Mickey Plyler's Blog

Friday E-Mail Bag

Mickey Plyler — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:54:24 -0500

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey,
Wow what a wonderful tribute to CJ that you wrote, I sat and cried like a baby as I read your blog, so well said and so very true, Clemson won’t be the same without CJ but it certainly will be a better place because of him, he’s going to be missed by many. Thank you for sharing that and it was a very nice tribute and every word so very true.

Karen

Karen,
Thanks for the kind e-mail. Like Cliff Hammonds in basketball, C.J. will always be among the Tiger greats! Saturday should be a special day. I hope you guys enjoy it. Thanks again.

Mickey,

A lot has been said about CJ Spiller's last game in Death Valley this Saturday, but I don't think we should forget our other seniors, especially Jacoby Ford. A recent Greenville News article quoted Dabo as saying how much Ford just loves being at Clemson, and I can agree whole heartedly. In fact, one of my favorite Jacoby Ford moments came off the field when I was a student attending the Cocky Burn in 2006. During the event, both Jacoby and Rendrick Taylor were sitting in front of me and were into it as much as any student or fan there, and it was clear that both of those guys just loved being a Clemson Tiger.

Thanks for your time,

Brett

Brett,
Great point. I am planning on a senior blog about the entire class after the season. Jacoby is another special kid. I am friends with a couple of professors who have had him and they rave about how incredible he is. Rendrick is a terrific kid also. He has had to endure a lot of adversity but he is another Tiger! Look for the senior blog in a few weeks. Thanks.

Thank you Mickey for saying all the things you did about C.J. in your "Thanks C.J." article. They are all true and we all feel the same way. This one brave, unselfish, and truly sacrificing man saved Clemson football season this year. I hope his legacy will inspire those who follow
to seek goals that will lead Clemson to greater accomplishments than anyone of us could have ever imagined. Great article - thank you again.
-Ken

Ken,
I appreciate your e-mail. I am looking forward to following this young man for a long time. I have not had a real favorite team in the NFL lately but plan on becoming a fan of what lucky team drafts C.J. It should be exciting next coupled of weeks.

Mickey,
I read all your blog’s but CJ’s may have been your best.
Classy, very classy! Great job!
See you Saturday.
Mark

Mark,
Thanks for the kind e-mail. I hope this Saturday is better than the one we shared against BC two years ago. I hope this one will be one to remember. Thanks again.

Mickey,
I have applauded you on may articles but this one tops them all. I know that it had to mean so much to C.J. to hear these words. You have greatly verbalize the feeling of thank we feel toward C.J. Again thanks so much for capturing the true essence of a Tiger Fan.
Thomas

Thomas,
I appreciate the kind e-mail. I remember Anthony Waters coming down the hill in his senior season on that bad knee. That one brought tears to my eyes. James Davis last year was a special moment as well. I loved how he played so well in that final time after standing atop the hill alone. Hopefully tomorrow will have that same feeling.

Mickey,
Very nice piece on CJ Spiller.

I haven't seen it said anywhere, which doesn't mean it hasn't, but some thanks are due to Tommy Bowden for assembling the team through recruiting etc. He may not have won as much as any of us would have liked, but he built an excellent program in many other ways.

L,
I agree. Tommy and all of his assistants also. I remember Burton Burns when Jacoby Ford committed and Dabo when C.J. committed. That staff should take some pride in the events tomorrow also. Bowden does deserve some credit. I agree.

Mickey,
I've already ordered my ACC Championship Game tickets. I have seen enough of this team that I am not concerned about past failures. The sign out front should read "Clemson Football Under new management"

Brian

Brian,
I am superstitious but I already have tickets and a hotel in Tampa. I just believe this team is different. I can’t see this team having a letdown. Dabo and this staff have done a terrific job in keeping this squad focused.

Mickey,

It seems Clemson has had amazing average field position this season, especially after opponents' kickoffs, and the reason, more than C.J. Spiller's actual returns, seems to be the fact that teams are scared to kick it deep to him so they've kicked the ball short, squibbed it, or kicked it out of bounds. Is there an easy way to compare Clemson's average starting field position this year to that for other teams, or more specifically, average starting field position after kickoffs? If that stat is tracked somewhere, is there a way to figure out how it accounts for kickoffs that result in touchdowns?

Thanks for the great blog! Keep up the good work!

Rob

Rob,
I am working on a blog about Spiller and his Heisman hopes. One of the hidden stats is the starting field position. Look for that blog next week or the following week. I think you make a great point and I will be interested to find the results. This team has dominated field position in recent weeks.

Mickey,
If Clemson clinches a spot in the ACC championship game, should Dabo pull his starters for the USC game? OR pull them after a half? Let them play the full game? I would love for Clemson to beat USC but not if it cost us a few of our starters for the championship game! Then again..if we ended up pulling our starters and that cost us the USC game...I would hate that he did that if we ended up losing the ACC championship game! Let just bank on a BLOW OUT and we will not have to worry about it! What do you think?

