By Burdell's Brother

October 20, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

They cannot run the ball if they are not on the field. The offense must be effective, eat up clock, and allow the defense to rest and not put them in bad positions.

Long and the short, if the offense is effective Jackets Win!

By KneeJerk

October 20, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the tight ends get more involved for GT Saturday night. Even a 5 or 6 yard dump pass on 1st down will make a huge difference. I look for Reggie to have a big night running the ball. GT 27 CU 21

By GT Baby

October 20, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

I have a good feeling about this game. Georgia Tech always prepares well for Clemson.He always seem to have Clemsons’ number. Defense prevails. GT 17 CU 14

By gtwins

October 20, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Yes, 250yds per game sounds great, but remember that the majority of those yards came against lower level teams. I think that the D is going to do what they do to every team that thinks they can run it - let us not forget what happened to Auburn…

It will be close because I think Clemson still has a talented team and will be able to throw for some yardage, but in the end it will come down to special teams and Calvin Johnson. Neither team is great in special teams, although the Tech punt team has done their job when needed, and Clemson doesn’t have Calvin.

Go Jackets!!!

By ToddGTFan

October 20, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

Clemson’s running stats are way overrated considering they were against a bunch of terrible teams, i.e. UNC, Temple, Fla. Atlantic. It is not hard to pad your stats against these teams. Look at their offense against teams that aren’t in 1AA, FSU, BC, Wake. They are not nearly as good an offense as their stats make them look. I am not worried about their running game. We can certainly handle that. Georgia Tech handles Clemson 31-21. On to Jacksonville. See you all at the game. Go JACKETS!!!

By GTVegas

October 20, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Not only were those stats run up against vastly inferior opponents, but what does a coach usually do when he finds himself ahead by a comfortable margin….run the ball, further adding to running stats.

I am not saying that this game will be easy, it won’t, but I think the stats are probably more even that they look.

It’s always close between these two teams. It should be a fun one to watch.

By GT Baby

October 20, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

Do you guys remember the Clemson-Georgia Tech game a couple years back when GT had that 3 touchdown comeback.That is still the greatest game I have ever seen.. It’s gonna be a good game this weekend

By GTVegas

October 20, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Well, went and looked at the stats against BC, FSU and Wake. They are still impressive, but definitley closer to GT’s stats against ND, VT, UVA and MD. The other thing I noted was just how warped stats really can be with what actually happens in the game. They do not mean much.

Go Jackets !!!

By jojo

October 20, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Ok!!! I have read all of the above comments and really have to keep myself from laughing. Yea we might have not played very strong teams but we never were in jeopardy of losing to the likes of Troy. Hmmmmm!!!

Padding the stats. Every game that we have played against the lesser competition we were playing with our 2-3-4 stringers after the half. Now if you wanted to inflate the stats we would have scored 100 easy in all of those games with the staters in the game.

So really should one throw the ball and run up the score and then be talked about or just eat the clock up and end the game for both teams. Sounds likes pretty good coachng to me and I think Tressel would agree.

I for one think this will be one the best games of the season for the ACC and both teams due to the history but I’m going to give the edge to the tigers. With the starters in for the entire game it is going to get ugly pretty fast. Clemson 35 GT 17. All day/night long!!!!

Tigers ACC Champs

By GTAlum

October 20, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

I think this will be the toughest team we have faced so far, even ND. Clemson is deep and fast on both sides of the ball. We will need to bring our “A” game for sure. The MD scared me because they are not a solid team this year.

