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Friday, October 17, 2008
The view from Clemson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Larry Williams, Clemson beat writer from The Post and Courier newspaper in Charleston, found time this week to answer five questions about Saturday’s game.
What is the atmosphere/mood around the Tigers now?
I think the team feels rejuvenated, but I’m not sure it’s unanimous because it’s clear some players — tailback James Davis among them — thought Tommy Bowden shouldn’t have been forced out. Also, Cullen Harper’s alleged comment about Bowden deserving his fate caused quite a stir among the staff and team. Still, it appears the offense is really excited about the prospect of a more aggressive philosophy. Former offensive coordinator Rob Spence, fired Monday by interim coach Dabo Swinney, caused a lot of frustration with his reluctance to take more shots downfield. Swinney is a charismatic guy who will have his players whipped into a frenzy by the time they reach the top of the hill Saturday.
How much disarray is the O-line in?
Pronounced disarray. Injuries have decimated this crew, which entered the season with very little experience in the first place. Guard has been the hardest hit. Bobby Hutchinson, a former student assistant who really shouldn’t be playing regularly at this level, has been forced into a prominent role the past two games. Right guard Mason Cloy suffered a knee injury against Wake Forest but should go Saturday. Fourth-year junior Cory Lambert, who’d moved from tackle to guard before the Wake Forest game, suffered a foot injury against the Deacs and will be limited at best. The Tigers seem OK at tackle with Chris Hairston and Landon Walker, but we’ll see if they can handle Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan.
What do you expect from Willy Korn? (With Cullen Harper now scheduled to have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, it looks like Korn will go the whole way).
I’m not sure what the coaches expect from Korn. I asked an assistant two days ago how Korn has looked in practice and he said “like a redshirt freshman.” I think they’re high on Korn’s future, but it’s hard to get a read on how he’ll react Saturday in his first college start. The main reason they elevated him to the starting role was because his mobility can help negate some of the protection problems on the offensive line. But can he read a defense? Can he muscle in a slant or thread a corner-post? Not sure about that.
Can you give me an example of the hype that has surrounded Willy Korn since he committed?
Let’s put it this way: Early last year, Harper threw five touchdowns in a game and played flawlessly. Korn entered the game in mop-up duty, and the fans reacted as if Danny Ford was back on the sidelines. There’s a lot of affinity for this kid because he’s the local hero, and a highly coveted recruit who committed to Clemson very early in the recruiting process. There’s a segment of fans who’ve been calling for Korn since the start of last season, even during periods when Harper was flourishing.
Can the starting offensive tackles block Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan?
Boy, not sure about that one. Clemson’s tackles really struggled last week with Wake Forest’s Matt Robinson. Robinson is a very good player, but he’s no Michael Johnson. Hairston is still recovering from a badly bruised knee, and Walker is a redshirt freshman who’s had his ups and downs thus far. If the Tigers are going to throw downfield with regularity, these guys are going to need some help with pass protection.
Interesting stuff from Williams. What struck you most?