Michael

Michael,
That is a good question and one that we have never had to encounter. The ACC championship game will not take anything away from my perspective on the USC game but I was raised in Columbia. I doubt Dabo does anything different. He was at Alabama when they had Auburn as the final game and he understands the importance of rivalries and recruiting. BTW-Dabo is 5-1 against South Carolina since he arrived here. His first year as an assistant the Tigers beat USC 63-17 and he saw what that meant.

Mickey,
Heading into the season we had (and appear to still have) a solid recruiting class. After the first 3 losses, it seemed we were simply trying to hang on to those that committed early. Now, just one win away from Tampa – and hopefully more wins by the time it’s all said and done – do you expect to see a few more highly touted kids commit to Clemson? I’m no expert, but it seems we haven’t been able to take the lead for a stud linebacker (like Justin Parker) or D-linemen. I’m sure there’s more to the story and pieces of recruiting I’m not up to speed on. Where do you think the class may net outcome signing day and will it be “really solid” or “spectacular?” Just curious as to your opinion…
Bobby

Bobby,
With all of these schools getting early commitments that is what you do and then try to hang on to the,. You are right about linebackers and defensive linemen. There just is not a great class of linebackers and defensive linemen in the state this season but that changes next year. I think 2011 class has more of each than any year I can remember. I think the 2010 class will be solid but the beginning of the 2011 class looks spectacular.

Mickey,
I posted this on the board but want to send it you for the Friday blog just in case someone who truly needs it missed it. A recipe for crow:

http://www.crowbusters.com/recipes.htm

Bigatiger

Bigatiger,
I think a lot of us could save that recipe. At some point we all need a little humble pie. Thanks.

Mickey,

Let's just assume for a moment that the Tigers wrap up the Atlantic this Saturday. How many fans do you think we'll take to Tampa (I'll be one of them!)? I noticed CJ is now 2nd in the Heisman poll behind Suh on the ESPN fan poll. If we win out, do you think he has a legitimate shot?

Lets see Clemson in Solid Purple this Saturday! HAHA, just joking, Orange in the Valley no doubt!

Thanks,

Billy

Billy,
I think Clemson will take about 25,000 to Tampa. That is an uneducated guess. Since your e-mail C.J. has taken over first place. I think he has a legitimate shot but needs a big finish to get the last impression to the voters. I would like to see the purple jerseys and white pants together but I am in the minority.

MICKEY
LETS CHALLENGE TIGER NATION TO VOTE FOR CJ FOR THE HEISMAN TROPHY ON THE NISSAN WEB SITE - ( THE WEBSITE LINK YOU PROVIDED ON YOUR WEB PAGE) LETS GET HIM TO NUMBER 1 BEORE THE GAME SATURDAY.THIS IS THE LEAST THE FANS CAN DO FOR CJ TO MAKE SURE HE GETS AT LEAST ONE FIRST PLACE VOTE. THE FANS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE !
BRET

Bret,

You got it. Please. Please. Please Vote for C.J.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fitting words from old friend Chick Jacobs (aka Rev. Dodd). AMEN!!!

Sunday sermon: Roll away the stone

One game to go, one more stone to roll away to complete the resurrection of Clemson football.

We have stood here before, many times. Why then does this all seem so new?

Perhaps because so many times, the stone slipped. The load shifted, the foreman wasn't paying attention and it all tumbled back on us. We ended up with our path blocked, the ever-building combination of frustration and sadness that drives men mad....or crushes their spirit entirely.

Since we find ourselves back at this point, I think we can assume our spirit has not been crushed. We've never been broken, just badly bent.

Now it all is so freaking close ... look out your window this morning and you can see it.

Clemson in the ACC title game. Let it roll around in your morning coffee for just a minute. Think back, just a minute on all the times we've been this close before ... and failed.

Think of these times just once more. Then cast them away.
They will not be coming back. We will not be chained to the stones that denied us before.

We are Clemson again.

We are the guys people fear. You can see it on their message boards and on their scoreboards. They aren't looking at a soft, "punch-em-in-the-mouth and they vanish" foe. They are looking at the bringers of pain.

This is as it should be. And far more fitting, certainly to we who remember the ancient past, that Virginia should be the lamb of sacrifice. I can think of no foe more fitting to roast in the Valley to atone for the past 18 years of our exile.

White meat. Tender and juicy, roasting in the fiery pit of damnation that is Death Valley. Carved up for us all.

One more game. One more stone.

Don't just roll this one aside, Tigers. Demolish it. Crush this stone into tiny, little fragments, and let each of the faithful take a piece to hold in our hearts.

To remember the day the Tigers' roar was truly heard again o'er the mountain height.

It is there for us this Saturday, Tigers.

We are ready.

Bill

Bill,
Thanks to the Rev. and you for sending it. I feel like I am ready right now. Thanks.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan.

Thanks C.J.

Mickey Plyler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:44:35 -0500

Thanks C.J.
I just wanted to take a few moments to say thanks C.J.!

Thank you for picking Clemson over Florida, Florida State, Southern Cal and Miami. I will never forget your press conference and how you handled that day with class and dignity. I know it had to be hard to stand in front of your entire student body and say Clemson instead of Florida. It took a man to do that. It also sent the entire Tiger Nation into hysteria for the first time but definitely not the last time.

