Clemson Game Notes

The Tigers had a good practice Saturday. No disrespect to the Citadel, but that’s what this game was. Even winning it 45-17, the Tigers did not show the dominance I had hoped for, given the typical talent difference between a 1-A team and a 1-AA team. (I know, it’s FBS and FCS now). But some of that may have been the constant shuffling of the OL and DL trying to find a combination that could work together effectively. Two things that did work effectively on the DL: Da’Quan Bowers and Brandon Thompson. Bowers showed why he is going to be a great one. Despite frequent double teams, his speed off the mark and in turning the corner around a tackle were impressive. Bowden said in his Sunday teleconference that we need to get more pressure on the QB. I think Sapp and Bowers will take care of that as Bowers gains more experience. But the DEs can’t take that outside rush if we are so soft up the middle that draws and QB keepers are going to be effective. Thompson will eventually take care of that. He’s big and mobile. If Scott can get his form back, the DL should be OK by the time we get to Maryland.

The OL is a different issue. They looked better against the talent level of the Bulldogs, and they should. But they still did not look dominant and the Tigers got stopped several times in short yardage situations. And now Hairston gets hurt on a moped! We don’t know today (Monday) how serious his injury is, but the line cannot afford any depletion.

The biggest immediate concern is that the Tigers cannot seem to stop intermediate passes over the middle. They finally tightened up the in third quarter, but the Citadel’s Roberts constantly hurt them getting open during the first half. Late in the game, against the second string defense–or maybe it was third–the Bulldogs scored a long TD pass over the middle. So is the problem the scheme, the talent, or just poor play? In any event, the Tigers must tighten up on the middle against good teams or their hopes of an ACC championship will be just that–a hope.

It was good to see James and CJ get untracked. Even thought the OL was not dominant, it opened enough of a hole for James and CJ to get through and they took advantage of it. Eight point two and twelve point five yards per carry ain’t too shabby, even against FCS competition.

All in all, Tiger fans came away from this one feeling better than after Alabama (how could they not?), but still wondering whether the lines are going to improve enough to allow the talented skill players to work their magic against good teams and whether the DBs and LBs can stop the passes over the middle. Stay tuned. Next week against NC State SHOULD BE another game the Tigers win and gain the experience to improve. If it’s not . . .