on the Clemson Tigers

This is the second part to a three part series of the match-up between the Clemson Tigers and the Crimson Tide of Alabama. You will get a quick glimse into Death Valley tonight, feel free to post your thoughts...

Clemson

Offense:

Offensive Line-

Opposite a decent Alabama D Line is a very young and inexperienced front O–Line for the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers lost 4 starters across the front, only returning Thomas Austin at the center position and Chris Hairston at tackle. This could pose a very big problem and could hold back a juggernaut of an offense the Tigers boast. Tommy Bowden doesn’t really know what to think about this line other then they have been doing “OK” in scrimmages, (DA’ GOAT is a little worried about this) and will have to wait and see in “live” action.

Running Backs-

LOOK OUT! That is about the only thing DA’ GOAT can say about arguably the best tandem of running backs in the country if the O-Line can open some holes and block some folks. C.J. Spiller and James Davis are both Pre-Season All-Americans and the Tigers averaged 162 yards on the ground last year…That gets a “YO!”. These guys can break a big play on any down and with the slightest of creases. Also, these guys can catch the ball out of the backfield, both with very soft hands and an uncanny feel for the game. These guys are “Game-Breakers” and will be very vital in beating the Tide come August 30th., given the O-Line puts a hat on somebody.

QB-

Like DA’ GOAT said “Offensive juggernaut”. Cullen Harper is OUTSTANDING. He is easily the best in the ACC, if not the country (and DA GOAT is NOT stepping out here). You might not have ever heard of this guy before, so if you haven’t…….Meet Cullen Harper. Harper is a 6’2, 220 pound senior from Alpharetta, GA. He completed 65.1% of his passes last year for just south of 3,000 yards. His 27 TD’s to only 6 picks is a sign that he knows where to throw the rock and rarely makes mistakes with the ball in his hand. His passer rating of 140.96 is tops among returning QB’s in ALL OF THE COUNTRY. He has a core of veteran talented receivers to choose from and of course the horses in the backfield for swing passes and dumps if he gets into trouble. His success again, hinges solely on the “big uglies” upfront. If Clemson gets on a roll this year and can keep it going, watch for Harper to make some real noise in Heisman.
And remember this name….Willie Korn. This guy is a Red-shirt soph. with a cannon strapped to his shoulder. If Harper goes down, Bowden will not hesitate to put Korn in, and quickly change the offense to a triple threat option look.

Wide Receivers-

This is a core group that Harper has at his disposal lead by pre-season All-American Aaron Kelly. Kelly is a 6’5, 190 pound Senior and is lightning fast. Kelly led the ACC last year with 88 receptions for 1,081 yards. His 11TD’s were tops as well. He is a big speedy target with soft hands a knack for finding holes in the defense, but can also blow past the best DB for 6 over the top. Beside Kelly is Senior Tyler Grisham who quietly had a solid season last year, lighting up defenses for 650 yards and 4 TD’s on 60 catches. He is also a threat for an occasional reverse or trick play from the slot position. Also, Jacoby Ford, the speedy slot receiver had 4 TD’s and 300+ yards last year. Any one of these guys can break a big play, and Harper has his choice of any of them on any down for a big play.

Defense-

The D-Line of Clemson is very strong, anchored by DE Ricky Sapp who should have a big year again this year against as a pass rusher. This line is very deep as well, so Bowden can platoon his D-line and not expect to fall of that much this year. The line-backing corp. is depleted after 2 key starters are gone and 1 dismissed from the team. Like Bama, this now young group, will have to step up early and often or teams will exploit them in a hurry. Once you get past the linebackers, expect to get HIT IN THE MOUTH by a veteran and very stingy secondary. Led by yet again, another All-American Michael Hamlin and Thorpe award candidate Chris Chancellor this secondary led the ACC in pass defense a year ago. Alabama does not match-up very well against this group, and it will show early and often. This are very big physical guys that love contact…..Julio Jones, BEWARE.

Special Teams-

Horrible, atrocious, and just plain bad. This Bowden is as scared as his dad when the FG kickers walks onto the field. They are also stupid bad on covering kicks as well…but do have a bright spot in return man C.J. Spiller. This may play a key role in the outcome of this game.

Feel free to comment…

Coming tomorrow, is DA’GOAT’s prediction on this one, and a key role player that may make an impact for one of these ball clubs that could be huge….stay tuned.

DA’ GOAT