AJC > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USReturn to Death Valley Days
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Back when Enemy Watch was a cubbie, she was occasionally assigned to the Tiger Beat, P.O. Box Death Valley, Clemson, S.C., CSA.
And what a terrific introduction to the college game, Southern-style. Just two hours up the road from the ATL, excellent fried chicken and other home-style chow in the press box, and a gracious, inviting host in legendary Clemson SID Bob Bradley, now departed but forever charming with his delicious denunciation of the in-state rivals from Columbia as, merely, “The Chickens.”
They were hardly glory years, this period when first Ken Hatfield and then Tommy West tried to follow Danny Ford, and produced mostly mediocrity instead.
If only the ACC could be just as mediocre, instead of a league currently populated by some really bad teams (Thursday’s UNC-UVa extravaganza oughta be a doozy of dread) and reeling from a vicious, ugly brawl involving Miami that not even a super-strength dose of Boraxo can scrub away. Saturday’s Clemson-Tech contest promises to offer a badly needed departure from all that. Promises, promises?
Indeed, the miserly ACC is rated as No. 6 in this Power Grid, so fingers are crossed Saturday’s tilt won’t become another competitive blackout.
The Yellow Jackets have triumphed in the intimidating Death Valley environs before, most recently with Calvin Johnson turning in the first highlight reel moment of his career with an awesome game-winning TD catch that still gives him goose bumps. “I can’t even explain it,” he said this week.
This will be the first time that ESPN’s College Game Day will haul its Twenty Mule Team of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso to Death Valley. The show’s 13 years old, illustrating how long Clemson’s been out of the non-Bowden Bowl national spotlight.
Even Oprah took time out from batting her eye lashes at Barack Obama to give the Tigers some love. On Wednesday, the Queen of Mawkish Melodrama taped a segment Wednesday with a Clemson player who is caring for his younger brother.
As for the game itself, it’s routinely been stamped as the ACC’s Most Competitive Series. That’s the meme that will be worn out by Saturday. Get used to hearing it. But the numbers don’t lie. And neither do some thrilling finishes over the years.
Hotlanta’s own Clemson RB James Davis can’t wait to play against his hometown team.
A Clemson blogger gives five reasons why the Jackets should be very nervous, if not afraid.
This handicapper thinks the Tigers will prevail.
Could there be a rematch in Jax?
In the Dawg-eat-Dog world, it doesn’t matter whether Saturday’s yawnfest in Athens will be a good game to the winner. UGA’s got the Gators after this, after an ACC-worthy loss to Vanderbilt.
Mississippi State is coming off a win, but against Jacksonville State. Coach Sylvester Croom isn’t dispensing much sympathy for the state of Mark Richt’s troops: “They don’t know the meaning of struggle.”
You’re more than struggling when a defensive back is your best scoring threat.
On top of all that, it’s been tough for a Mississippi State community dealing with the shooting death in Atlanta of former player Darren Williams in an apparent robbery attempt.
One last set of predix: UGA wins, Tech gets edged out.
Comments
By GovT employee 512
October 19, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
I was at Clemson two years ago for Calvin’s 3 TD performance. I thought Clemson did a very poor job of putting that game away (complete inability to run). However, with the 3-headed monster in their backfield, the Jackets better jump out early, b/c Davis and Spiller won’t give away a lead late this year. We have to force Proctor to throw and turn the football over. We’re playing the best football in the Gailey-era, but conversely, the Tigers are playing their best ball in the Bowden-era. I think it’ll be great for ESPN, Tech 20 Clemson 17
By Wozzo the Wonder Dog
October 19, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
Who does Miami fight this weekend?
By pogodog
October 19, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
It’s becoming more and more apparent that the Croom hiring was nothing more than an attempt to ward off more serious probation by the NCAA. He’s totally out of his realm as a head football coach. He’s making the big bucks, but he’s being used as much as the black man ever has been. His fifteen minutes of fame as the first AA coach in the SEC will prove to be the highlight of this experiment.
By Richard
October 19, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
I was at the Clemson game two years ago as well. Clemson did a great job of putting the game away (long TD run to go up by 11 with 4 minutes to go).