I know it had to be hard to tell your mom you were leaving home. I know it had to be hard leaving your daughter behind but she will understand one day and I know she will be proud of her father.

I also wanted to say thanks for not transferring to Florida after your freshman year. That also took a man. It had to be difficult with your family and friends tugging at you. Florida was the national champions and I understand mom wanted you home. But selfishly we wanted you here at our home.

Thanks for coming back to school for your senior year. Again that had to be hard telling your family that you had decided to turn down millions of dollars. As it turned out, we think you made the right decision but it had to be tough telling them no.

As Bob Hope used to say, “Thanks for the memories!” You have provided us with some many electric runs. There would not have been a “Thunder and Lightning” without “Lightning.” I hope you and James Davis keep your close bond that you started on your recruiting visit to Clemson.

The memories are long, like many of your touchdowns. I was there in Chestnut Hill your freshman season and about ripped my son’s arm off when you broke that swing pass and turned it into an 82-yard touchdown.

I remember your first 100-yard rushing game that freshman year when you had 127 yards against Louisiana Tech.

Thanks for your unbelievable run against Wake Forest your freshman season. Gaines Adams helped turn that game from a loss into a great win but your run was the final nail in their coffin.

Your two 50-yard touchdowns against Georgia Tech that season were things of beauty. The run you had towards the hill was a great move but the two moves you made on the swing pass might have been the best I have seen in a Clemson uniform. That was a special day that featured ESPN Game Day and all purple uniforms. You and James made us proud with your post-game interviews also.

Thanks for the great games against NC State and South Carolina that season. I was there when your sweep against NC State won the game and I don’t think anyone looked any faster than in your 80-yard touchdown against South Carolina that freshman season.

Thanks for developing into a terrific kick returner in your sophomore season. Your touchdowns against Duke and Wake Forest were great example of that world class speed. Your two road wins at NC State and Maryland were terrific efforts as well. But you saved your best for last that season. Thanks for the 83-yard run against Auburn in the Chic-fil-a Bowl. That was another one that got me out of my seat. I must admit I thought they had the angle on you but you proved me wrong.

The Alabama game was not fun but your kick return gave us some hope. I know you were surprised about the coaching change but thanks for the great finish to help Dabo get the job. Boston College had turned the game around but your kickoff return was the game winner. Also your first touchdown pass at Virginia was a key play in that road win.

Thanks for starting your senior season by returning the opening kickoff of the year for a touchdown. Thanks for the touchdown reception against Georgia Tech and the punt return against Boston College. It is hard to believe that was your first punt return for a touchdown.

Thanks for helping turn around your season. Your run against Wake Forest this year was a huge play and one that I won’t forget. Who knew it would help start this five game winning streak?

I just wanted to thank you for the school record 310 all-purpose yards against Miami. I am glad your dad was there to watch you for the first time but I could have gone to bed earlier if we did not have to meet you guys back in Clemson when the team arrived home.

Who knew the school record for all-purpose yards would last only a couple of weeks but thanks for breaking it again against Florida State. I know you are in pain but it was a terrific night thanks to your guts.

I had no idea how you would have done it again but you made history at NC State with a touchdown run, reception and pass. Thanks for making the trip to Raleigh so much fun.

Thank you for all of the hard work in the off-season. Few know how hard you have worked to prepare each Saturday. Thanks for playing through a painful injury this season. Few of us know how much pain comes with turf toe.

Thanks for the great work in track as well. Few can say they were an All-American in two sports.

Thanks for being so kind to my son Ryan. His car accident changed our lives but your kindness turned an 18-year old into a big C.J. Spiller fan. Your play on the field gave him a lot to get excited about.

We all learned so much from you. Thanks for handling everything with class. You have been the epitome of a Clemson Tiger. I hope you know you will be a Clemson Tiger for life.

I don’t know what the future has for you. I hope you can celebrate an ACC Atlantic Division title with a win over Virginia on Saturday. You deserve it.

I hope you will have a fourth terrific game against the arch rival Gamecocks next week. You deserve it.

I hope you get the ACC Championship over Georgia Tech in Tampa in a couple of weeks. Goodness gracious knows you deserve that too.

It is my hope that the Heisman voters really vote for the nation’s most outstanding football player. If they do then you will return from New York with the Heisman Trophy. You certainly deserve it.

I know your family will be proud to watch you walk across the stage and receive your degree. You have earned it.

Maybe you can give us one more great memory in the bowl game, hopefully in the Orange Bowl. I know your dad would like to see you play one more time.

Hopefully you will have a long and prosperous NFL career. I hope you will continue to find happiness after football and something tells me you will find a way to continue to encourage others even after football is over.

Don’t be a stranger. I know you will get very busy and we will make you come back when we put you in the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame and we expect to see you in the Valley when we add your name in the Ring of Honor in that great stadium. But come back often before then.

Saturday we will say goodbye to you and all of the seniors. I can’t wait to see you at the top of the hill but I wish it was not for the final time. About 80,000 of us will welcome you down the hill for the final time. It will be our way to say, “THANKS C.J.!!!!!!!”

