A few things that have been knocking around the ol' cranium the last few days:
- It seems to me that Clemson's coaches and players have dialed in 100 percent on Wake Forest this week, which is good. Lose this one and next week's Boston College game means nothing. Further, I've been encouraged by what I've seen from the fan base. It's beginning to look like Saturday's Noon start will be loud and rowdy in the stands.
It better be.
- Special teams and turnovers. Always important parts of any game, magnified this week when the Deacs visit. With two of the top return men in the country, Wake Forest will test Clemson's improved kick coverage. And the Tigers' plus-11 turnover margin will be challenged by a team that has seven fumble/interception returns for scores. Add two kick returns, and that's nine non-offensive touchdowns Jim Grobe's team has scored this season.
Talk about intangibles.
- Funny how things work, isn't it? Two horrific losses throw everyone into a tizzy a few weeks ago. And yet here we are, three games left in the season, and Clemson has its best shot ever at playing in the ACC title game. Up and down. Down and up. The emotional roller coaster continues to run a breakneck speed.
Six Flags should have a ride like this.
- Prediction: Though he will have the usual freshman struggles, Demontez Stitt will be just fine as Clemson's point guard. The young man seems to have a presence about him that great point guards have, and his ability to penetrate the lane and kick the ball out to the open man will make Oliver Purnell's halfcourt offense that much more dangerous.
This should be a fun season.
- Today's scoreboard:
Upstate Challenger Sports kids - 28,365
Apathy in the Upstate - 0.
Thanks so much to everyone who made Thursday's fundraiser a tremendous success. By the time the golf tournament figures are added in, the organization's only fundraiser of the year will have raised over $40,000 for the special needs kids.
Puts all the other things we do on a daily basis into perspective, doesn't it?
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Yet More Random Thoughts
Random thoughts after another long weekend:
- I was glad to see the Tigers prove my prediction wrong last Saturday at Maryland.
In many ways, Clemson did to the Terps what Maryland generally does to the opposition: They won with balance, ball control, solid defense and, yes, a strong kicking game. Save for the hiccup at the end, it may have been as complete a game the Tigers have played in some time.
- Of course, this has been the baffling thing about this program for much of Tommy Bowden's tenure. One week Clemson can look like a world-beater, the next as if collectively the players have never seen a football. The up-again, down-again nature of business around here is the reason fans get so worked up year after year. There's no consistency.
Just when Joe Fan thinks it's time for Bowden to go, the embattled coach pulls out a fantastic finish. And then, when it appears maybe the engine is running smoothly down the highway, a rod is thrown or a wheel falls off for no reason.
Maddening, ain't it?
- Of course, the real winners through all this are the press/Internet site operators. Regardless of what happens each week, the readership/hits/listeners just keep on coming.
- So here's the next real test.
Home games with Wake Forest and Boston College loom in two and three weeks, respectively. Games which could be very well decide Clemson's postseason future.
But wait. Don't forget about Duke this Saturday. Noon start. No free television. Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. Blue Devil fans more concerned about a basketball scrimmage later that afternoon...You've lived this nightmare before, haven't you?
Yep. A number of times in Durham, in fact. The last of which spelled the end of Mike O'Cain as Clemson's offensive coordinator.
Free this Saturday? Might want to take a road trip and see if you can't turn this one into a quasi-home game.
With what's on the line the next few weeks, it might mean more than you think.
- I was glad to see the Tigers prove my prediction wrong last Saturday at Maryland.
In many ways, Clemson did to the Terps what Maryland generally does to the opposition: They won with balance, ball control, solid defense and, yes, a strong kicking game. Save for the hiccup at the end, it may have been as complete a game the Tigers have played in some time.
- Of course, this has been the baffling thing about this program for much of Tommy Bowden's tenure. One week Clemson can look like a world-beater, the next as if collectively the players have never seen a football. The up-again, down-again nature of business around here is the reason fans get so worked up year after year. There's no consistency.
Just when Joe Fan thinks it's time for Bowden to go, the embattled coach pulls out a fantastic finish. And then, when it appears maybe the engine is running smoothly down the highway, a rod is thrown or a wheel falls off for no reason.
Maddening, ain't it?
- Of course, the real winners through all this are the press/Internet site operators. Regardless of what happens each week, the readership/hits/listeners just keep on coming.
- So here's the next real test.
Home games with Wake Forest and Boston College loom in two and three weeks, respectively. Games which could be very well decide Clemson's postseason future.