By Atljacket

October 20, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

Calvin Johnson is great and the defense is very good but to be honest Clemson is a much better team. One of those two freshmen, will probably run at least one back for Clemson and their defense will shred the GT offense other than a few big plays from Calvin. Ya’ll must be drunk to think that we’re going to go up there and win in that death valley place on their homecoming. Clemson 30 GT 14

By jojo

October 20, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

Wow!! I must say that I’m impressed that a Jacket fan gives props. Death Valley will be rocking like no other time in recent history. With the interception still fresh in the minds of players from the BC game that was overruled and the recent history of the series. Wow is all that can be said. The place will be electric. I hope for a close game actually so that neither team drops very far down the ranking for the lose. So that at the end of the season in the ACC Championship game we both will bring nice rankings into the game. Goood luck and may the best Tiger win. oooooooops Team LOL!!!

By Shay A

October 20, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this

Wow, first of all mr. AtlJacket, you don’t deserve to call yourself a Jacket fan because even the worst Jacket fan would think we win this game. Even if clemson is favored and looks like a better team on paper, it’s any given saturday out there, whether it’s homecoming or not. Besides, Reggie has shown the ability to rise to the occasion in high profile games (ie, Auburn 03, 05, Miami 05). And if he continues to do that, we can win.

By ga_tech_92

October 20, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Tech is the underdog in every big game we have it seems. We are under-estimated and that’s just fine.

GO JACKETS SHOCK THE WORLD ONE GAME AT A TIME!!

By Jan YELLOW JACKET Logan

October 20, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

GT will run and pass over the smaller CLEMPSON team.

By jojo

October 20, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

Have you looked at your D-line in comparions with the Tigers O-Line. Small…….hardly. I think you need to check the depth chart and crunch a few numbers and repost that comment. No harm no foul!!! Go Tigers

By Jake

October 20, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

You are correct jojo, Clemson is a lot bigger upfront than GT. However, a ND team that was much larger than Tech upfront was held to it’s fewest points in the Charlie Weis era. Size matters, just not as much as you seem to think.

By Ralph

October 20, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech 33, Klimpson 17

Go Jackets!!!

By techwins

October 20, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

jojo, go ask FSU how much of a joke Troy is… They nearly beat them, that would have made your win over FSU look even worse than it does right now.

I hope your team underestimates tech as much as you do, if so it will be an easy afternoon for the Jackets.

By techwins

October 20, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

BTW - Bowden is no Charlie Weis, and you saw the tough time he had with our team in the first game where we hadn’t opened up our offense yet.

By CUTigers#1

October 20, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

Clemson’s offensive numbers against BC, FSU, and Wake were better than average for any team. We ran all over these teams! We beat them in total yards and time of possession by a large margin. The only reason those games were even close was due to our turnovers and special teams lapses. Don’t delude yourselves Jackets, you won’t win by stopping this offense b/c you won’t stop it. You have to rely on turnovers and big plays on special teams. If that happens, you have a shot - otherwise, you are TOAST!

The plan is to knock Calvin Johnson out of the game by letting him go up for the catch, then visciously cutting his legs out from under him and slamming him head first into the ground. WATCH OUT pretty boy! Good thing he has that injury insurance. Even if he doesn’t get hurt, he will start thinking twice the next time. ;-)

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL CALVIN!

By GT4LIFE

October 21, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

The Ramblin Wreck is gonna roll over the tigers! I downloaded a virus onto Bowdens PC while I was watching Star Trek in my mom’s basement Friday night while being jelous of my UGA peers. GO URINE & WHITE!!

By Jake

October 21, 2006 02:06 AM | Link to this

Pretty boy? Don’t be jealous because Tech has the most dynamic player in the game. I know he has owned you but that is no reason to go Greg Blue on him and play dirty. I have never felt Clemson to be a dirty team with stupid fans, don’t change my perception. It should be a great game.

By TS_Tiger

October 21, 2006 04:12 AM | Link to this

What do you get when you cross Gaines Adams with an play???

Nothing. Because if you cross Gaines yo’re already dead.

Bring your a game GT……….you’ll need it!

By 86Clemson

October 21, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this

It never ceases to amaze me how stupid people get on these boards. The comment about hurting Calvin Johnson is TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR. Even joking around, there is no need for it. Yes I want to win , but this nonsense is ridiculous. Totally classless and those comments do not reflect Clemson fans thoughts in general, obviously. Let’s have a great game between two really good teams. Good luk Jackets and Tigers.

