's 37-34 OT loss at Baltimore. Spiller also fumbled on a kick-off return in the second quarter leading to a Raven's TD. The Bills who traded Marshawn Lynch to Seattle on October 5th gave the bulk of the carries to Fred Jackson.
| ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @BAL | 7 | 33 | 4.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 26 | 113 | 4.3 | 0 | 13 | 48 | 3.7 | 1 |
Jacoby Ford recorded his first two catches on the season in Oakland's blowout win over Denver. Ford had 2 catches for 15 yards and also has 2 rushes for 29 yards on the game. Ford was targeted three times by Jason Campbell.
| REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 9 | 0 |
| Season | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 9 | 0 |
Chansi Stuckey had 2 catches for 16 yards in the Brown's 30-17 victory on the road against the Saints. Stuckey also had a nice one handed catch that was nullified by a defensive penalty. Stuckey was targeted three times by Cleveland QB, Colt McCoy.
| REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @NO | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 13 | 0 |
| Season | 21 | 213 | 10.1 | 11 | 0 |
Michael Palmer failed to record a reception in the Falcon's 39-32 home victory over the Bengles. Palmer who was elevated to the #2 TE for the Birds after Justin Peelle was injured last week was targeted on one pass from Matt Ryan. Peelle is out 4 to 6 weeks.
| REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIN | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Season | 2 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 0 |
Barry Richardson started at OT in the Kansas City Chiefs 42-20 victory at home over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Barry graded out at around 90% on pass blocking and around 80% on run blocking against the Jags.
| GP | GS | |
|---|---|---|
| JAC | 1 | 1 |
| Season | 6 | 6 |
Defense
Nick Eason had one tackle in the Steelers’ 23-22 win over the Dolphins. Eason has 1.5 sacks on the season from his DT position. Eason is used primarily as a pass rushing specialist by the Steelers.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @MIA | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 4 | 2 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Trevor Pryce and the NY Jets had a bye week in Week 7.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dorrell Scott had one solo tackle and one assist in the Rams' 18-17 loss to the Bucs.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @TB | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Kavell Conner is out with a fracture left foot. It is not clear when Conner will return after missing his 3rd consecutive game with the injury. Conner was backing up Clint Sessions at OLB. The Colts had a bye in Week 7.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Anthony Waters recorded 1 solo tackle in the Saint's 30-17 loss to the Browns. Waters is primarily a special teams player for the Saints.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @TB | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Crezdon Butler didn't record any stats in the Steelers' 23-22 win over Miami. Butler is on the roster, but has been inactive for every game this season.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Chris Clemons had an active game in the Dolphin's 23-22 OT loss to the Steelers. Clemons recorded 6 solo tackles, 3 assists, .5 sack and forced two fumbles including the controversial fumble by Roethlisberger at the goal line late in the 4th Quarter. Roethlisberger was later quoted saying "I thought he broke my arm, he hit me so hard. My arm kind of went numb" when speaking about Clemons hit.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIT | 9 | 6 | .5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Season | 30 | 23 | .5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Brain Dawkins suffered a strained knee ligament two week against the Ravens and will be out for another week or so. Dawkins has been starting at safety for the Broncos. Dawkins missed the Broncos blowout loss at the hands of the Raiders.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @OAK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 27 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Notes:
-Leroy Hill, Phillip Merling, Ricky Sapp are injuried.
-Tyler Grisham, Mike Hamlin and Kevin Alexander are on teams 8 man practive squad.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Jonathan Byrd Aces 4th Playoff Hole To Win Shriners Open
Former Clemson Tiger, Jonathan Byrd win the Justin Timberlake Shriners For Children Hospitals Oen with an ace on the 4th playoff hole. Byrd was tied with Martin Laird and Cameron Percy for the lead at -21 after 64 holes.
Byrd walk-off ace was the first time in PGA Tour history that a playoff was settled with a hole in one. The victory was Byrd's fourth win of his career and his first since the 2007 John Deere Classic. The victory qualifies Byrd for The 2011 Masters. It was the first for a Clemson golfer on the PGA Tour this year and first since Lucas Glover's victory at the 2009 US Open.
Byrd walk-off ace was the first time in PGA Tour history that a playoff was settled with a hole in one. The victory was Byrd's fourth win of his career and his first since the 2007 John Deere Classic. The victory qualifies Byrd for The 2011 Masters. It was the first for a Clemson golfer on the PGA Tour this year and first since Lucas Glover's victory at the 2009 US Open.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Clemson Recruit Performance - 10/22/10
Mike Bellamy rushed for 126 yards on 20 carries and 2 TDs in Charlotte's 36-6 victory over Lakewood Ranch. Bellemy had TD runs of 53 and 15 yards. Bellemy has 1,667 yards and 29 TDs in 8 games this season.
Marlin Lane had 11 carries for 42 yards in Mainland's 38-6 win over Pine Ridge. Lane had touchdown runs of 10 yards and 1 yard. Lane also hauled in 1 catch for 13 yards.
Charone Peake had 4 catches for 46 yards and 1 rush for 36 yards in Dorman's 35-7 victory over J.L. Mann. Peake had 32 catches for 510 yards and 4 TDs coming into the game. Undefeated Dorman faces Byrnes next week in a game that will be featured on ESPNU at 8:00 PM.
Adam Humphries had 2 TDs rushing and another TD through the air as Dorman beat J.L. Mann 35-7. Humphries had 3 runs for 12 yards including TD scampers of 3 and 5 yards. Humphries had 3 receptions for 84 yards including hauling in a 63 yard touchdown reception. On the defensive side of the ball, Humphries had 3 tackles including one tackle for loss. Humphries has 28 carries for 128 yards and 8 TD on the ground and 13 catches for 225 yards and 3 TDs receiving coming into last night's game. Humphries also has a pair of interceptions on the season.
Eric MacClain reeled in a 27 yard TD reception in Jack Britt's 49-32 victory over E.E. MacLain will play TE for Clemson. Jack Britt faces Seventy-First next week in a game of undefeated teams.
