AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIs this FINALLY the year at Clemson?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clemson, S.C.-Expectations at Clemson are always great. But when I got here last Friday I found that anticipation for the 2008 season has gone off the charts.
Clemson has not won an ACC championship since 1991 but it appears that all of the pieces are in place for the Tigers to finally hang another banner in Memorial Stadium at the end of this season.
We’ll find out early if Clemson is the real deal as the Tigers open the season on Aug. 30 against Alabama in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff at the Georgia Dome.
Later on this month we’ll do a story on running back James Davis, the Atlanta native who decided to return to school in an effort win a championship. I had a good visit on Friday with Davis and his running mate, C.J. Spiller, who may be the best tailback combo in all of college football.
But for now I wanted to share a few nuggets of information that I picked up while hanging around the coaches offices.
1. Why is Clemson playing Alabama?: When I met with Alabama coach Nick Saban, he was very candid about why he agreed to play Clemson in the opener. He has a very young team and he wants to throw them in the deep end of the pool to start the season. They will have to grow up faster.
But why is Clemson, the ACC favorite, willing to play a high stakes game like this right out of the box?
Tommy Bowden was just as candid.
“Recruiting,” said Bowden, as he relaxed in his office after a long jog. “Last year when we opened the season with Florida State (on Labor Day night) we got a really good response from recruits. This is the game that a lot of 17-year-olds are going to watch. We plan to win the game but even if you lose, it’s so early that you can play your way back into position. And since we didn’t lose a home game (Clemson still has seven), it just made sense to me.”
2. C.J. knows Alabama: In 2006 Clemson had an open date on Nov. 18. Running back C.J. Spiller used the week off to attend the Alabama-Auburn game in Tuscaloosa. Based on that experience Spiller says he knows what to expect on Aug. 30 at the Georgia Dome.
“Man, those people are serious about their football,” said Spiller, who has averaged 6.2 yards per carry in his first two seasons at Clemson. “It was just incredibly loud and intense the whole game. We are going to have to match their intensity.”
Auburn won the game 22-15 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, for the Tigers’ fifth straight victory over Alabama. That streak is now at six.
“I know this,” Spiller said. “Those (Alabama) people do not like to lose.”
Spiller is looking forward to being reunited with his old running backs coach, Burton Burns, who is in his second season at Alabama.
3. Clemson almost lost Jamie Harper: After another 1,000-yard season in 2007 Davis declared his intention to enter the 2008 NFL Draft. But at the 11th hour, Davis changed his mind and decided to come back and play his senior season. That was the good news.
The (almost) bad news was that Jacksonville’s Jamie Harper, one of the nation’s top running back prospects, almost broke his Clemson commitment when he heard that Davis was coming back. Harper took a strong look at Illinois, where top RB Rashard Mendenhall had left early and turned pro.
“Yeah, Jamie Harper almost flew the coop,” Bowden said. “We were certainly thrilled to have James back but we had to hustle to keep Jamie in the fold.”
Clemson did have an ace in the hole. Daniel Andrews, Harper’s teammate and very close friend at Trinity Christian, was also set to sign with Clemson.
So Harper stuck with Clemson and, despite the return of Davis and Spiller, the plan is to give him significant playing time as a true freshman.
“We have two great freshman running backs (Harper and Andre Ellington) to go along with the two great ones (Spiller, Davis) we have coming back,” Bowden said. “All four of those guys are going to play.”
4. The O-Line is still unsettled: The biggest unknown at Clemson is whether or not the offensive line is going to jell in time to play Alabama. Offensive coordinator Rob Spence has to replace four starters and when I met with him last Friday, a first unit had not been determined.
“You hear coaches talk a lot about potential but what matters is performance,” Spence said. “I’m excited about a really athletic group of young players. We’re going to make mistakes. But there is talent with a high level of character and work ethic. That makes me believe that something special is going to happen with this group.”
Bowden says there is talent on the offensive line.
“But they have to grow up in the first game against Nick Saban’s defense,” Bowden said. “It would be different if we were playing Alabama in the third game. We’re not.”
Here is an interesting stat courtesy of Tim Bourret, Clemson’s great sports information director: Since 1965 Clemson has had 13 seasons in which it had to replace four offensive linemen. In those 13 seasons Clemson was a combined 79-66-4.