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

All Calvi has to do is keep his feet on the ground and he won’t risk injury. That’s all I’m saying.

The people who are jeopardizing his future is the coaching staff of GTech. If they call plays to specifically create a jump ball situation, then the defensive must make him pay. It is football!! I’m not saying it should be dirty - just physical play.

To defend that play, you can’t just abdicate and let him have it b/c it is a high percentage play. We, like most teams, do not have the height in our secondary to combat a jump ball kind of play to him.

Our only recourse is to make him drop it on the way down and the best way to do that is to hit him very hard below the waist as he touches the ball. Unfortunately, that will likely lead to injury. Oh well. His and GTech’s choice.

By Alex

October 21, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Tech 31 Clemson 27

The difference makers? Tashard Choice and KaMichael Hall.

By GT

October 21, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Ball will have over 100 yards rushing tonight. Clemson has two choices, cover the middle or cover Calvin. They will key in on Choice first half and Ball will run. They will key in on Ball second half and Choice will run. Somewhere in all this Calvin gets loose and has another 100 plus night. Clemson will do some damage too. Davis and this mobile quarterback will make a different look from last year. Tech’s defense is built for speed and the Clemson offense says screw speed we are coming right at you, mixed in with some short passes to keep you honest. I am hoping in the end Tech’s better defense will make the small difference we need, but this one is going to be close and if it isn’t Tech will loose in a shoot out by 14 points.

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

It goes without saying that this will be a great game tonight. It is the only game that I don’t pull for GTech too. If they can pull out a win, congrats to them, but I just don’t see it happening. Clemson has too many consistent weapons to attach Tech with. Tech has to count on sporadic heroes on their side and miscues by Clemson to have a chance. Not saying it can’t happen, but odds are in Clemson’s favor.

By BigMurf

October 21, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Good ol’ Cut(MeOff)Tiger and SloJo are examples of the bottom-feeding cretins that matriculate through Clemson Secondary School. Good Lord! Think of the innumerable NCAA sanctions that go back to the Frank(ly I Can’t Coach) Howard Days. No class, no moral compass, and no future. Ban the bas**s to the SEC where they belong! :)

Selah

By James

October 21, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

I’m not worried about Calvin getting hurt, because he’ll just do what he always does and burn the coverage (sounds familiar, right Clempson?). But anyways, seems like these two teams give their best effort against each other. I don’t expect this game to be any different than last year’s game or the year before (when it comes to the margin of victory). It will come down to the final 2 minutes as usual, and one of the teams will win by 7 or fewer points. I expect a great one today.

By BadgerDawg

October 21, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

I predict a Clemson victory…you heard it here first.

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

As I predicted. The #3 Clemson running game, combined with the #6 Clemson defense would be too much for the bees.

Now I hope GTech wins the rest of their games up to the ACC Championship game.

GT (GoTigers) ;-)

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this

Well, now you know James Davis, CJ Spiller, Jacoby Ford and Gaines Adams. Who says recruiting doesn’t matter? ;-)

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

James Davis’ career high night! Thanks GT!

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

31-7 WOW!!!

Even the vaunted Notre Dame couldn’t do that against the mighty GTech.

Clemson can play with any of the top 4 in the nation and have a 50/50 chance to beat them.

I thought this would be closer, but the fact that Reggie Ball disappeared in this game says a lot about the circa 1980’s Clemson defense.

GT (Go Tigers)!

By gt ain't so good

October 21, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

tigers run run run run run run run run run over the bumble bees

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

The Clemson Tigers are certainly the best team in the entire Southeast. This includes Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Florida. That’s just the facts! SEC fans will try to argue otherwise, but it is to no avail. It is what it is!