But wait. Don't forget about Duke this Saturday. Noon start. No free television. Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. Blue Devil fans more concerned about a basketball scrimmage later that afternoon...You've lived this nightmare before, haven't you?
Yep. A number of times in Durham, in fact. The last of which spelled the end of Mike O'Cain as Clemson's offensive coordinator.
Free this Saturday? Might want to take a road trip and see if you can't turn this one into a quasi-home game.
With what's on the line the next few weeks, it might mean more than you think.
Monday, October 22, 2007
More Random Thoughts
A drizzly Monday night and some random thoughts to go with it:
- So James Davis guaranteed a win over Maryland. Good for him. Despite the guarantee coming so often these days that it is almost rendered toothless, Davis is doing what a leader should do. Challenge his teammates. Take the pressure off them and on himself. Set the bar high.
Now, if only he can figure a way to score more than 12 points vs. the Terps...
- When some fans can't think of any legitimate criticism of Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen, they stoop to juvenile measures and break out the fat jokes. Happens all the time. Even to me at the local level. Of course I just laugh because, if you look at it, we're taking over. The Fridge, Mangino out in Kansas, Charlie Wei....um, well, two out of three ain't bad...
- The truth is Friedgen has been a thorn in Clemson's side for years, first as offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and now as the main Maryland man. And his teams seem to share a common characteristic, almost without fail. As the season wears on, they seem to get better and better. Injuries may slow that progress this year, but anyone taking the Turtles lightly this weekend might want to rethink their position...
- Same goes for anyone getting too giddy after Clemson dropped 70 on Central Michigan last Saturday. Sure, the Tigers did what they were supposed to do vs. and inferior opponent. Maybe even beyond what they were supposed to do. But even TB himself said it's hard to gauge exactly how much the team has improved since the twin Tech losses. Only a better caliber of competition will tell that tale...
- And finally, how about this argument: Carson-Newman should play in the Rose Bowl.
Why? Well, using fan (and sometimes TV talking head) logic:
- Carson-Newman beat Chattanooga
- Chattanooga beat Georgia Southern
- Georgia Southern beat Appalachian State
- Appalachian State beat Michigan
Makes sense, eh? Thanks Hunter...
- So James Davis guaranteed a win over Maryland. Good for him. Despite the guarantee coming so often these days that it is almost rendered toothless, Davis is doing what a leader should do. Challenge his teammates. Take the pressure off them and on himself. Set the bar high.
Now, if only he can figure a way to score more than 12 points vs. the Terps...
- When some fans can't think of any legitimate criticism of Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen, they stoop to juvenile measures and break out the fat jokes. Happens all the time. Even to me at the local level. Of course I just laugh because, if you look at it, we're taking over. The Fridge, Mangino out in Kansas, Charlie Wei....um, well, two out of three ain't bad...
- The truth is Friedgen has been a thorn in Clemson's side for years, first as offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and now as the main Maryland man. And his teams seem to share a common characteristic, almost without fail. As the season wears on, they seem to get better and better. Injuries may slow that progress this year, but anyone taking the Turtles lightly this weekend might want to rethink their position...
- Same goes for anyone getting too giddy after Clemson dropped 70 on Central Michigan last Saturday. Sure, the Tigers did what they were supposed to do vs. and inferior opponent. Maybe even beyond what they were supposed to do. But even TB himself said it's hard to gauge exactly how much the team has improved since the twin Tech losses. Only a better caliber of competition will tell that tale...
- And finally, how about this argument: Carson-Newman should play in the Rose Bowl.
Why? Well, using fan (and sometimes TV talking head) logic:
- Carson-Newman beat Chattanooga
- Chattanooga beat Georgia Southern
- Georgia Southern beat Appalachian State
- Appalachian State beat Michigan
Makes sense, eh? Thanks Hunter...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Notes From Tommy Bowden's Sunday Teleconference
Quick notes and quotes from Tommy Bowden's Sunday phone session with the media:
- The open date helped us in a lot of areas. I think you could tell it on the offensive line. I thought they did a good job.
- Communication improving on line. Last year those guys had all played together for a long time. Defenses move a lot late, and you might only get half a call out. It's anticipation. Hopefully that's where we're improving.
- Thomas Austin: Major adjustment from guard to center. If someone plays over you at center you have to worry about snapping the ball first. Big adjustment. He practices snapping every day, but different animal to do it in game competition. He was originally real erratic, but feeling more comfortable now.