Tony McNeal went 12-24 for 113 yards and 1 TD passes in a 55-17 loss to South Pointe. McNeal connected on a 5 yard TD pass to Deterrion Hardin.
Robert Smith rushed for 174 yards with a 14 yard TD in Woodland's 34-0 victory over Garrett Tech. Smith projects as a DB for Clemson. Woodland faces Hanahan next week in a game for the 6-AA Championship. Woodland is 8-1 on the season.
Cortez Davis had 6 catches for 97 yards including a 20 yards TD reception in Mainland's 38-6 win over Pine Ridge. Davis projects to play defensive back for the Tiger's next fall.
Colton Walls had 2 rushes for 0 yards in Charlotte Latin's 35-21 victory over Norcross. Walls plays both LB and HB for Latin but projects as a HB for the Tigers
Marlin Lane had 11 carries for 42 yards in Mainland's 38-6 win over Pine Ridge. Lane had touchdown runs of 10 yards and 1 yard. Lane also hauled in 1 catch for 13 yards.
Charone Peake had 4 catches for 46 yards and 1 rush for 36 yards in Dorman's 35-7 victory over J.L. Mann. Peake had 32 catches for 510 yards and 4 TDs coming into the game. Undefeated Dorman faces Byrnes next week in a game that will be featured on ESPNU at 8:00 PM.
Adam Humphries had 2 TDs rushing and another TD through the air as Dorman beat J.L. Mann 35-7. Humphries had 3 runs for 12 yards including TD scampers of 3 and 5 yards. Humphries had 3 receptions for 84 yards including hauling in a 63 yard touchdown reception. On the defensive side of the ball, Humphries had 3 tackles including one tackle for loss. Humphries has 28 carries for 128 yards and 8 TD on the ground and 13 catches for 225 yards and 3 TDs receiving coming into last night's game. Humphries also has a pair of interceptions on the season.
Eric MacClain reeled in a 27 yard TD reception in Jack Britt's 49-32 victory over E.E. MacLain will play TE for Clemson. Jack Britt faces Seventy-First next week in a game of undefeated teams.
Tony McNeal went 12-24 for 113 yards and 1 TD passes in a 55-17 loss to South Pointe. McNeal connected on a 5 yard TD pass to Deterrion Hardin.
Robert Smith rushed for 174 yards with a 14 yard TD in Woodland's 34-0 victory over Garrett Tech. Smith projects as a DB for Clemson. Woodland faces Hanahan next week in a game for the 6-AA Championship. Woodland is 8-1 on the season.
Cortez Davis had 6 catches for 97 yards including a 20 yards TD reception in Mainland's 38-6 win over Pine Ridge. Davis projects to play defensive back for the Tiger's next fall.
Colton Walls had 2 rushes for 0 yards in Charlotte Latin's 35-21 victory over Norcross. Walls plays both LB and HB for Latin but projects as a HB for the Tigers
Friday, October 22, 2010
ACC QB Rankings Through Week 7
1. Tyrod Taylor has played outstanding in the last 3 weeks leading the Hokies to a 3-0 record with wins over NCSU, Central Michigan and Wake Forest. Against NCSU, Taylor had 123 yard passing with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception along with 121 yards on the ground. Against CMU, Taylor tossed for 161 yards and 1 touchdown on top of 127 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Against Wake, Taylor went wild throwing for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns and added another score on the ground. Neither of those 3 teams very good defenses, but Taylor now has 12 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions and is averaging 188 passing yards per game on the season that coupled with his ability to run the football is enough to propel Taylor to the top of the list.
2. T.J. Yates has continued to look outstanding in the last three contests tossing for 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions and has averaged 223 passing yards per game in North Carolina’s victories over ECU, Clemson and Virginia. It is hard to look past Yates 14 TD and 15 INT performances in 2009 and not think that some sort of smoke and mirrors is involved, but it is time that Yates starts getting some respect. Yates has 11 touchdowns and 1 interception on the season while leading the suspension riddled Heels to a surprise 4-2 record. Yates jumps from #7 to #2 on the list just getting the nod over Russell Wilson.
3. Russell Wilson got off to a blazing start to the 2010 season tossing 11 touchdowns and only 1 interception in the first 4 games, but the redshirt junior has fallen back to earth with 8 interception to only 7 touchdowns in the last 3 games. Dana Bible’s system calls for Wilson to throw more deep hot reads when the opposing team blitzes, but Wilson decision making has been questionable on a number of throws in recent weeks. It is no surprise that with Wilson average play recently, North Carolina State has dropped 2 of 3 and now sits at 5-2 on the season. Wilson has 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and is averaging 303 passing yards per game on the season. Wilson drops from #1 to #2 after getting jumped by Taylor.
4. Christian Ponder had an opportunity to leap frog Wilson, but his play over the last 3 weeks has been average. Ponder wasn’t able to top 175 yards in each of the last 3 games while throwing 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. However, most importantly for the Seminoles, Ponder was able to lead the team to a 3-0 record including a dominating victory at Miami. Ponder has 12 TDs to 7 TD to go along with 169 passing yards per game. Ponder will have a big opportunity to make a move up the ranking when Florida State travels to Raleigh to face the Pack next Thursday. Ponder drops from #2 to number #4 on the list after getting jumped by Taylor and Yates.
5. Josh Nesbitt is extremely hard to rank considering Georgia Tech runs the option and rarely throws the ball, but the performance of the offense rests on his shoulders and the Jackets have taken a step-back this year. The offense has looked better the last three games notching wins over Wake Forest, Virginia and MTSU. Nesbitt does have four 100 yard rushing performances and 8 TDs on the ground, but has seen a large drop-off through the air compared to last year. Nesbitt struggled mightily early only completing 32% of his passes in the first four games, but has looks a little better the last 3 completing 47%. Nesbitt moved up to #5 on the list.