5. Jacoby Ford the X-Factor: Everybody knows about Spiller and Davis. Everybody knows about quarterback Cullen Harper, the Alpharetta native who threw 27 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2007. Everybody knows about Marietta’s Aaron Kelly, who had 88 catches last season and could become the ACC’s all-time leading receiver this season.
What nobody knows right now is the impact Jacoby Ford will have this season. Ford (5-10, 185) has world-class speed. He is a track All-American who won the ACC 60 meters (indoors) championship (6.52).
Ford broke his ankle in the eighth game against Maryland and missed the rest of the season. But he came back last spring to run a 10.21 in the 100-meter dash in the NCAA East Regionals.
Comments
By saint nick
August 11, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Clemson’s o-line will be there downfall!! Harper will be running for his life. Bama will win 28-17!!!!roll tide!!!!
By BAMAPERRY
August 11, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Good article, Tony.
By baloney
August 11, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Hell no this ain’t Clempson’s year, ner will it be next year neither.And I ain’t kiddin neither.
By bamafan
August 11, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Clemson’s best 2 coaches in the history of its football program were Frank Howard and Danny Ford. Where did they go to school Alabama!! I wish Bama had one of them in the past ten years. We would have never had to get Saban as our coach. Saban got mad at the press last week because some reporter wrote about a depth chart. That is stupid and that is why I do not like Saban as Bama coach!! ROLL TIDE
By m
August 11, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
It really won’t tell us much when they biotch-slap alabammer; Fsu biotch-slapped alabammer last year, so it really is not that big a deal beating an overrated sec wannabee.
By saint nick
August 11, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Hey M,
Everyone tells Bama fans to stop living in the past!! That was last year, this is a new year. Clemson better pack a lunch because Bama will be a real tough game for Clemson!!!
By CousinCLem
August 11, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
“Clemson’s best 2 coaches in the history of its football program were Frank Howard and Danny Ford. Where did they go to school Alabama!!”
It seems like John Heisman was a pretty good coach also.
It should be a great game and I can’t wait to take my seat.
By Vandyman
August 11, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
This will be Clemson’s year for an ACC title - and possibly - a national championship. Clemson and UGA in the top ten - it’s like the early eighties all over again. Maybe Vandy can break it’s bowl streak as well!
By joe
August 11, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Clemson 28 Bama 13
By RAMBLE ON!!!
August 11, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Clempson will beat Bama, but still choke again due to the Tommy Factor. He is worse than Chan Gailey.
Tony, did Richt send his son to Clempson because he was concerned about his safety at UGA?
By Spike
August 11, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
A Tiger can’t change his stripes. Bowden will choke again this year. Clemson fans, you know somehow and in someway it will happen.
By saint nick
August 11, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
19 days!!!!!!close game, Bama tacks on a late touchdown to win 28-17!!!!
By Dwgsrule
August 11, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Bama will win a close one at the end on a last second field goal. 27-24 Bama wins and Clemsons NC dreams are crushed once again. They should still win the ACC however. They will lose 2 games, one to Bama and the other to SC - both SEC teams.
By Bob
August 11, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
No, Clemson will not be great in ‘08. They hype surrounding this team is Exhibit A of the media’s absolute banal stupidity. They have no offensive line. Does the media care? Of course not. What a bunch of clueless goobers. Clemson will choke.
By Monty
August 11, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Alabama wins a surprising blowout … Tide 31, Clemson 10.
By PTC DAWG
August 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Yawn…..ACC Football talk…
By tigger
August 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Clemson will win in a close game. Too much talent even with a rookie O-line.
By tigger
August 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Clemson will win in a close game. Too much talent even with a rookie O-line.
By RTiger
August 11, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
I think our line will be just fine. It might not be an experienced bunch, but this line is very talented.
Close game, but Clemson pulls it out with a late Harper to Kelly strike. 20-17
By Got 12?
August 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Who mentioned a National Championship? Are you kidding? They have no offensive line. I enjoy sensationalism as much as the next guy, but come on.
Please tell me the NC talk is confined to Clemson’s campus and immediate, surrounding area.
By Gator Nation
August 11, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
The game will not be close. Clemson will win by two TD’s.
To m
You actually made a post without referring to Georgia Tech and Chan Gailey. I’m so proud of you.
By rollon
August 11, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Clemson will be beat us by two touchdowns. As much as we all like to think we have arrived, it will be at least another year. We just dont have the horses to compete in this race.