- Hard to read a lot into Saturday's win, because the rest of the teams we have on the schedule have better talent. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State and N.C. State all had better talent.
- Maryland: Defensively they always give us problems. We never score a lot of points against them. They're well coached.
- Right now we can't rush the passer. We're last in the conference in sacks. We're going to have problems the rest of the way as the talent level picks up...We've got to get a lot better up front. We're getting single-blocked a lot, and that's not good...I don't refer to stats a whole lot, but being last in sacks kind of jumped out at me. Got to make sure the effort is there...Got to make sure we're going the right things in practice to get better.
- Harper has been real consistent for seven games. From the first game on, he's been real accurate.
- Chemistry between Harper and Kelly is because they're both older guys, both fourth-year juniors. They have a lot of confidence in each other, and Rob (Spence) directs a lot of plays toward Aaron as the primary receiver.
- The open date helped us in a lot of areas. I think you could tell it on the offensive line. I thought they did a good job.
- Communication improving on line. Last year those guys had all played together for a long time. Defenses move a lot late, and you might only get half a call out. It's anticipation. Hopefully that's where we're improving.
- Thomas Austin: Major adjustment from guard to center. If someone plays over you at center you have to worry about snapping the ball first. Big adjustment. He practices snapping every day, but different animal to do it in game competition. He was originally real erratic, but feeling more comfortable now.
- Hard to read a lot into Saturday's win, because the rest of the teams we have on the schedule have better talent. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State and N.C. State all had better talent.
- Maryland: Defensively they always give us problems. We never score a lot of points against them. They're well coached.
- Right now we can't rush the passer. We're last in the conference in sacks. We're going to have problems the rest of the way as the talent level picks up...We've got to get a lot better up front. We're getting single-blocked a lot, and that's not good...I don't refer to stats a whole lot, but being last in sacks kind of jumped out at me. Got to make sure the effort is there...Got to make sure we're going the right things in practice to get better.
- Harper has been real consistent for seven games. From the first game on, he's been real accurate.
- Chemistry between Harper and Kelly is because they're both older guys, both fourth-year juniors. They have a lot of confidence in each other, and Rob (Spence) directs a lot of plays toward Aaron as the primary receiver.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
It's E-Mail Time Again!
Dan Scott answers emails from the previous week:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
We haven’t had Special Teams that were prepared since the Boston College game of 2006. Elite athletes are being beaten by lesser athletes whose coaching staffs are doing their jobs-preparing the team for all aspects of the game.
I am not asking that he be fired now. I am asking you as a journalist not to put up with his excuses and blame shifting.
He owes the players an apology...Penn
Hey Penn,
There's no putting up with excuses here. I've said, and written, that the special teams struggles are embarrassing, and that had I been in the stands as a Clemson fan for the Va. Tech debacle I'd have booed too. And loudly.
The trick now, for at least the next six games, is to try and move forward. That goes for the coaches, players and fans. This can still be a very good season with a strong finish. Then, when it's all said and done, the athletic director will do what needs to be done.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
I enjoyed your article titled: Shooting Down One Very Large Rumor There was just one name not mentioned in your list of possible Head Coaches to pull Clemson out of the mire, and put a "fresh new face on" that would IMMEDIATELY attract TOP recruits across the country... BILL COWHER
Don't know why his name has never been brought up... but he is, hands-down, my personal favorite. My understanding is that he recently moved south to North Carolina. Maybe he'd like to move just a little further south where the weather's a little warmer and it's "God's Country." He's been out of coaching just long enough to know whether he misses it or not. Why don't we give it a shot and put the feelers out on him? He'd be AWESOME! What do you think?
BTW, Love your show...HMS
Hey HMS,
First, the coaches in the article weren't "my list." They were just names I had heard being bandied about by fans who want a coaching change.
Secondly, if Bill Cowher wants to return to coaching, he'll pretty much be able to name his job. And price.
But again, it bears repeating, there's no job opening at Clemson. And it's going to be that way until late November. Maybe beyond.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
As Mark Twain once said: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." By the same token, speculation re: TB's demise is grossly premature at this point.Yes, we've now experienced two (2) "Games from Hell" in succession, but there's still time for righting of the ship.It's all about discovering "TEAM CHARACTER," and whether or not he and his staff can develop it.Best be sooner than later...Milnor
Hey Milnor,
Six more games. Is that soon enough? We'll have an answer one way or another after the South Carolina game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
Do you see the irony? Everyone believes their sources when it comes to rumors, even you. Funny that you expect us to believe that your "source drawing" contract guy would divulge info to a member of the media.