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Virginia Preview; Special Saturday

Mickey Plyler — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:22:58 -0500

Virginia Preview
The Cavs come into Saturday’s game as a 20-point underdog with a 3-7 record.

They lost their first three games to William & Mary, TCU and Southern Miss but appeared to have their season turned around with a three game winning streak against North Carolina, Indiana and Maryland. Both conference wins were on the road and the defense allowed only 19 points in the three game win streak. At this point Virginia was tied for the lead in the Coastal Division.

However, the Cavs could sustain the momentum and now are on a four game losing streak. In the four loses to Georgia Tech, Duke, Miami and Boston College the Cavs have allowed 128 points.

The offense has been the big issue this season and has scored 21 or more points only twice this season. Virginia is 106th in the country and last in the ACC in scoring offense with 19.8 points per game. The Cavaliers are 118th in the nation and last in the ACC in total offense averaging only 266.7 yards per contest.

The Cavs are 110th in the country and 11th in the ACC in rushing offense with 93.6 yards per game. Rashawn Jackson (6-1, 245, Sr) is the leading rusher with 420 yards and two touchdowns on 79 carries. Mikell Simpson (6-1, 200, Sr) has 66 rushes for 286 yards and five touchdowns.

Virginia is 104th in the nation and 10th in the league in passing offense with 173.1 yards per game. Jameel Sewell (6-3, 225, Sr) has completed 134 of his 253 passes for 1,568 yards for six touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has the most carries of any Cavalier with 109 carries for 106 yards and five touchdowns.

The Cavs have four receivers who have more than 20 catches in the season but no one have more than 24. Kris Burd (5-11, 190, So) has 24 receptions for 323 yards and a touchdown. Vic Hall (5-9, 185, Sr) has 22 catches for 253 yards and a score. Running backs Rashawn Jackson has 23 receptions for 193 yards and Mikell Simpson has 24 catches for 184 yards. Tight end Joe Torcia has 13 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown.

The offensive line is led by All-ACC candidate Will Barker (6-7, 320, Sr) who is a multi-year starter at right tackle. The Cavs are 113th in the country and last in the league in sacks allowed with 3.20 per game.

The defense has been fairly solid for most of the season. Virginia is 60th in the nation and sixth in the league in scoring defense giving up 24 points per game. The Cavs are 45th in the country and seventh in the ACC in total defense allowing 345.2 yards per contest. They are 86th in the nation and 10th in the league against the run allowing 165.6 yards per game. Virginia is 19th in the nation and fourth in the ACC in pass defense allowing just 179.6 yards per game.

Defensively, the Cavaliers utilize a 3-4 scheme with three bug defensive linemen and the largest set of linebackers in the ACC. Their linebacking corps average almost 240 pounds across the board.

Place kicker Robert Randolph has been a strength by going 15 of 17 on the season with a long of 49 yards.

Al Groh got off to a decent start in Charlottesville and actually had the Cavs in the top ten in the country when Clemson visited on a Thursday night in 2004. Virginia averaged seven wins a year from his second season until last season. But the program has fallen on bad times and many think Groh will be asked to take his pawns, bishops, knights, queens and kings and go home. Unless they upset Clemson or Virginia Tech next week, Virginia will finish this campaign with a 3-9 record and maybe Checkmate.

Special Saturday
This Saturday could be one of those special Saturday’s in Death Valley. As a kid I remember those November Saturdays where Clemson would beat Maryland the week before the South Carolina game. I remember the fourth quarter chants that started in the student section. The first centered on the celebration of the ACC title where the fans shouted, “ACC, ACC, ACC!” It was about the two minute mark of the game where the next chant started, “Cock-a-doodle do…..”

I mentioned a few weeks ago that when Clemson won the ACC title in 1991 I was 24 years old but I had no idea that I would be sitting in the Valley the next 17 years without another title. Its been too long!

Military Appreciation Day is always a special day in Clemson and I hope fans will buy the Military Appreciation Day t-shirts that help support the Clemson Corps. The shirts can be found at Tiger Town Graphics on College Avenue. The Clemson Corps provide ROTC scholarships to Clemson students so this is a terrific cause. Also, Clemson assistant athletic director Jon Seketa deserves a lot of credit for his hours of work on the ceremony each year.

Saturday is also special because it is Senior Day. It is bittersweet that this will be the last time we get to welcome C.J. Spiller, Jacoby Ford, Thomas Austin Kevin Alexander, Michael Palmer, Ricky Sapp, Kavell Connor, Crezdon Butler, Chris Chancellor, Sadat Chambers and other seniors down the hill.

The combination of Military Appreciation Day, Senior Day and a potential ACC Atlantic Division title could make this a very special day in Clemson.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Improvement

Mickey Plyler — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:16:24 -0500

Improvement
Clemson had just lost to Maryland to drop to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the ACC. There were reports of Dabo and Napier fighting. The natives were restless.

Saturday Clemson can clinch the Atlantic Division title and win its sixth consecutive game.

So how did this happen? Simple. The Tigers improved in a lot of areas.