6. Kyle Parker was impressive early in the season, but suffered bruised rips in the overtime loss to Auburn and has been mediocre over the last three games. During that timeframe, Parker has completed only 45% of his passes for 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions and the Tiger’s have gone 1-2. Clemson does have issues at wide receiver and that is certainly working against Parker, but Parker accuracy, timing and progressions have also been shaky. Parker now has 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions and is averaging 162 passing yards per game in 2010. Parker falls from #3 to #6 after getting passed by Taylor, Yates and Nesbitt.
7. Jacory Harris has the talent to be one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, but tends to make too many mistakes throwing the football, which resulted in an ACC high 17 interceptions last year. Harris hasn’t been able to cut-back on the interceptions this year with 9 through 6 games. Harris was pretty good outside of the interceptions the first 3 games completing 63% of his passes, but Harris has struggled in the last 3 games completing only 42% of his attempts. On the season Harris has 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and is averaging 224 passing yards per game. Harris drops from #5 to #7 after getting passed by Yates and Nesbitt.
The Rest
8. Danny O’Brien - Maryland
9. Sean Renfree - Duke
10. Marc Verica - UVA
11. Tanner Price - Wake
12. Chase Rettig - Boston College
 |
| Taylor Ascends To #1 |
2. T.J. Yates has continued to look outstanding in the last three contests tossing for 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions and has averaged 223 passing yards per game in North Carolina’s victories over ECU, Clemson and Virginia. It is hard to look past Yates 14 TD and 15 INT performances in 2009 and not think that some sort of smoke and mirrors is involved, but it is time that Yates starts getting some respect. Yates has 11 touchdowns and 1 interception on the season while leading the suspension riddled Heels to a surprise 4-2 record. Yates jumps from #7 to #2 on the list just getting the nod over Russell Wilson.
3. Russell Wilson got off to a blazing start to the 2010 season tossing 11 touchdowns and only 1 interception in the first 4 games, but the redshirt junior has fallen back to earth with 8 interception to only 7 touchdowns in the last 3 games. Dana Bible’s system calls for Wilson to throw more deep hot reads when the opposing team blitzes, but Wilson decision making has been questionable on a number of throws in recent weeks. It is no surprise that with Wilson average play recently, North Carolina State has dropped 2 of 3 and now sits at 5-2 on the season. Wilson has 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and is averaging 303 passing yards per game on the season. Wilson drops from #1 to #2 after getting jumped by Taylor.
4. Christian Ponder had an opportunity to leap frog Wilson, but his play over the last 3 weeks has been average. Ponder wasn’t able to top 175 yards in each of the last 3 games while throwing 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. However, most importantly for the Seminoles, Ponder was able to lead the team to a 3-0 record including a dominating victory at Miami. Ponder has 12 TDs to 7 TD to go along with 169 passing yards per game. Ponder will have a big opportunity to make a move up the ranking when Florida State travels to Raleigh to face the Pack next Thursday. Ponder drops from #2 to number #4 on the list after getting jumped by Taylor and Yates.
5. Josh Nesbitt is extremely hard to rank considering Georgia Tech runs the option and rarely throws the ball, but the performance of the offense rests on his shoulders and the Jackets have taken a step-back this year. The offense has looked better the last three games notching wins over Wake Forest, Virginia and MTSU. Nesbitt does have four 100 yard rushing performances and 8 TDs on the ground, but has seen a large drop-off through the air compared to last year. Nesbitt struggled mightily early only completing 32% of his passes in the first four games, but has looks a little better the last 3 completing 47%. Nesbitt moved up to #5 on the list.
6. Kyle Parker was impressive early in the season, but suffered bruised rips in the overtime loss to Auburn and has been mediocre over the last three games. During that timeframe, Parker has completed only 45% of his passes for 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions and the Tiger’s have gone 1-2. Clemson does have issues at wide receiver and that is certainly working against Parker, but Parker accuracy, timing and progressions have also been shaky. Parker now has 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions and is averaging 162 passing yards per game in 2010. Parker falls from #3 to #6 after getting passed by Taylor, Yates and Nesbitt.
7. Jacory Harris has the talent to be one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, but tends to make too many mistakes throwing the football, which resulted in an ACC high 17 interceptions last year. Harris hasn’t been able to cut-back on the interceptions this year with 9 through 6 games. Harris was pretty good outside of the interceptions the first 3 games completing 63% of his passes, but Harris has struggled in the last 3 games completing only 42% of his attempts. On the season Harris has 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and is averaging 224 passing yards per game. Harris drops from #5 to #7 after getting passed by Yates and Nesbitt.
The Rest
8. Danny O’Brien - Maryland
9. Sean Renfree - Duke
10. Marc Verica - UVA
11. Tanner Price - Wake
12. Chase Rettig - Boston College
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech - By The Numbers
Georgia Tech comes into Death Valley sporting a 5-2 (3-1) on the season. Judging soley by the statistics the Yellow Jackets look like a similar team as the squad that the Tiger's lost to twice last year, but the Jacket's schedule in 2010 has been front-loaded with weaker opponents. The Jackets first 7 opponents have combined to win 12 games against Division I opponents and their last 3 opponents have combined to only win 2 games against Division I foes. Similar statistics compared to 2009 against the defenses of SC State, Kansas, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest, Virginia and MTSU points to an overall weaker offense in 2010.
The Yellow Jacket's are certainly feeling the loss of BeBe Thomas in thier passing attack and have thrown for almost 47 less yards per contest in 2010 compared to 2009. Stephen Hill although a solid WR just isn't the big play threat that Thomas was last season. Georgia Tech has also looked more sloppy offensively committing almost a half a turnover more per game. However don't be fooled into thinking the Jackets have taken a big step back and the Tech still has a potent offense that is capable of chewing up yardage on the ground and putting points on the board.
The Tigers enter the game at 3-3 (1-2), but have struggled offensively since putting up 110 points in the first 10 quarters of play. Since then Dabo Swinney's Tigers have managing only 75 points (including 14 off defense and special teams) in the last 14 quarters. Against ACC play the Tiger's have struggled averaging only 276 yards and 18 offensive points per game.