Let me guess you will soon reveal that it was not actually the "contract guy" but his assistants husband.Welcome to rumorville Dan. Ain't it fun when you think you have "the real" scoop?
"The guy that drew up the contract..." Now that's funny...GLumpkin
Hey GLumpkin,
It may be funny, but it's true. Whether you want to believe it or not. The source I used, Mitch Vingle, has covered WVU for more than 20 years. And he's connected enough to, yes, pick up the phone and place a direct call to the administrative office and get such an answer.
You just settle back and root for whoever it is you root for, and I'll handle things on my end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
You are nothing more than a West Virginia apologist. So isn't it funny you have such a scoop drop in your lap? If Clemson wants Rich Rodriguez, Clemson will get Rich Rodriguez. And no amount of made up information you spew will change that.
You, sir, suck...J.R.
Hey J.R.,
I never said Clemson couldn't get Rich Rodriguez (if the job here ever opens). What I did was dispel a rumor that he had an escape clause that would allow him to walk out of WVU for free. There is no such clause. So yeah, RichRod can leave if he wants. But either he or his new school would have to pay his buyout to WVU, and if you're Clemson that would be on top of paying Tommy Bowden's buyout (if they made such a move at season's end).
Don't let your emotions cloud the facts, or cause you to make accusations about something you know nothing about.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
We haven’t had Special Teams that were prepared since the Boston College game of 2006. Elite athletes are being beaten by lesser athletes whose coaching staffs are doing their jobs-preparing the team for all aspects of the game.
I am not asking that he be fired now. I am asking you as a journalist not to put up with his excuses and blame shifting.
He owes the players an apology...Penn
Hey Penn,
There's no putting up with excuses here. I've said, and written, that the special teams struggles are embarrassing, and that had I been in the stands as a Clemson fan for the Va. Tech debacle I'd have booed too. And loudly.
The trick now, for at least the next six games, is to try and move forward. That goes for the coaches, players and fans. This can still be a very good season with a strong finish. Then, when it's all said and done, the athletic director will do what needs to be done.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
I enjoyed your article titled: Shooting Down One Very Large Rumor There was just one name not mentioned in your list of possible Head Coaches to pull Clemson out of the mire, and put a "fresh new face on" that would IMMEDIATELY attract TOP recruits across the country... BILL COWHER
Don't know why his name has never been brought up... but he is, hands-down, my personal favorite. My understanding is that he recently moved south to North Carolina. Maybe he'd like to move just a little further south where the weather's a little warmer and it's "God's Country." He's been out of coaching just long enough to know whether he misses it or not. Why don't we give it a shot and put the feelers out on him? He'd be AWESOME! What do you think?
BTW, Love your show...HMS
Hey HMS,
First, the coaches in the article weren't "my list." They were just names I had heard being bandied about by fans who want a coaching change.
Secondly, if Bill Cowher wants to return to coaching, he'll pretty much be able to name his job. And price.
But again, it bears repeating, there's no job opening at Clemson. And it's going to be that way until late November. Maybe beyond.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
As Mark Twain once said: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." By the same token, speculation re: TB's demise is grossly premature at this point.Yes, we've now experienced two (2) "Games from Hell" in succession, but there's still time for righting of the ship.It's all about discovering "TEAM CHARACTER," and whether or not he and his staff can develop it.Best be sooner than later...Milnor
Hey Milnor,
Six more games. Is that soon enough? We'll have an answer one way or another after the South Carolina game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
Do you see the irony? Everyone believes their sources when it comes to rumors, even you. Funny that you expect us to believe that your "source drawing" contract guy would divulge info to a member of the media.
Let me guess you will soon reveal that it was not actually the "contract guy" but his assistants husband.Welcome to rumorville Dan. Ain't it fun when you think you have "the real" scoop?
"The guy that drew up the contract..." Now that's funny...GLumpkin
Hey GLumpkin,
It may be funny, but it's true. Whether you want to believe it or not. The source I used, Mitch Vingle, has covered WVU for more than 20 years. And he's connected enough to, yes, pick up the phone and place a direct call to the administrative office and get such an answer.