By Monty
August 11, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Rollon is trying to “Lou Holtz” Clemson by talking this game down on our end. The Tide will hit Clemson in the mouth and they’ll fold. I think we’ll see such a huge gain in the toughness category after Saban having a year to instill it in these kids. Once again, Tide Roll in Atlanta 31-10.
RTR
By Roswell Ed
August 11, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Who cares about the Bammers & a bunch of fake Tigers?
WarEagle, why aren’t you returning my calls? I love you! Please call me back. WDE
By c mack
August 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Clemson 27-17…..Bama will be tough, but they don’t have enough O and JPW isn’t the answer as he’s facing a great D-line and secondary….All the talk about our inexperienced O-line, what about the loss of 3 of 4 LB’s? Very important in general and especially in a 3-4 scheme…..This will be a statement game. Don’t think your young/replacement LB’s chasing CJ, Jacoby or JD.
By m
August 11, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Note to RAMBLE ON….No one is worse than Chan Gailey. Not in the past 200 years…not in the next 2 million years. Chan Gailey is the worst coach in history and will remain that way forever. THANK GOD AND GREYHOUND THAT HE IS GONE.
By mackdaddy
August 11, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
By saint nick
August 11, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Clemson’s o-line will be there downfall!! Harper will be running for his life. Bama will win 28-17!!!!roll tide!!!!
I see you have an Alabama education, did you go there?
By KR
August 11, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
How about this for a scenario?
Clemson takes the season opener at the Georgia Dome, 20-17. Then, they have their usual “wheels fall off” at mid-season, but earn a spot in the Chick-Fil-A (Peach) Bowl.
After a slow start, the Tide goes on to win 8 games, earning a spot at the Dome in late December. Alabama then defeats Clemson 24-10 to end the season.
It could happen…
WAR EAGLE!
By mackdaddy
August 11, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
By Dwgsrule
August 11, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Bama will win a close one at the end on a last second field goal. 27-24 Bama wins and Clemsons NC dreams are crushed once again. They should still win the ACC however. They will lose 2 games, one to Bama and the other to SC - both SEC teams.
You have to be joking……Alabama should be a good game, who wins? Most likely CU…..but USCjr beats CU this year? that is funny…did you go to Columbia and drink the CootAide?
By Larry Sloan
August 11, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
You Bama fans continue to live in the past. Bear Bryant is DEAD and so goes your team. Clemson is talented, experienced and tough. You better be glad Clemson is not in the SEC, otherwise you would have another loss most years. Just ask South Carolina.
By Bama66&67
August 11, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Clemson is lucky to be getting us in Sabans developmental years. I think they have too much for us this time, and probably will have a pretty good season but I bet you wouldn’t find them agreeing to play us in a couple more years. Tigers seem to have our number at the moment.
By Monty
August 11, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Clemson got outclassed by Auburn (a team only marginally better than AL at the time) in the bowl game. Now, they have basically the same team back MINUS 4 STARTERS ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE! How does that make them better? Give me a break. Alabama wins easily. RTR
By Roswell Ed
August 11, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Tony,
You forgot number SIX.
Will Shirley Franklin have to declare Martial law to handle the certain up tick on crime that Satan’s team will surely bring?
By c mack
August 11, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Monty, how do you think that bama rolls easy when they have to replace their best WR and 3 of 4 starting LB’s? Either youre a delusional bama fan or you completely know nothing about football.
By parr
August 11, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Outclassed in the bowl game? Yeah right. Auburn took out 4 CU defensive players with uncalled illegal chop blocks before half time. Not to mention Cullen harper was 3 weeks removed from shoulder surgery.
By Monty
August 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Scott and Jones are better WRs in their first game than anything we had on the field last year — so that takes care of that position. If JPW had gone against Clemson’s schedule last year, he would have equal or better numbers. I looked at Clemson’s stats from last year. Harper put up big numbers against Furman and Central Michigan, and he did nothing against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Boston College or Auburn — the only decent defenses he saw last year. Can you say overrated??? Spiller and Davis are nice backs but they will get bottled up like the above games behind Clemson’s new OL. Clemson’s new OL trying to function will look like a fire drill against a well-coached and discipline Saban defense. Clemson scores 10 points tops. RTR
By Monty
August 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
parr,
you’re right about those chop blocks by Auburn; they are the dirtiest bunch thugs in CFB.