These offensive issues this season are two fold. The passing game has been frustrating with Kyle Parker completing only 51% of his passes for 162 yards per game. Parker's accuracy has been off while also having trouble with his progressions and has missed a number of chances to find open receivers. The receivers have also struggled to create separation and get open and have dropped the ball with alarming frequency. To make matters worse the offense has yet to find an identity this season flip-flopping between trying to pound the ball with the power running game and trying to throw the ball out of three and four wide receiver sets. The offensive game plan and play calling has been questionable especially against UNC.
The lack of a passing game has resulted in teams loading the box, which has negatively impacted our running game. The running game in general has looked strong when Andre Ellington is in the game toting the rock, but the yardage has been harder to come by recently with opposing defenses stacking the box. The offense should benefit from the return of leading receiver DeAndre Hopkins who missed the Maryland game with an injury.
Georgia Tech statistically is actually slightly better than the 2009 version, but again GT has benefited from a fairly easy schedule that makes their statistics look better than their performance. The Jackets switched to the 3-4 defense under new-DC Al Groh and have not looked that comfortable especially early when the Jacket's were gashed by Kansas and NCSU in losses. The Jackets weakness is up the middle and teams have shown the ability to running right at them. This should coincide with Clemson offensive strength, which bodes well for the Tigers if Clemson commits to running the ball. Recently, Georgia Tech has looked a little better defensively, but the opponents that GT has faced in those games are not good football teams.
The Tiger's were projected by many pundits to be improved defensively. The Tiger's returned a talented group of players with a strength in the trenches and were entering the second year of Kevin Steele’s scheme. To this point the pundits have been wrong as the Tiger’s have been slightly worse defensively. The primary culprit has been big plays in the passing game resulting in the team given up over 50 more yards per game through the air. The play of the inexperienced linebackers has been poor with the backer repeatedly taking bad pursuit angles, filling the wrong gap and getting lost in coverage. The good news is that the defense under Steele has played much better the last two weeks giving up an average of 303 yards and 14 points per game and appears to be headed in the right direction.
Closing Thoughts
The much anticipated rematch of the 2009 ACC Championship Game has lost a little of its preseason luster with both teams failing to live up to their preseason hype, but it is still a rivalry game that both teams badly want and need to win. The game looks to be in the vein of almost every game in this series and be another down to the wire nail bitter.
Georgia Tech should continue to put up points on the Tigers especially with the Tiger's weakness at LBer, but I think the Tigers are going to be better prepared and respond with a handful of stops. Conversely, I don’t expect the Tiger’s to conjure up another offensive performance like the one that Clemson and C.J. Spiller put up last December; however Clemson should exploit Tech by pounding the rock and score with more frequency than in recent weeks.
My key to the game is limiting the amount of passes that Parker throws while forcing Nesbitt to throw the football. If Clemson throws the ball over 40 times Clemson will be hard pressed to escape with a win on the other hand if Georgia Tech throws the ball over 20 times it bodes really well for the Tiger’s chances. Clemson needs to pound the football and pick their spots to throw while forcing Tech out of their comfort zone by forcing them into passing situations.
Ultimately, I like the Tigers to end the 4 game skid against GT and pull out a close victory.
The Yellow Jacket's are certainly feeling the loss of BeBe Thomas in thier passing attack and have thrown for almost 47 less yards per contest in 2010 compared to 2009. Stephen Hill although a solid WR just isn't the big play threat that Thomas was last season. Georgia Tech has also looked more sloppy offensively committing almost a half a turnover more per game. However don't be fooled into thinking the Jackets have taken a big step back and the Tech still has a potent offense that is capable of chewing up yardage on the ground and putting points on the board.
| Georgia Tech | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Offense | 295.43 | 328.14 | 32.71 | 2 | 1 |
| Passing Offense | 126.71 | 85.00 | -41.71 | 119 | 12 |
| Total Offense | 422.14 | 413.14 | -9.00 | 44 | 4 |
| Scoring Offense | 33.79 | 31.86 | -1.93 | 41 | 4 |
| TOP | 33:49 | 31:46 | 2:03 | 22 | 2 |
| TO Per Game | 1.29 | 1.74 | .45 |
The Tigers enter the game at 3-3 (1-2), but have struggled offensively since putting up 110 points in the first 10 quarters of play. Since then Dabo Swinney's Tigers have managing only 75 points (including 14 off defense and special teams) in the last 14 quarters. Against ACC play the Tiger's have struggled averaging only 276 yards and 18 offensive points per game.
These offensive issues this season are two fold. The passing game has been frustrating with Kyle Parker completing only 51% of his passes for 162 yards per game. Parker's accuracy has been off while also having trouble with his progressions and has missed a number of chances to find open receivers. The receivers have also struggled to create separation and get open and have dropped the ball with alarming frequency. To make matters worse the offense has yet to find an identity this season flip-flopping between trying to pound the ball with the power running game and trying to throw the ball out of three and four wide receiver sets. The offensive game plan and play calling has been questionable especially against UNC.