I talked to a coach that played Clemson earlier this season and he said, “Clemson was very good on defense and special teams but they had a lot of improving to do on offense.”

Where did this improvement come from? Numbers tell us some stories.

Clemson scored 120 points in the first five games and 210 in the last five games. They averaged 24 points per game in the first five and 42 points per game in the final five contests.

The Tigers averaged 316.6 yards per game on offense in the first five games and 425.8 yards per game.

In the first five games the Tigers had one 200-yard rushing game. The Tigers have rushed for over 240 yards in each of the last five games.

In the first five contest, Clemson had one game where they completed over 50% of its passes. They have completed over 50% of the passes in the last five games.

In the first five games Clemson did not have a game where it had more than 20 first downs. They have had over 20 first downs in each of the last four contests.

The Tigers biggest statistical improvement came in the red zone. Clemson scored three touchdowns in the 13 times it reached the red zone in the first five games. In the last five the Tigers have scored touchdowns in 17 of their 25 trips into the red zone.

The improvement has shown up in several individuals. In the first five games Andre Ellington had 25 carries for 147 yards and no touchdowns. In the last five he has had 27 carries for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

Spiller had 85 carries for 360 yards and one rushing touchdown in the first five games of the year. Over the past five games he had 68 carries for 476 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Kyle Parker has improved drastically. He completed 74 of 152 passes for 895 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions over the first five contests. Over the last five games Parker is 72 of 118 for132 for 821 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Dwayne Allen has seen his productivity increase. In the first five games he had two catches for 17 yards and a touchdown. In the last five he has six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Xavier Dye has had a bug jump too. In the first five he had four catches for 33 yards and no touchdowns. In the last five he has eight catches for 172 yards and three touchdowns.

The only real tangible change in the lineup on offense was when Dalton Freeman took over at center. He did not start the first five but has started each of the last five. Also Mason Cloy has played snaps at guard and David Smith has played well at tackle.

I may be way off base but I would say Napier has been the only cook in the kitchen over the past few weeks also. This offense has more flow. It has been in rhythm. It has an identity now.

The schedule has changed a little but though. Georgia Tech on the road and TCU at home were difficult games in the first five contests. Miami is the only ranked opponent in the last five games.

But the biggest difference seems to be attitude and for that you have to credit Dabo. When things were dark and bleak, Dabo stayed confident and positive. I have said it several times in these blogs that leadership is best seen when someone inspired others to follow. The best leaders can convince others to follow even in bad times. That is what separates the good ones from the great ones and that is exactly what Dabo did. He convinced this team to stay positive and keep the faith in what this staff was doing. The players bought in and the dividends are paying off.

This football team just keep working and practicing well each day. Dabo has changed the way this team practices from the past few seasons and practice is extremely important now. He believes the team plays like they practice so every practice rep is about competition.

So often over the past few weeks we have all heard about past Clemson teams falling apart at some point in the season. We all have heard how the shoe was about to drop and the season was about to crumble away. That was what has happened recently and that was what was supposed to happen this time. But Dabo did not get the message. He may have gotten it but he and the staff ignored it. Instead they pulled together even closer and turned a 2-3 football team into a 7-3 football team.

The past few Novembers have been spent looking around for help but this team did not need anyone else to do their job. Excuses were offered in the past. None are needed now.

So Saturday this football team and its fans will get a chance to celebrate a division title. It would be the first division title in school history. But first, this football team still believes it has some improving to do.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

NC State Review

Mickey Plyler — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:11:45 -0500

NC State Review
I received an e-mail from a good friend yesterday that read, “(Thursday’s Doom and Gloom blog) was one of the best blogs you've ever written, especially since we went on to kick their teeth in.”

I thought Clemson was going to win Saturday but had no idea the Tigers would be so dominant. Clemson could have also gone into Raleigh and played poorly, turned the ball over and lost. But my point was that there was no point in thinking the negative way going into the game because I believe this group is different.

The Clemson coaching staff has done a terrific job in making the kids believe it. I wrote a blog in the summer that said that would be Dabo’s biggest challenge. I said that if he got the players to believe then it would show on the field and the fans would follow their lead. As it has turned out, that is exactly what has happened.

Saturday was a very encouraging site for Clemson fans. This team came out and took control of the game early with a 17-0 lead. The actual score was not indicative of just how dominant the Tigers were. Clemson opened up a 43-17 lead but gave up the last minute touchdown that helped the Pack close to within 20 points.

Saturday felt like old times where Tiger players, coaches and fans were involved in a big November game but had some swagger because they knew which sideline had the better team.

The offense kept up their efficiency with another outstanding effort. The win broke another school record where the Tigers have scored at least 38 points in five straight contests. Since the Maryland loss, Clemson has averaged 42 points per game.

Some of the other notes were also very encouraging. Clemson has had at least 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in each of the last two games. Clemson is now 52-0-1 in its history when it has at least 200 or each.

The Tigers rushed for 254 yards and now has three consecutive rushing games of at least 240 yards. It is the first time Clemson has done that since a five-game streak of at least 240 yards in 2000. It is funny how no one is complaining about the red zone after the 5-5 performance Saturday and no one is talking about the rift between Dabo and Napier since the Maryland game.