Their long snapper just gave it right back.
By GT_Rockin
October 19, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve been to the last 6 Tech/Clemson meetings, only one bad game.
This should be a battle but you know Clemson, probably the more talented team, will find a way to lose. Bowden always does it.
Clemson will run for a lot of yard but will have 3 or 4 turnovers which will kill them. They’ve never seen a defense swarm like our boys. Buzzzzzzzzzzzz.
By dog eat dog
October 19, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
greg, is that you?
By Bob
October 19, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Clemson 34 Tech 17!! This after Tech jumps out to a 17 point lead then Tigers start triple teaming Johnson and Tech has no ground game.
By GTNE80
October 19, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Gotta believe that our run of luck is over.
We caught Va Tech on a down swing and followed up with a mediocre showing against a pitiful Maryland squad (that barely beat that pitiful UVA squad that we sleep walked over a few Thursdays ago).
Clemson is a different matter. They are playing good football against strong opposition. They are home in one of the toughest homefields in the country for a Saturday night national TV audience. They won’t be susceptible to let down.
Our defense should keep it close for a while, but our offense won’t be able to play ball control enough to keep our D from getting worn down by late 3rd quarter and 4th quarter.
Look for a close game through halftime to break open and the score could get ugly by game’s end.
By GT_Rockin
October 19, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Hey GTNE80, why don’t you stay at home and watch a movie with our wife on Saturday night while the real fans travel to SC for a good foot ball game.
You wonder why we underacheive at times …our own fans can’t be satisfied with a 5 game winning streak.
Btw- we beat the crap out of VT and Maryland. Against Maryland, they returned a kickoff, pickuped a CJ fumble on our own 15 yard line, and we got no points on 3 feild goal attempts. All of our drives were nice long drives. VT made it close because they converted two 3rd and 20’s.
Tech’s been rolling over everyone, what in the world makes you think we’ll get blown out? Loser.
By toemeetsleather
October 19, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
chan will have the jackets ready/unlike georgia was the last 2 weeks…i have circled date on calendar when we BOMB DE DOGS IN DER HOUSE!!!!!!ROLL JACKETS!!!
By rhicks
October 19, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
TOEMEETSLEATHER ;GT SUCKS,NO ONE CARES,OH AND YOU ARE GAY!
By savgt
October 19, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Why do ignorant people when they get offended or can’t find a comeback they call you gay? Maybe low brain power is the answer. Anyway, Clemson looks real tough, but I think with the off week our game plan will be great and we’ll win. Go JACKETS!!!!!!!!!
By Not Disappointed
October 19, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Jackets are more than able! Jackets can roll over Clemson!!!!!
By JustMe
October 19, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
Of course Clemson is favored.
However, Tech is accustomed to the underdog position and have prevailed against ranked opponents when they should not. Tech may just win this. There are no certainties. The game is played on the field Saturday night. The winner will end up with more points. Don’t count Tech out yet.
By BigEd
October 19, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
Clemson will never know what hit them. Tech wins big 34-14. Why? Because they can and becuse they want the win! Go Jackets.
By randy
October 19, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
tech loses big to clemson!
By retired engineer
October 19, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this
GTNE80, why the long face? Is Temple strong? Was BC strong? Yep, strong enough. Wake hadum until a freak return for a TD. Clem will attempt to run-Tech will stack so many that they cannot and must pass and that is not their strength. Advantage Tech. Relax and enjoy! Keep the faith! Gold beats purple!
By Glenn 71
October 19, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
A Tale of 2 Tigers
Combined scores against FAU, UNC, La. Tech and Temple : 219-22 (and it could have been even more)
Against BC, FSU and Wake :78-61 (Tigers lucky to be 2-1 against this bunch)
They have fattened their stats (team and individual) against 3 of the “Bottom 10” (Temple, La Tech and UNC) plus FAU
Does anyone really believe they would be averaging 40+ a game or where they are in offensive and defensive stats if they had played Tech’s schedule?
It’ll be a struggle on the road (it always is @ Clemson), but Tech wins this one.