By Gen Neyland

October 21, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

GT = Got Thrashed

By GreenJacket

October 21, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Very disappointing but I tip my hat to the Tigers. I am surprised that Tech had no answer for Clemson’s running game. I thought Tech would force Proctor to win the game. The Jackets looked like the Falcons did, getting beat up on both sides of the ball. I just hope they don’t let this game carry over into next week against Miami.

By Gen Neyland

October 21, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Clemson Fans : Relax…it was just GT…

Reggie, Reggie, Reggie…

By wrdawg

October 21, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Some things never change. Man, you tech fans need to sue the athletic dept. Every year,,,such a tease—-only to collapse!!! OVER-RATED,,,,,OVER-RATED,,,,,OVER-RATED,,,,,OVER-RATED!

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

ALL PURPLE Uniforms! Yeah baby!

I heard Clemson players chanting in the locker room (during an interview) - “Calvin who???”

By parks

October 21, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

good luck with that whole best in the southeast thing..lmao!

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry - I will be here next year too to remind you that Clemson is still a top 10 team!

Giddy Up!

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

James Davis - Sophmore CJ Spiller - Freshman

We will beat you again next year too!

;-)

By The Man

October 21, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!!

By CUTigers#1

October 21, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this

We just violated GTech tonight!!!

CLEMSON - There was very little question coming into Saturday night that Clemson was a good football team. But with blowout wins over four of the worst defenses in the country en route to a 6-1 start, some wondered exactly how good Tommy Bowden’s team really was.

Wonder no more.

James Davis and C.J. Spiller combined to rush for 332 yards and score four touchdowns, leading No. 12 Clemson to a 31-7 domination of No. 13 Georgia Tech Saturday night at Death Valley.

More than 83,000 fans, a national television audience and ESPN’s GameDay crew watched the Tigers (7-1, 4-1 ACC) - wearing all purple uniforms for the first time in at nearly 70 years - shred the seventh best rushing defense in the country for a net total of 321 yards.

“It’s a pretty good feeling to have running backs like James Davis and C.J. Spiller,” said Clemson left tackle Barry Richardson. “They can make an offensive line look good. When you have two backs making plays like they did tonight it makes us tough to beat.”

Meanwhile, Vic Koening’s defense shut out All-American wide reciever Calvin Johnson for the first time in his career. Johnson had caught passes in 30 consecutive games entering Saturday, and had been particularly dangerous in his last three outings. In that stretch Johnson reeled in 22 passes for 413 yards and five scores.

Coming into the game averaging nearly six receptions per contest, he was able to draw a pass interference penalty on the Tigers’ defense on Tech’s (5-2, 3-1) first offensive play of the game.

After that he was a non-factor, thanks mostly to the combination of help over the top from safety Michael Hamlin and consistent pressure on quarterback Reggie Ball from Clemson’s front four.

“Our motive is to be successful running the ball,” said Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden. “You have to give credit to the defensive and offensive lines, and our running backs really did the job tonight. Our defense puts us in a position to be able to pound the ball when they play like they did tonight.

“The defensive staff did a good job tonight…We gave Vic Koening the game ball.”

Ball completed just 12-of-25 passes for 117 yards, a touchdown and one interception. With rare exceptions the Tigers were able to keep the fleet-footed quarterback within the confines of the pocket, refusing to allow Ball to make plays with his running ability.

“We just never had any rhythm,” said Georgia Tech head coach Chan Gailey. “Clemson did a good job of keeping us off balance. We’ll definitely have to study the film and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

With that kind of performance from his defense, Bowden only had to turn to Davis and Spiller for the bulk of Clemson’s offense.

Davis ran for a career-high 216 yards on 21 carries, and did so despite missing much of the second quarter after suffering a stinger in his left shoulder. Davis had runs of 54, 53 and 30 running through gaping holes opened by his offensive line, and polished off Clemson’s first and last scoring drives with touchdown runs of two and five yards, respectively.