The lack of a passing game has resulted in teams loading the box, which has negatively impacted our running game. The running game in general has looked strong when Andre Ellington is in the game toting the rock, but the yardage has been harder to come by recently with opposing defenses stacking the box. The offense should benefit from the return of leading receiver DeAndre Hopkins who missed the Maryland game with an injury.
| Clemson | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Offense | 170.36 | 165.33 | -5.03 | 46 | 5 |
| Passing Offense | 192.00 | 180.00 | -12.00 | 89 | 10 |
| Total Offense | 362.36 | 345.33 | -17.03 | 80 | 10 |
| Scoring Offense | 31.14 | 30.83 | -0.31 | 45 | 5 |
| TOP | 28:04 | 28:14 | 0:10 | 94 | 8 |
| TO Per Game | 1.71 | 1.33 | -0.38 |
Georgia Tech statistically is actually slightly better than the 2009 version, but again GT has benefited from a fairly easy schedule that makes their statistics look better than their performance. The Jackets switched to the 3-4 defense under new-DC Al Groh and have not looked that comfortable especially early when the Jacket's were gashed by Kansas and NCSU in losses. The Jackets weakness is up the middle and teams have shown the ability to running right at them. This should coincide with Clemson offensive strength, which bodes well for the Tigers if Clemson commits to running the ball. Recently, Georgia Tech has looked a little better defensively, but the opponents that GT has faced in those games are not good football teams.
| Georgia Tech | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Defense | 151.64 | 151.74 | 0.10 | 65 | 7 |
| Passing Defense | 208.64 | 195.57 | -13.07 | 42 | 4 |
| Total Defense | 360.28 | 347.31 | -12.97 | 45 | 5 |
| Scoring Defense | 24.79 | 23.14 | -1.65 | 55 | 7 |
| TO Per Game | 1.85 | 1.86 | 0.01 |
The Tiger's were projected by many pundits to be improved defensively. The Tiger's returned a talented group of players with a strength in the trenches and were entering the second year of Kevin Steele’s scheme. To this point the pundits have been wrong as the Tiger’s have been slightly worse defensively. The primary culprit has been big plays in the passing game resulting in the team given up over 50 more yards per game through the air. The play of the inexperienced linebackers has been poor with the backer repeatedly taking bad pursuit angles, filling the wrong gap and getting lost in coverage. The good news is that the defense under Steele has played much better the last two weeks giving up an average of 303 yards and 14 points per game and appears to be headed in the right direction.
| Clemson | 2009 | 2010 | NET +/- | '10 NCAA Rank | 10' ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Defense | 151.50 | 143.33 | -8.17 | 55 | 4 |
| Passing Defense | 162.79 | 214.33 | 51.54 | 67 | 9 |
| Total Defense | 314.29 | 357.66 | 43.37 | 55 | 9 |
| Scoring Defense | 20.43 | 19.33 | -1.10 | 29 | 2 |
| TO Per Game | 2.14 | 2.00 | 0.14 |
Closing Thoughts
The much anticipated rematch of the 2009 ACC Championship Game has lost a little of its preseason luster with both teams failing to live up to their preseason hype, but it is still a rivalry game that both teams badly want and need to win. The game looks to be in the vein of almost every game in this series and be another down to the wire nail bitter.
Georgia Tech should continue to put up points on the Tigers especially with the Tiger's weakness at LBer, but I think the Tigers are going to be better prepared and respond with a handful of stops. Conversely, I don’t expect the Tiger’s to conjure up another offensive performance like the one that Clemson and C.J. Spiller put up last December; however Clemson should exploit Tech by pounding the rock and score with more frequency than in recent weeks.
My key to the game is limiting the amount of passes that Parker throws while forcing Nesbitt to throw the football. If Clemson throws the ball over 40 times Clemson will be hard pressed to escape with a win on the other hand if Georgia Tech throws the ball over 20 times it bodes really well for the Tiger’s chances. Clemson needs to pound the football and pick their spots to throw while forcing Tech out of their comfort zone by forcing them into passing situations.
Ultimately, I like the Tigers to end the 4 game skid against GT and pull out a close victory.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Examining Jim Barker's Ten Year Athletic Goals
James Barker was named Clemson’s 14th President on April 7th, 2000. In 2001, President Barker released a document that included his 10 year vision and goals for the university, both academically and athletically. The three athletic goals that Barker included in the document were another National Championship in Football, two Final Four appearances in Men’s Basketball and two National Championships in Olympic Sports. As the calendar edges closer to the end of the 10 year window, it is time to start measuring Barker’s success against these goals, as well as holding Barker accountable for the success or failure to achieve these goals.
Goal 1: Win Another National Championship In Football
Clemson has not only failed to win another National Championship in Football under the leadership of James Barker but has also failed to so much as win the Atlantic Coast Conference. The program has also failed to win 10 games in a season, which has been accomplished by every team in the ACC this decade sans UNC, UVA and Duke. The crowning achievement of this ten year period is a Peach Bowl victory over Tennessee and advancing to the ACC Championship Game last year. It is safe to say that Clemson will fall short of Barker's goal as Clemson was out of the national championship picture this year after dropping their second game of the season in Week 4. Even if a goal of winning another National Championship is a bit ambitious, Clemson under Barker hasn’t even gotten remotely close to achieving this goal over the last ten years.
Goal 2: Go To 2 Final Four’s in Men’s Basketball
Clemson has also failed to go to two Final Four’s under the leadership of James Barker. I will be the first to admit that this goal was ambitious considering the fact that Clemson had not been to a Final Four in their history prior to Barker taking over in 2000, but Clemson again has not even come close to accomplishing this goal. Clemson not only hasn’t gone to a single Final Four, but hasn’t been to an Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen or Round of 32 either. The crowning achievement since 2000 has been 3 NCAA Tournament 1st Round exits. Again, by pretty much every metric, Clemson under Barker has failed to even get close to achieving this goal.
Goal 3: Win 2 NCAA Championships in Olympic Sports
This goal is the only goal that Clemson has any chance of achieving under Barker, but Clemson will have to pick-up another National Championship to go along with the National Title that Men’s Golf won in 2003. A closer look at the Olympic sports programs under Barker show that overall Olympic Sports programs are on weaker footing now than they were prior to Barker talking over in 2000.
The Men’s Baseball and Men’s Golf programs are the two programs that have found success under Barker, although, both also had a lot of success prior to Barker. Baseball has been to 3 CWS since Barker took over in 2000 after going to 4 CWS in the decade prior to Barker. The program has remained on pretty solid ground not really getting any better, but not getting any worse either. The golf program was strong throughout the decade prior to Barker taking over in April of 2000 having won the ACC 3 times. The program continued that strength in the early part of Barker’s tenure winning the ACC in back-to-back years in 2003 and 2004, along with a National Title in 2003. However, the program has taken a minor step back in recent years failing to win the ACC since 2004. The only program to really show marked improvement over the last decade compared to the previous decade is Women’s Tennis.