Part of the rushing attack came from Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Spiller who had 97 yards rushing and became the second player in school history to have a touchdown run, reception and pass in the same game. Spiller has now accounted for a touchdown five ways this year, the first Clemson player in history to do that. Spiller now has one punt return for a score, three kickoff returns for scores, four receptions for touchdowns, one touchdown pass and six rushing touchdowns. He also has a two-point conversion, so he has scored six different ways this year.

He established the Clemson single season record for all-purpose yards with 1952 for the season. The previous record was 1883 by Derrick Hamilton in 2002.

Spiller needs just 140 all-purpose yards to become just the fifth player in FBS history with 7000 all-purpose yards. He needs 164 yards rushing to break the 1,000-yard mark in rushing. He needs four touchdowns to tie the school record for touchdowns in a season.

Spiller was not the only Tiger who had a big day rushing. Andre Ellington averaged 4.4 yards per carry and Jamie Harper had his bust out game with four carries for 86 yards including a 69-yard touchdown to seal the game.

I thought Kyle Parker had perhaps his best game as he continues to improve. He made two incredible throws. In the first half he threw a frozen rope to Xavier Dye on a crossing route for a 17-yard gain and again made an excellent throw to Michal Palmer in the fourth quarter for a first down after escaping the rush. Both passes were into the wind showcased Parker’s cannon. Parker also had a couple of key runs to convert first downs.

I thought the biggest play of the game came in the second quarter. Clemson had a 17-0 lead but State came down the field and scored to cut the Tigers lead to 10 points. The Tigers were facing a third and long but Parker bought some time and found Jacoby Ford who had gotten behind the defensive backs for a 47-yard completion. A few plays later the Tigers had a 17-point lead again.

A day with 454 yards of total offense with no turnovers, no sacks and 43 points meant the offensive line played well.

Defensively, I thought it was another solid performance with the exception of penalties and the final touchdown drive. The Tigers held Russell Wilson to a 12 of 32 performance and only 183 yards. They sacked Wilson twice and allowed only 138 yards on the ground.

Clemson is now 4-0 against the top four rated passers in the ACC in terms of efficiency. The top passers are Jacory Harris of Miami, Russell Wilson of NC State, Christian Ponder of Florida State and Riley Skinner of Wake Forest.

One of the defensive keys was first down. The defense won the battle on first down and State faced bad down and distance situations throughout the game.

Saturday was another one to remember for a while. I was not impressed with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and their lack of knowledge about parking. However, I was impressed by the State fans. Their team came into the game with a 4-5 record but the place was close to full. It reaffirmed my belief that State is the only school in North Carolina that actually cares about football.

For those that did not attend the game, it was nice to see the players come in front of the fans for the Alma Mater. Clemson had a nice crowd there as well.

Virginia could not score late and beat Boston College, so the Tigers magic number remains one. Clemson has to either beat Virginia Saturday or hope Boston College loses to either North Carolina or at Maryland in order for the Tigers to win their first Atlantic Division title.

The win brought a big move in the polls (18th and 19th). It also set up a great day Saturday where Tiger fans can celebrate Military Appreciation Day, Senior Day and hopefully a division title

Dabo is now 6-1 as the head coach of the Tigers in November and Saturday’s win gives the Tigers a chance to enjoy their biggest win in November in 18 years. It will also give the doubters another chance to claim their doom and gloom and how this will be the game of the Clemson collapse. I, for one, am not buying it. This team is different.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Friday E-Mail Bag

Mickey Plyler — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:42:55 -0500

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Hi Mickey,

I think your comments on Al Groh and Charlie Weiss (Schematic Advantage) could also be applied to Coach Bowden's approach to football. He and Spence seemed to forget that fundamentals win a game, rather than play calling. Coach Swinney understands you must have a strong gameplan, but you ultimately must execute to win.

Hope Ryan is doing well and looking forward to the holidays.

Kirk

Kirk,
Thanks for the kind words about Ryan. He is really looking forward to our trip to Raleigh this weekend.

I think Coach Bowden and Coach Spence were very good football coaches that were better X and O guys than they were at the players aspect. I think both excelled in the scheme stuff and that was their strength. Some coaches have different strengths. I do believe that Dabo is stronger than Coach Bowden when it comes to player-coach relationships. Just different strokes for different folks. Some are successful one way and others in another. You are right in that the key is execution.

Mickey,

I was impressed at how loud the crowd got this past Saturday. When they played "We will rock you", the crowd was EXTREMELY loud!!!

What did you think about the crowd noise and that song?

Thanks,

Billy

Billy,
I loved it. I saw Clemson assistant athletic director Jon Seketa after the game and he was the one responsible for the song being played. He said he knew it was a long timeout and the band was not scheduled to play so it worked out perfectly. It was a great environment. I asked Clemson assistant head coach Danny Pearman about it on my show this morning and he said he loved it and the recruits loved it. He said, “How long have we been doing that?” Pearman was surprised to find out that was the first time ever.