By Kevin
October 19, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Right on retired engineer!
I gotta say to all of you though. Making predictions about the game is about as useful as making predictions about the girls you’re going to bring home at the bar: neither ever comes true.
All the sports collumnists love to play that “numbers” crap, so I’ll give it a shot. 10, 3 and 7. If we can force Clemson to 10 third downs at an average length of 7 yards, GT can win. There are two ways to do this. Strong offense early can lead to a more pass orriented Clemson team that suits GT’s all out blitz just fine. The other way GT can force this is to really stuff the run early, forcing what I hope will be some errant throws.
Let’s not forget that Clemson’s QB only has two more starts than VT’s QB had at the time. Neither has really played stellar competition to this point. The only thing close to a prediction I will give is that if GT can make Clemson pass the ball a lot, GT should walk away a winner. Though, it might get into the thirties.
GT plays GREAT on the road against ranked opponents.
By gtgirl25
October 19, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Hey GT_Rockin…see you Saturday night in Death Valley! I can’t wait!!!
Go Jackets…….THWG!!!
By Hunk Erdown
October 19, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
By GT_Rockin
October 19, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Hey GTNE80, why don’t you stay at home and watch a movie with our wife on Saturday night while the real fans travel to SC for a good foot ball game
“Our Wife”? What does that make you guys? Husband-in-laws?
By Ramble on!
October 19, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
GT_Rockin…get em!!!
GTNE80 is the most negative “fan” on here!!! But those we’re some pretty bad teams in his day.
I’ve been up there twice before, bad results, but I’ll be there in spirit. I’d be there Saturday, but I got to October fest in Helen.
Bring back a win with GTgirl25!!!!!!
By gtalum01
October 19, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
I was at Death Valley my senior year in 00, when Clemson was number 7 and we were supposed to be a speed bump before mathup w/ Fl.State, well I see the same ending I saw last time, nothing like hearing 80K plus screaming fans hush all at once when they realize their over hyped team has lost, and by the way Temple is canceling there football program all together so Clemson’s numbers are way useless, GO TECH!!
By Ronny
October 19, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
. I’m from out West, a California transplant. I’m a fan of Georgia Tech, the school, and the team since Bobby Ross took it to the co-national championship. But this is one of the strangest blogs I’ve ever seen. What rock did most of these “fans” push aside, to hunt and peck their opinions? . .
By Glenn 71
October 20, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this
Correction
Against BC, FSU and Wake combined scores are 87-71. The previous list was for total points in regulation, neglecting OT.
I still stand by my previous conclusion: Tech in a barn-burner.
By The Wreck
October 20, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
If Clemson’s “Three-headed Monster” at tailback is as overrated as the vaunted UGA three-headed monster, I’ll take my chances, thanks.
By Jason
October 20, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
For you Clemson idiots saying Tech has no ground game…it happens to be second in the ACC to Clemson…and it’s not far behind.
By WFC
October 20, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
The GT vs Clemson match should be a great one. Can’t wait! The only thing I’ll say is that with the exception of their FSU game the Tigers have not faced the team speed that GT brings to both sides of the ball. And FSU doesn’t have CJ!
By GT Runs The World
October 20, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
UGA, what a joke.
But back to real football, Clemson relies too much on the run game, which is the one thing we have consistently stopped for years. If Clemson was as good as they are and a pass happy team I’d be scared, but since they are a run happy team, I think they only score 10. As long as we don’t try to beat ourselves like we did in the MD game, we’ll roll over em.
By SC Bee
October 20, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
As a Charleston SC resident and Tech alum I’m looking forward to being there tomorrow night when our Bees sting the Tigers. I’m weary of all the Clemson/Bowden hype in the local media. Clemson’s passing game will be good, but not good enough. Bees win in a close one. And I’m so sad to see the struggles in Athens, Couldn’t happen to a more deserving bunch.