On the other hand Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball have really fallen off the cliff in recent years. Men’s Soccer won the National Championship in 1984 and 1987 to go along with numerous ACC Championships and Tournament Appearances in the 80's and 90's. Since then, Clemson has only been able to manage a single ACC Championship since 2000, which happened in 2001, to go along with a Final Four appearance in 2005. The Tigers have had losing records in the last 3 seasons and project to have their 4th losing season in a row. They are currently sitting at 3-7-2 on the season.
Women’s Soccer was founded in 1994 and found immediate success going to the NCAA Tournament every year from 94 until 07. Since then, the Lady Tigers have only had ONE victory against an ACC team since 2007. The current squad is also currently on a 10 game losing streak after winning a combined 8 games in 2008 and 2009.
The Women’s Basketball team under Jim Davis's leadership went to the NCAA Tournament every year except 1995 including an Elite 8 and 3 Sweet 16 appearances in the decade of the 90s. The program nosedived after Davis was fired and haven't gone to the NCAA Tournament since 2002 nor have they had a winning record since the 2003-2004 season.
A couple other programs who have not seen the same success under Barker are Men’s Track and Field and Men’s Tennis. Men’s Track and Field won the ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships 7 times and the Outdoor Track & Field Championships 5 times in the decade of the 90's. The success continued early in the 2000's, but Clemson, despite still being a good program, hasn’t won the Indoor Championship since 2002 and hasn't won an Outdoor Championship since 2004.
Men’s Tennis, which was dominate in the 80's winning the ACC 9 times, hasn’t been able to duplicate that success under Barker failing to win a single ACC Championship in the 2000's. The Tigers have only had one winning record in the ACC in the last 5 seasons, a 6-5 mark in the 06-07 season.
Overall, Olympic Sports have gotten worse under Barker in the last decade, and it looks like Barker will again fall short of a very realistic and attainable goal of winning two National Championships in Olympic Sports.
All Signs Point to 0 for 3 on Barker's Athletic Goals
All signs are pointing to Barker going 0 for 3 on his personal goals for athletics, and although failure is never acceptable, it is easier to accept if the person responsible for achieving these goals is doing everything possible to make sure that these goals are accomplished. However, looking at Barker’s actions, I do not see a person who is doing everything in his power to achieve these goals. Barker never had a solid plan to accomplish any of these goals and never did anything to adjust and modify course when it looked like the Clemson might need a change of direction to accomplish these goals. Barker has even instituted policies that are counteractive to achieving these goals like the AARC, which made recruiting quality players harder, and siphoning almost three million dollars a year from the AD and moving it to the general academic fund.
The support simply does not exist from Jim Barker for Clemson to reach its potential athletically. Over ten years have passed since Barker was named Clemson’s President, and the time has come for new leadership. Clemson needs a leader that will continue the progress of the university academically as well as rebuild the athletic department and improve the university athletically. Clemson has the greatest fans in the country, and they deserve the best leadership. They deserve a President that will work to bring Championships to Clemson and not a President that gives lip service to wanting a championship caliber athletic program, but is unwilling to do anything to facilitate winning.
 |
| Is Barker Doing Push-Ups? |
Goal 1: Win Another National Championship In Football
Clemson has not only failed to win another National Championship in Football under the leadership of James Barker but has also failed to so much as win the Atlantic Coast Conference. The program has also failed to win 10 games in a season, which has been accomplished by every team in the ACC this decade sans UNC, UVA and Duke. The crowning achievement of this ten year period is a Peach Bowl victory over Tennessee and advancing to the ACC Championship Game last year. It is safe to say that Clemson will fall short of Barker's goal as Clemson was out of the national championship picture this year after dropping their second game of the season in Week 4. Even if a goal of winning another National Championship is a bit ambitious, Clemson under Barker hasn’t even gotten remotely close to achieving this goal over the last ten years.
| Years | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % | ACC Titles | 10 Win Seasons | National Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 86 | 25 | 4 | 75% | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| 1990s | 69 | 47 | 1 | 59% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000s | 79 | 47 | 0 | 63% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goal 2: Go To 2 Final Four’s in Men’s Basketball
Clemson has also failed to go to two Final Four’s under the leadership of James Barker. I will be the first to admit that this goal was ambitious considering the fact that Clemson had not been to a Final Four in their history prior to Barker taking over in 2000, but Clemson again has not even come close to accomplishing this goal. Clemson not only hasn’t gone to a single Final Four, but hasn’t been to an Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen or Round of 32 either. The crowning achievement since 2000 has been 3 NCAA Tournament 1st Round exits. Again, by pretty much every metric, Clemson under Barker has failed to even get close to achieving this goal.
| Years | Wins | Losses | Win % | NCAA Births | NCAA Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 176 | 127 | 58% | 3 | 3 |
| 1990s | 164 | 143 | 54% | 3 | 2 |
| 2000s | 178 | 139 | 56% | 3 | 0 |
Goal 3: Win 2 NCAA Championships in Olympic Sports
This goal is the only goal that Clemson has any chance of achieving under Barker, but Clemson will have to pick-up another National Championship to go along with the National Title that Men’s Golf won in 2003. A closer look at the Olympic sports programs under Barker show that overall Olympic Sports programs are on weaker footing now than they were prior to Barker talking over in 2000.
The Men’s Baseball and Men’s Golf programs are the two programs that have found success under Barker, although, both also had a lot of success prior to Barker. Baseball has been to 3 CWS since Barker took over in 2000 after going to 4 CWS in the decade prior to Barker. The program has remained on pretty solid ground not really getting any better, but not getting any worse either. The golf program was strong throughout the decade prior to Barker taking over in April of 2000 having won the ACC 3 times. The program continued that strength in the early part of Barker’s tenure winning the ACC in back-to-back years in 2003 and 2004, along with a National Title in 2003. However, the program has taken a minor step back in recent years failing to win the ACC since 2004. The only program to really show marked improvement over the last decade compared to the previous decade is Women’s Tennis.