Mickey,
Is there a better feeling than singing Queen with 80,000 people with C.J. On center stage? Top 3 game...
Ryan

Ryan,
Like you, I loved it. I thought it was electric in the Valley. I would have never believed it would have come off that way. I am old and remember a bunch of very good times in the Valley but that one will be remembered a long time.

Ryan,

Mickey,
As we know I'm a Clemson fan, but the caller was talking about Spurrier and his arrogance, or lack there of, but I think the NFL destroyed Spurrier's arrogance and cockiness. Then he said he was bringing the cock and fire offense...but all it has done is fired duds.

I think Spurrier needs to go for South Carolina (USuC) to be a competitor in the SEC. Now obviously I don't really pull for them, but from a rivalry standpoint it would be better for Clemson if the Gamecocks were a bit better or higher ranked when we faced them at the end of the season. As of right now, our biggest rival is our biggest guaranteed win of the season, and our real rivals have turned into Ga Tech and FSU.

Thanks,

Billy

Billy,
I like Spurrier but think he has his hands full in Columbia. When they hired him and he asked “Why not us?” I came up with several reasons why. This is a difficult job. I am not sure where you go if he is not more successful. I agree the South Carolina-Clemson rivalry is missing something but when one team wins 10 of 12 then those things happen.

Mickey,
What is the injury situation? It seems like we had a lot of guys banged up in the FSU game. Any word on the injury front this weekend? Thanks.

Bill

Bill,
Da’Quan Bowers is the only Tiger out this week. His knee is still not recovered yet but he could be back next week. Chris Chancellor hurt his knee but he is back and Michael Palmer had a hamstring issue but he will be back. Jamie Harper suffered a deep thigh bruise but he is OK also. One other point, Kantrell Brown is back after his concussion in the Wake Forest game. So outside of Bowers and the normal November bruises, the Tigers should be OK this weekend.

Mick,
I am planning on going to the basketball game this weekend. Is there anyone who has stood out in the pre-season? How are the freshmen? How good is PC? Go Tigers!!!!!

Cindy

Cindy,
Thanks for the e-mail. The staff is reluctant to talk too much about individuals and it is very early but the early returns are very positive. Trevor Booker had a great off season. I would think he is a candidate for ACC player of the year. This is his team. I would also look for improvement out of most of the returners. As far as the freshmen are concerned, all four have been exactly what this staff has hoped for. Noel Johnson shot the ball extremely well in the exhibition. Devin Booker is a clone of his older brother. Milton Jennings is smooth and has a huge upside and Donte Hill is a defensive stopper. Like you, I am excited about Coach Purnell’s seventh team here.

Mickey,
Is there a chance C.J. and Jacoby run track this season? Indoor? Outdoor? Thanks in advance.

Martin

Martin,
I have not heard but need to check. I would imagine both would be very busy preparing for the NFL combines and the NFL draft. I am not sure how involved each will be but will check.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan.

Doom and Gloom

Mickey Plyler — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:09:46 -0500

Doom and Gloom
I have read some posters on Tigernet and have heard from some callers on my radio show that had a disturbing attitude. I just can’t share the “doom and gloom” feeling some have heading into this weekend.

“The Tigers are gonna pull out their same ol’ collapse this weekend,” some say. Sure Clemson did not beat Boston College in 2007 and it hurt but 2007 has very little to do with this weekend’s game against NC State. The Tigers lost to Maryland in 2006 and it killed the Atlantic Division title chances and it hurt. However, that game has nothing to do to influence the outcome of the 2009 Clemson-NC State game.

Everyone knows Clemson has not won an ACC title since 1991 but I just can’t see how this will affect the 2009 game in Carter Finley Stadium.

Yet, some posters on message boards and a few callers on my radio show say they are scared of this weekend and have convinced themselves of a collapse in Raleigh. “This is the kind of game that scares me,” some have proclaimed.

Come on! Clemson may lose 56-0 to NC State this weekend but I can’t go into this contest scared of the Wolfpack. I just don’t see how Matt Ryan’s brilliant performance in Death Valley in 2007 or Aaron Kelly’s dropped pass that same game will have any effect on Saturday’s noon game.

I have read post by some posters that this is the kind of game Clemson always loses. Really? Always? Thanks goodness Jeff Davis did not feel that way in 1981. I am glad Steve Fuller and Jerry Butler did not have the internet distractions in 1978.

Is Hatfield coaching Saturday? Is Bowden coming back to be on the sidelines?

The other thing I heard is that a few fans are scared this weekend because NC State gives Clemson fits. Really? The same team that Clemson beat the last five seasons?

“But, Clemson struggles in Raleigh,” some argue. Really? Raleigh, North Carolina? The same place where Clemson has lost just five times in the last 28 years?

“But Tom O’Brien has Clemson’s number,” some add. Really? The same Tom O’Brien that is 2-2 against Clemson including the last two losses by a total of 40 points?

It is funny how our mind remembers what we chose to remember.

O’Brien may beat Clemson Saturday but it will not be because he owns Clemson. State may upset the Tigers Saturday but not because Clemson always struggles in Raleigh. The Wolfpack may beat the Tigers but it won’t be because of another Clemson collapse.