You just settle back and root for whoever it is you root for, and I'll handle things on my end.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,
You are nothing more than a West Virginia apologist. So isn't it funny you have such a scoop drop in your lap? If Clemson wants Rich Rodriguez, Clemson will get Rich Rodriguez. And no amount of made up information you spew will change that.
You, sir, suck...J.R.
Hey J.R.,
I never said Clemson couldn't get Rich Rodriguez (if the job here ever opens). What I did was dispel a rumor that he had an escape clause that would allow him to walk out of WVU for free. There is no such clause. So yeah, RichRod can leave if he wants. But either he or his new school would have to pay his buyout to WVU, and if you're Clemson that would be on top of paying Tommy Bowden's buyout (if they made such a move at season's end).
Don't let your emotions cloud the facts, or cause you to make accusations about something you know nothing about.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Shooting Down One Big Rumor
One thing about times of crisis surrounding a college football team. You can always count on the rumor mill to stir, both early and often.
Officially, of course, there is no job opening at Clemson. Tommy Bowden is and remains the Tigers' head coach despite the back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. And, if we're being honest, despite the wishes of at least a portion of the Clemson fan base.
Those wishes lead to rumors, and once rumors start flying about they're almost impossible to ground.
Jimmy Johnson has Clemson ties and is friends with Terry Don Phillips. Maybe he'll return to coaching here. Or how about Brian Kelly, the Cincinnati head coach who last year won the MAC championship at Central Michigan? Jim Leavitt, who is the only coach South Florida has ever had, might be a good fit. Since their inaugural season of 1997, Leavitt has led the Bulls from a fledgling I-AA team to a consensus Top 5 team in the country.
Could Jimbo Fisher be lured from Florida State? What's Norm Chow up to these days?
Or the big one:
What about Rich Rodriguez?
Ever since coach Rod left Clemson after the 2000 season to take over for Don Nehlen at West Virginia, a portion of the Tiger "faithful" remains convinced the wrong coach left. As Bowden's offensive coordinator, both Clemson and Tulane had revved-up offenses. And since his arrival in Morgantown all RichRod has done is put the Mountaineers in the national spotlight - winning the Sugar Bowl two years ago, the Gator Bowl last season and currently sitting at No. 8 in the country.
So it's easy to see why there would be an attraction. It is said that RichRod's wife, too, loved the Clemson area. The fit would be a natural, some say.
Adding fuel to the fire as the week has gone on are whispers about RichRod's brand new contract at WVU, the one he ultimately signed after a serious courtship with Alabama. Word on the street is that RichRod may have a one-school escape clause in that contract.
The school? Clemson.
Now, this isn't just fan rumor. This one is actually running through the halls of dear ol' Clemson U., as well, with certain people in certain positions certain that what they are hearing is true.
It isn't.
I called a buddy of mine back in the Mountain State today. He is, as they say, connected. I told him what I heard, and he picked up the phone and made a call.
Not just to anyone, but to the man who wrote the contract between RichRod and WVU.
There is no escape clause. For Clemson or anyone else. No free way out. No Houdini act. No no-huddle offense coming to Death Valley.
Sorry folks. That's one rumor officially shot down.
But it's only one. And until Bowden's future is finally settled - which won't be for another six-plus weeks - you can bet there will be another "sure thing" pop up to take its place.
Officially, of course, there is no job opening at Clemson. Tommy Bowden is and remains the Tigers' head coach despite the back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. And, if we're being honest, despite the wishes of at least a portion of the Clemson fan base.
Those wishes lead to rumors, and once rumors start flying about they're almost impossible to ground.
Jimmy Johnson has Clemson ties and is friends with Terry Don Phillips. Maybe he'll return to coaching here. Or how about Brian Kelly, the Cincinnati head coach who last year won the MAC championship at Central Michigan? Jim Leavitt, who is the only coach South Florida has ever had, might be a good fit. Since their inaugural season of 1997, Leavitt has led the Bulls from a fledgling I-AA team to a consensus Top 5 team in the country.
Could Jimbo Fisher be lured from Florida State? What's Norm Chow up to these days?
Or the big one:
What about Rich Rodriguez?
Ever since coach Rod left Clemson after the 2000 season to take over for Don Nehlen at West Virginia, a portion of the Tiger "faithful" remains convinced the wrong coach left. As Bowden's offensive coordinator, both Clemson and Tulane had revved-up offenses. And since his arrival in Morgantown all RichRod has done is put the Mountaineers in the national spotlight - winning the Sugar Bowl two years ago, the Gator Bowl last season and currently sitting at No. 8 in the country.