By DawgByte
October 20, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Earth to Carter Strickland & the rest of the AJC staff:
There is NO Georgia demise, as Carter so cluelessly suggests. For crying out loud, we’re 5-2 and after tomorrow will be 6-2. Not exactly a disasterous season given the plethora of question marks going into this Fall campaign. I’m beginning to think Sonny Perdue was right. The AJC doesn’t report the news, their sole function is to dangle large chunks of meat into the water and see who takes the bait!
By TM
October 20, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
First time, long time. I am not sure if anyone mentioned this but, Clemson lost the game because of a crummy punt snap. Johnson’s third touchdown doesn’t happen if the ball either got to Chason on the fly or he kicks it through the endzone for a safety.
By Jeff Dodgen
October 20, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Tech is good - no doubt Clemson is good - no doubt
Tech might win - Clemson might win but I will be really interested to see what the headlines are if Tech looses. Will it be the begining of the end if they have two losses? Will the AJC writers start writing articles that sound liek they are coming from the post-game call inshows where a bunch of drunks are calling for peoples heads? Sonny was right! The AJC has always sucked and will continue to suck. Carter Strickland is looking more and more like a head hunter than anything. I now can say that I hate Terrence Moore, Mark Bradley, AND Carter Strickland.
Happy to be a Dawg - yes, even at 5-2
By GTVegas
October 20, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
The game is full of “ifs” and they really don’t mean squat. There are several “ifs” about the GT/ND game as well, “if we had played more aggressive offense”, “if that wasn’t really a late hit (very questionable by the way)”, etc.
The only thing you can say for certain is that both teams will meet on the field Saturday night and that someone will come away a winner.
Anything can, and does, happen in today’s college football and that is why it is so fun to watch. I am a firm believer that just about any team CAN beat another team, but it comes down to “ifs” again and they aren’t worth discussing as other “ifs” will come into play as well.
All I ask is that GT played up to its’ ability and FOCUS !!!!
Go Jackets !!!
By GTVegas
October 20, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
The game is full of “ifs” and they really don’t mean squat. There are several “ifs” about the GT/ND game as well, “if we had played more aggressive offense”, “if that wasn’t really a late hit (very questionable by the way)”, etc.
The only thing you can say for certain is that both teams will meet on the field Saturday night and that someone will come away a winner.
Anything can, and does, happen in today’s college football and that is why it is so fun to watch. I am a firm believer that just about any team CAN beat another team, but it comes down to “ifs” again and they aren’t worth discussing as other “ifs” will come into play as well.
All I ask is that GT played up to its’ ability and FOCUS !!!!
Go Jackets !!!
By note: this is a blog
October 20, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Vegas guy, this is not bridge building…this is a fun blog and making fun pred’s is why it is a blog…loosenup!
By Donzell
October 20, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
GO JACKETS!!!!
By Brian Jones
October 20, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I dont get it GTNE80 is no true fan i have grown up a tech fan my whole life my uncle played when they were the golden tornados. I watch football love the game know the game how can you say clemson is a more talented team lets see ill take reggie ball over proctor there three recievers dont add up to Calvin running game dont sleep on choice but davis is a stud. oh by the way watch out for our freshman running back evens this year or next went to watch them practice this kid is the real deal. defense only name i know on there defense is gaines adams our line backers way better speed tech. I mean they have played 4 of the worst teams in the nation and let a pathetic fsu team put up 20 or 21 if we score 3 tds we win i am not downing clemson they are a very good team but proctor has not been tested by a blitzing defense and if you have watched him play he cant move so i hope john has put together a blitz scheme to force some tos.
By Brad Stephens
October 21, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
Tech fans, Let’s just get this out of the way. Yes the Dawgs suck right now and Tech ain’t half bad. Some of you would like to believe GT is now a national power after wins with VT and Maryland. Beat Clemson at home at night convincingly and this Dawg will begin to believe there is some merit to your ranking. I am not delusional and know full well we will have our hands full when you all come to Athens in November. Here’s to hoping you win the ACC but get smacked in the Classic City. Go Dawgs!!
By Dave In Tampa
October 21, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
Even being a Dawg fan I have to say that this is Tech’s year. They will put away Clemson by a touchdown. Nothing against Clemson. I’m just that impressed with Tech this year.