On the other hand Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball have really fallen off the cliff in recent years. Men’s Soccer won the National Championship in 1984 and 1987 to go along with numerous ACC Championships and Tournament Appearances in the 80's and 90's. Since then, Clemson has only been able to manage a single ACC Championship since 2000, which happened in 2001, to go along with a Final Four appearance in 2005. The Tigers have had losing records in the last 3 seasons and project to have their 4th losing season in a row. They are currently sitting at 3-7-2 on the season.
Women’s Soccer was founded in 1994 and found immediate success going to the NCAA Tournament every year from 94 until 07. Since then, the Lady Tigers have only had ONE victory against an ACC team since 2007. The current squad is also currently on a 10 game losing streak after winning a combined 8 games in 2008 and 2009.
The Women’s Basketball team under Jim Davis's leadership went to the NCAA Tournament every year except 1995 including an Elite 8 and 3 Sweet 16 appearances in the decade of the 90s. The program nosedived after Davis was fired and haven't gone to the NCAA Tournament since 2002 nor have they had a winning record since the 2003-2004 season.
A couple other programs who have not seen the same success under Barker are Men’s Track and Field and Men’s Tennis. Men’s Track and Field won the ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships 7 times and the Outdoor Track & Field Championships 5 times in the decade of the 90's. The success continued early in the 2000's, but Clemson, despite still being a good program, hasn’t won the Indoor Championship since 2002 and hasn't won an Outdoor Championship since 2004.
Men’s Tennis, which was dominate in the 80's winning the ACC 9 times, hasn’t been able to duplicate that success under Barker failing to win a single ACC Championship in the 2000's. The Tigers have only had one winning record in the ACC in the last 5 seasons, a 6-5 mark in the 06-07 season.
Overall, Olympic Sports have gotten worse under Barker in the last decade, and it looks like Barker will again fall short of a very realistic and attainable goal of winning two National Championships in Olympic Sports.
| Years | ACC Regular Season Championships* | ACC Championships | National Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 20 | 40 | 2 |
| 1990s | 9 | 27 | 0 |
| 2000s | 4 | 15 | 1 |
All Signs Point to 0 for 3 on Barker's Athletic Goals
All signs are pointing to Barker going 0 for 3 on his personal goals for athletics, and although failure is never acceptable, it is easier to accept if the person responsible for achieving these goals is doing everything possible to make sure that these goals are accomplished. However, looking at Barker’s actions, I do not see a person who is doing everything in his power to achieve these goals. Barker never had a solid plan to accomplish any of these goals and never did anything to adjust and modify course when it looked like the Clemson might need a change of direction to accomplish these goals. Barker has even instituted policies that are counteractive to achieving these goals like the AARC, which made recruiting quality players harder, and siphoning almost three million dollars a year from the AD and moving it to the general academic fund.
The support simply does not exist from Jim Barker for Clemson to reach its potential athletically. Over ten years have passed since Barker was named Clemson’s President, and the time has come for new leadership. Clemson needs a leader that will continue the progress of the university academically as well as rebuild the athletic department and improve the university athletically. Clemson has the greatest fans in the country, and they deserve the best leadership. They deserve a President that will work to bring Championships to Clemson and not a President that gives lip service to wanting a championship caliber athletic program, but is unwilling to do anything to facilitate winning.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tigers In The NFL - Week 6
Offense
Charlie Whitehurst didn't play in Seattle's 23-20 win at home over Chigaco. Whitehurst is the back-up QB behind starter Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle.
James Davis didn't accumulate any stats in Cleveland's 28-10 loss to Pittsburgh.
C.J. Spiller and Buffalo had a bye-week in Week 6.
Jacoby Ford didn't record any catches in the Raider's 17-9 loss to the rival 49ers. Ford has yet to record a catch on the season. Ford was targeted twice by Raider QB, Bruce Gradkowski in loss to the 49ers.
Chansi Stuckey had 4 catches for 46 yards in the Brown's 24-10 loss to the Steelers. Stuckey also was filling in for the injuried Josh Cribb's at punt returner and muffed a punt that Pittsburgh recovered late in the 4th quarter.
Michael Palmer hauled in 1 pass for 1 yard in the Falcon's 31-17 loss to the Eagles. Palmer has caught a pass in back to back games for the Birds.
Barry Richardson started at OT in the Kansas City Chiefs 31-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Richardson has started the Chiefs first 6 games on the season at tackle.
Defense
Nick Eason had a half a sack and two assists in the Steeler's 24-10 win over the Browns. Eason now has 1.5 sacks on the season.
Trevor Pryce who was aquired by the NY Jets after being released by the Baltimore Raven's after Week 3 recorded his first tackle on the season in the Jet's 24-20 win over the Broncos.
Dorrell Scott didn't show up on the stats sheet in the Ram's 30-16 win over the Redskins.
Kavell Conner is out with an fracture left foot. It is not clear when Conner will return after missing his 3rd consecutive game with the injury. Conner was backing up Clint Sessions at OLB.
Anthony Waters recorded 3 solo tackles in the Saint's 31-6 win over the Bucs.
Crezdon Butler didn't record any stats in the Steeler's 38-13 rout over Tampa Bay.
Chris Clemons had 2 solo tackles in the Dolphin's 23-20 OT victory over the Packers. Clemons started at safety for the Dolphins and has 21 total tackles on the season
Brain Dawkins suffered a strained knee ligament last week against the Ravens and will be out for another week or two. Dawkins has been starting at safety for the Broncos.
Mike Hamlin was cut by the Cowboy's last Wednesday. Hamlin was subsequently signed to the Practice Squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. Hamlin was inactive for the last 2 Cowboy's games prior to getting cut.