So it's easy to see why there would be an attraction. It is said that RichRod's wife, too, loved the Clemson area. The fit would be a natural, some say.
Adding fuel to the fire as the week has gone on are whispers about RichRod's brand new contract at WVU, the one he ultimately signed after a serious courtship with Alabama. Word on the street is that RichRod may have a one-school escape clause in that contract.
The school? Clemson.
Now, this isn't just fan rumor. This one is actually running through the halls of dear ol' Clemson U., as well, with certain people in certain positions certain that what they are hearing is true.
It isn't.
I called a buddy of mine back in the Mountain State today. He is, as they say, connected. I told him what I heard, and he picked up the phone and made a call.
Not just to anyone, but to the man who wrote the contract between RichRod and WVU.
There is no escape clause. For Clemson or anyone else. No free way out. No Houdini act. No no-huddle offense coming to Death Valley.
Sorry folks. That's one rumor officially shot down.
But it's only one. And until Bowden's future is finally settled - which won't be for another six-plus weeks - you can bet there will be another "sure thing" pop up to take its place.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Special Work For Special Teams
Tommy Bowden has maintained that he, his staff and his football team can't work any "longer or harder" to try and solve serious special teams issues. Turns out they can, at least during an off week.
Clemson held the first of three off-week workouts Tuesday afternoon. And with no immediate game for which to prepare, Bowden put his team through an extra 20-25 minutes of work on special teams, or roughly double what he does in a normal practice.
Special teams has been an issue for much of Bowden's tenure at Clemson, and in the last two weeks mistakes and that area have heavily contributed to a pair of losses. Most recently, Virginia Tech returned both a punt and a kickoff for scores last Saturday in a 41-23 win at Death Valley.
So after analyzing the game tapes, Bowden and his staff have forged a plan of attack for this week's practices - all of which will include extra special teams work.
"After looking at the film we need to be concentrating on the personnel moreso than the schemes," he said. "Especially on the kickoffs."
Bowden said on the Hokies' kickoff return score, there were coverage team members in place to make a tackle. They didn't. So next on the agenda, he said, is finding players who will.
Meanwhile, punter Jimmy Maners is being asked to sacrifice a bit of distance in exchange for better hang time on his kicks, an attempt to give the coverage team more time to get into place.
"He's averaging 44 yards per kick right now," Bowden said. "I'll take 40 with better hang time."
Elsewhere Tuesday, 12 Tigers were in yellow jerseys (no contact) for the workout, though none of them are expected to be ruled out for the Oct. 20 Homecoming game with Central Michigan.
Among the newest injured were Jacoby Ford (sternum), Scotty Cooper and Rashaad Jackson (shoulders), Michael Hamlin (shoulder and ankle) and Chris Clemmons (thigh bruise).
Clemson held the first of three off-week workouts Tuesday afternoon. And with no immediate game for which to prepare, Bowden put his team through an extra 20-25 minutes of work on special teams, or roughly double what he does in a normal practice.
Special teams has been an issue for much of Bowden's tenure at Clemson, and in the last two weeks mistakes and that area have heavily contributed to a pair of losses. Most recently, Virginia Tech returned both a punt and a kickoff for scores last Saturday in a 41-23 win at Death Valley.
So after analyzing the game tapes, Bowden and his staff have forged a plan of attack for this week's practices - all of which will include extra special teams work.
"After looking at the film we need to be concentrating on the personnel moreso than the schemes," he said. "Especially on the kickoffs."
Bowden said on the Hokies' kickoff return score, there were coverage team members in place to make a tackle. They didn't. So next on the agenda, he said, is finding players who will.
Meanwhile, punter Jimmy Maners is being asked to sacrifice a bit of distance in exchange for better hang time on his kicks, an attempt to give the coverage team more time to get into place.
"He's averaging 44 yards per kick right now," Bowden said. "I'll take 40 with better hang time."
Elsewhere Tuesday, 12 Tigers were in yellow jerseys (no contact) for the workout, though none of them are expected to be ruled out for the Oct. 20 Homecoming game with Central Michigan.
Among the newest injured were Jacoby Ford (sternum), Scotty Cooper and Rashaad Jackson (shoulders), Michael Hamlin (shoulder and ankle) and Chris Clemmons (thigh bruise).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)