Meanwhile, Spiller finished the evening with 116 yards on 16 carries, including a 50-yard touchdown run with less than a minute to go in the third quarter that, at the time, gave Clemson a 17-0 lead.

After Tech scored its only touchdown on Ball’s 35-yard pass to the other wide receiver named Johnson (James) to cut the lead to 17-7 with 13:31 left in the game, Spiller delivered the back-breaker - and play of the game - on Clemson’s next possession.

On third and four from midfield, Spiller took a swing pass from Clemson quarterback Will Proctor (6-of-17, 105 yards, TD, Int.) in the right flat, juked not one but two Yellow Jacket defenders in front of the Tech sideline, then turned on the jets and raced untouched for another 50-yard touchdown.

That made it 24-7, and effectively turned out the lights on Georgia Tech’s night.

Davis’ second touchdown run came with 7:29 left to provide the final margin.

Jad Dean’s 25-yard field goal in early in the third quarter provided Clemson’s other points.

Clemson outgained Georgia Tech 426-205 in total offense, and limited the Yellow Jackets to just 88 net rushing yards.

“Clemson had a lot of momentum in the second half. We missed a lot of tackles and Clemson made a lot of big plays,” said Gailey. “They are very physical on both the offensive and defensive lines. Those big plays really hurt your moral and hurts your momentum.”

Clemson has a quick turnaround for its next game. The Tigers travel to Virginia Tech this Thursday night for another nationally-televised game on ESPN.

“The atmosphere up in Blacksburg is going to be good for motivation,” Bowden said.

NOTES

• Saturday was the first time in Clemson’s so-called modern era that the team wore all purple uniforms, according to Sports Information Director Tim Bourret. Bourret said there is a picture in his office of Tiger legend Banks McFadden wearing all purple in a 1939 contest.

• Starting left guard Roman Fry injured his right knee on the game’s third play. He was helped from the field and did not return. He was replaced in the lineup by Chris McDuffie.

• Tight end Thomas Hunter injured his shoulder in the second quarter and did not return.

• Davis’ 216 rushing yards were the most by a Clemson player since Woody Dantzler ran for 220 vs. Virginia in 2000. It’s the most by a Tigers’ running back since Raymond Priester’s 263 against Duke in 1995.

• Saturday’s game marked the first time in school history that Clemson had a 200-yard rusher (Davis) and a 100-yard rusher (Spiller) in the same game.

• Gaines Adams’ fourth-quarter sack of Ball was his sixth straight game with at least one, tying a school record.

• Saturday night’s game was just the second in the last 11 meetings between the teams in which the final margin was more than five points.

By The Man

October 22, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!! HAHA!!!

By gtalum

October 22, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

wrdawg, Yep…we got whipped by a damn good Clemson team tonight. Mistakes were made by our players and our coaches. What we DID NOT do is lose to a team that hasn’t beaten a ranked opponent in 14 years at our homecoming game.

We are licking our wounds after a bad performance. wrdawgs, I’d spend my time trying to figure out why the dawgs can’t match up against Vandy or Miss. State instead of directing your comments to us. With a little luck you might be able to stay on the field with Kentucky to avoid losing 5 of your last 6 games.

In spite of this poor effort Tech is on the way up….where are your beloved dawgs going???

By DawgForLife

October 22, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

CUTigers,

If you think y our lil kittens could beat Florida OR Auburn OR LSU your a total IDIOT.

By GT

October 22, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Clemson has taken FSU’s place in the ACC.

By gtalum

October 22, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

I remember our little kittens beating Auburn twice in the last 3 years. In fact, we haven’t lost to Auburn in almost ten years.

If you think your dawgs could beat Clemson then you need therapy. I think Clemson is a better team than anyone in the SEC (and I’m no Clemson fan).

DawgForLife…may I suggest that you do your homework before you come back into this chat or is homework something that your have never been challenged with at UGA?