Notes: Leroy Hill, Phillip Merling, Ricky Sapp are injuried.
Charlie Whitehurst didn't play in Seattle's 23-20 win at home over Chigaco. Whitehurst is the back-up QB behind starter Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle.
| CMP | ATT | CMT% | LNG | YPA | TD | INT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @CHI | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 |
James Davis didn't accumulate any stats in Cleveland's 28-10 loss to Pittsburgh.
| ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @PIT | 0 | 0 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
| Season | 4 | 9 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
C.J. Spiller and Buffalo had a bye-week in Week 6.
| ATT | YDS | AVG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 19 | 90 | 4.2 | 0 | 13 | 48 | 3.7 | 1 |
Jacoby Ford didn't record any catches in the Raider's 17-9 loss to the rival 49ers. Ford has yet to record a catch on the season. Ford was targeted twice by Raider QB, Bruce Gradkowski in loss to the 49ers.
| REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @SF | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Chansi Stuckey had 4 catches for 46 yards in the Brown's 24-10 loss to the Steelers. Stuckey also was filling in for the injuried Josh Cribb's at punt returner and muffed a punt that Pittsburgh recovered late in the 4th quarter.
| REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @PIT | 4 | 46 | 11.5 | 25 | 0 |
| Season | 15 | 151 | 10.4 | 11 | 0 |
Michael Palmer hauled in 1 pass for 1 yard in the Falcon's 31-17 loss to the Eagles. Palmer has caught a pass in back to back games for the Birds.
| REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @PHI | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Season | 2 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 0 |
Barry Richardson started at OT in the Kansas City Chiefs 31-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Richardson has started the Chiefs first 6 games on the season at tackle.
| GP | GS | |
|---|---|---|
| @HOU | 1 | 1 |
| Season | 5 | 5 |
Defense
Nick Eason had a half a sack and two assists in the Steeler's 24-10 win over the Browns. Eason now has 1.5 sacks on the season.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLE | 2 | 0 | .5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 3 | 1 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Trevor Pryce who was aquired by the NY Jets after being released by the Baltimore Raven's after Week 3 recorded his first tackle on the season in the Jet's 24-20 win over the Broncos.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @DEN | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Dorrell Scott didn't show up on the stats sheet in the Ram's 30-16 win over the Redskins.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @TEX | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Kavell Conner is out with an fracture left foot. It is not clear when Conner will return after missing his 3rd consecutive game with the injury. Conner was backing up Clint Sessions at OLB.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @WAS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Anthony Waters recorded 3 solo tackles in the Saint's 31-6 win over the Bucs.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @TB | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Crezdon Butler didn't record any stats in the Steeler's 38-13 rout over Tampa Bay.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Chris Clemons had 2 solo tackles in the Dolphin's 23-20 OT victory over the Packers. Clemons started at safety for the Dolphins and has 21 total tackles on the season
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @GB | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 21 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Brain Dawkins suffered a strained knee ligament last week against the Ravens and will be out for another week or two. Dawkins has been starting at safety for the Broncos.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYJ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 27 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Mike Hamlin was cut by the Cowboy's last Wednesday. Hamlin was subsequently signed to the Practice Squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. Hamlin was inactive for the last 2 Cowboy's games prior to getting cut.
| TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Notes: Leroy Hill, Phillip Merling, Ricky Sapp are injuried.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Clemson Recruit Perfromance - 10/15/10
Mike Bellamy rushed for 263 yards on 27 carries and 4 TDs in a 33-14 victory over Venice. Bellemy had TD runs of 46, 46, 39 and 17 yards in the game. Bellemy had 1,541 yards and 27 TDs in 7 games this season.
Charone Peake had a 16 yard TD reception in Dorman's 42-24 victory over Mauldin.
Adam Humphries had 2 TDs receiving and another TD on the ground as Dorman outlasted Mauldin 42-24. Humphries had TD grabs of 18 and 20 yards and added a 1 yard TD run. Humphries also hauled in a 41 yards pass.
Eric MacClain had 3 catches for 40 yards in Jack Britt's blowout victory over Pine Forest. MacLain also lead the defensive effort with 3 TFL and a fumble recovery. MacLain will play TE for Clemson.
Marlin Lane and Mainland had a bye week. Lane is coming off of a 133 yards on 12 carry performance last weekend. Lane also caught two passes last week including a 32 yard TD pass.
Tony McNeal went 24-40 for 274 yards and 3 TD passes in a 21-15 victory over Nation Ford. McNeal connected on TD passes of 19, 2 and 11 yards.
Robert Smith was 9-14 for 271 yards and 5 TD passes to lead Woodland to a 68-0 victory of Academic Magnet. Smith connected on strikes of 79, 20 28, 25 and 10 yards. Smith projects as a DB for Clemson.
Cortez Davis and Mainland have an off week this week.
Charone Peake had a 16 yard TD reception in Dorman's 42-24 victory over Mauldin.
Adam Humphries had 2 TDs receiving and another TD on the ground as Dorman outlasted Mauldin 42-24. Humphries had TD grabs of 18 and 20 yards and added a 1 yard TD run. Humphries also hauled in a 41 yards pass.
Eric MacClain had 3 catches for 40 yards in Jack Britt's blowout victory over Pine Forest. MacLain also lead the defensive effort with 3 TFL and a fumble recovery. MacLain will play TE for Clemson.
Marlin Lane and Mainland had a bye week. Lane is coming off of a 133 yards on 12 carry performance last weekend. Lane also caught two passes last week including a 32 yard TD pass.
Tony McNeal went 24-40 for 274 yards and 3 TD passes in a 21-15 victory over Nation Ford. McNeal connected on TD passes of 19, 2 and 11 yards.
Robert Smith was 9-14 for 271 yards and 5 TD passes to lead Woodland to a 68-0 victory of Academic Magnet. Smith connected on strikes of 79, 20 28, 25 and 10 yards. Smith projects as a DB for Clemson.
Cortez Davis and Mainland have an off week this week.
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