By c mack
August 11, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Monty, again, you’re quick to point out Clemson’s weaknesses but doesn’t see bamas weaknesses and thinking that just b/c they’re coached by Saban, that they wont be exposed. Take a break from fantasy land brother. We’ll see Aug. 30 @8. I’m looking at our weaknesses and bamas weaknesses. Since you want to bring up harpers big passing games against weak competition, how many yards did JPW throw against WCU and Houston? Didn’t even break 200yds! Against ULM he had 246 and yall still lost! And might I add, we both had ULM as a common opponent. I think that I’ve made my point.
By tiger fan
August 11, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Look yall little bama fans need to stop all you crying and just go ahead and get ready for the beating we all know you gonna take. BAMA SUCKS and will never win the SEC again they might as well put alabama,south carolina,mississippi state,and vanderbilt in the wac mac or one of those crappy confrences.BAMA SUCKS
By tiger fan
August 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Look yall little bama fans need to stop all you crying and just go ahead and get ready for the beating we all know you gonna take. BAMA SUCKS and will never win the SEC again they might as well put alabama,south carolina,mississippi state,and vanderbilt in the wac mac or one of those crappy confrences.BAMA SUCKS
By tiger fan
August 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Look yall little bama fans need to stop all you crying and just go ahead and get ready for the beating we all know you gonna take. BAMA SUCKS and will never win the SEC again they might as well put alabama,south carolina,mississippi state,and vanderbilt in the wac mac or one of those crappy confrences.BAMA SUCKS
By LoveCFB
August 11, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Folks, team pride is great. I love it. But, both of you are a little uncertain because of some weak areas on both teams and it is, of course, the first game of the season. Objectively, I think Clemson’s strength is obviously the O backfield. (ground and air) That plays well for them because of an uncertain D for Bama. Bama’s strength appears to be the O-Line and a solid backfield (if QB is ON.) and the loss of a Clemson DL player gives Bama something there. I think the game will be close, however, there is a potential for a wide margin if turnovers get too one-sided. With all else equal, Clemson by 1. Two years from now I think Bama would dominate this game.
By Atlanta Gator
August 11, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Could it finally be Clemson’s year? Well, it could be … and then it could be the year that the Cubs finally break through and win a World Series. Just not likely based on recent history. Clemson football hasn’t managed much more than ACC runner-up status since Charlie Pell and Danny Ford strode the sidelines for CU. I’m willing to be surprised, but color me very skeptical until after the ACC CG is played
By orange and purple is for women
August 11, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Clemson will suck again as usual and loose the easy ones and win the hard ones and maybe not even get a bowl. Bowden sucks,accept it and move on you gayford fashion flops, iptay is gay.
By orange and purple is for women
August 11, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Wah Wah Wah we are mediocre and will be because we are a tiny school in the middle of nowhere. Wah Wah Wah it sux to almost be good.
By orange and purple is for women
August 11, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Wah Wah I want to shave my pubes and paint them purple and orange then paste them to my upper lip so I cant smell how bad clemson and the iptay morons suck.
By orange and purple is for women
August 11, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Gimme a H Gimme a O Gimme a M Gimme a O what doy get HOMO what does that stand for IPTAY
By War Eagle
August 11, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Clemson 28 Bama 10
Auburn 45 LA Monroe 7
Bama is several players away from winning Big Games
By Tony
August 12, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
Clemson will choke as usual.
By Randall
August 12, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
This ought to a great game, a true test right out of the gate! I look for this one to be tight with Bama winning on a late Tiffin Field Goal.
By saint nick
August 12, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Hey War eagle,
You guys are gonna lose 5 or 6 this year, Tommy has lost this team!!! Gang style beatdown on one guy(he transfers), Gang style beatdown on another( out for the season with injuries from the fight) # offensive lineman jump a star d-lineman. Do you see the pattern?????? No team chemistry = bad season, believe me i know, we had horrible seniors on our team last year = 7-6!!!! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
By cocky2
August 12, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Geeze, how many years in a row do we have to listen to this BS from the Taters. ACC Championship, National Championship…. blah, blah, blah.
Here’s the truth… Bama beats you, and your hopes for a NC are GONE. You can’t play in the “All Cup Cake Conference” and make it to the Title game with a single loss. Yes, sure the SEC can because of the strength of the conference over-all, but the ACC is weak past the first two on either side, and Clemson has one of the weakest schedules in the country this year.
Do your best to keep the dream alive if you wish, but as of this posting, it’s been 6,094 days since your last conference championship. A conference that ranks outside of the top 5 every year.
Wake up TATERS.