If State beats Clemson Saturday it will be because Russell Wilson executes. It will be because Clemson can’t contain Toney Baker or Jamelle Eugene. State’s defense may ruse up with their best performance in weeks or Clemson may turn the ball over.

And if the Wolfpack wins then shake their hands and congratulate them. But how can you go into Saturday’s game scared? Why go into it expecting bad things to happen?

In the glory days of Clemson football Tiger coaches, players and fans had swagger. I understand 6-3 football teams don’t have swagger but fans of 6-3 teams should not be scared of 4-5 football teams.

I guess the best attitude to have is to respect everyone but fear no one. I respect Russell Wilson, Toney Baker, Jamelle Eugene, Owen Wilson, George Bryan, Willie Young and Alan Michael-Cash. But State does not scare me and I cannot go into a game worried about what happened in other years with other teams.

Alex Rodriguez did not listen to the press or fans when they talked about his playoff failures and he lit up the opposing pitchers in this year’s playoffs and now has a ring. John Elway did not go into his final two seasons believing what some said about how he could not win the “big one” and he can away with two Super Bowl rings. Bobby Jones ignored the press when they called him a choke artist before he went on to win the Grand Slam.

If Clemson coaches, players and fans want to go into Saturday worried about what Phillip Rivers Torey Holt or Ted Brown did against the Tigers then we are in trouble. The only thing that matters is execution and any doubt or negative thought hurts execution.

Also I think it is fair to point out that the Tigers have a safety net below them this week. The standings in the ACC’s Atlantic division show us that this has come down to a two team race. Clemson and Boston College are tied with two losses but the Tigers have the tie breaker over the Eagles. No one wants to back into the division title but I am convinced that the Eagles will not run the table and win their final three ACC games. I don’t want it to come into play but I think BC cannot beat Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. So Clemson has a safety net still out there and can still phone a friend in the Cavs, Tar Heels and Terps if they need the help.

Good News
I wanted to pass along some good news from a Clemson legend. In the last couple of weeks Harold “Mac” McKeown of Mac’s Drive In in Clemson has had a few health issues. He was exhausted and had not slept well in recent weeks. Things got a little complicated when he became dehydrated last week and his energy was sapped even more. Last week Mac was taken to the hospital and the doctors prescribed a short stay at a rehab center in Anderson where he could hydrate and get his diet back in order. The facility specializes in physical therapy and Mac has responded well.

A friend and I visited Mac Wednesday and he looked much better. He was excited about football season and was looking forward to basketball much more than his afternoon physical therapy. He said the staff felt good about his progress and the plans are to get him back home ASAP. I would look for a rejuvenated Mac McKeown behind the counter at Mac’s Drive In very soon.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan.

NC State Preview; Schematic Advantage

Mickey Plyler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:27:51 -0500

NC State Preview
I remember when Clemson was playing its best football in the 1980s but NC State was a thorn in our sides. The Tigers were the more talented team but Dick Sheridan’s crew upset Clemson three straight years.

Over the past five seasons Clemson has not played its best football but the results against the Wolfpack have been reversed. The Tigers are looking for their sixth straight win against the Wolfpack this Saturday. In fact, since that three game losing streak Clemson is 14-6 against NC State and 6-3 against the Pack in Raleigh.

The problems this year have not been on offense. State is 77th in the nation and seventh in the ACC in rushing offense with 135.89 yards per game. The Pack is 20th in the nation and second in the league in scoring offense with 33.67 points per game.

Russell Wilson (5-11, 201, So) has completed 177 of his 293 passes for 2,351 yards for 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has 78 carries for 294 yards on the ground and four more scores. The Wolfpack are 17th in the country and third in the league in passing offense with 281.33 yards per game.

Owen Spencer (6-3, 185, Jr) has 20 receptions for 511 yards and three touchdowns. Jarvis Williams (6-4, 213, Jr) has caught 33 balls for 428 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight end George Bryan (6-5, 265, So) has 35 catches for 364 yards and six touchdowns.

NC State is 30th in the nation and third in the conference in total offense averaging 417.22 yards per game. The offensive line has four senior starters in center Ted Larson (6-2, 296, Sr), guards Andy Barbee (6-3, 310, Sr) and Julian Williams (6-5, 309, Sr) and tackle Jeraill McCuller (6-7, 325, Sr). The other tackle is Jake Vermiglio (6-5, 315, Jr).

Toney Baker (5-10, 225, Sr) has 114 carries for 588 yards and six touchdowns on the ground and 23 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Jamelle Eugene (5-10, 195, Sr) has 65 carries for 226 yards and two touchdowns rushing and ten receptions for 80 yards.

State is 34th in the country and third in the ACC in rushing defense allowing only 117.33 yards per contest. The Pack is 78th in the nation and ninth in the league in pass efficiency defense. They are 40th in the country and seventh in the ACC in total defense allowing 333.67 yards per game. The Wolfpack are 92th in the nation and 10th in the ACC in scoring defense allowing 29.56 points per contest.

NC State starts four seniors on the defensive line but the back seven are much less experienced. All three starting linebackers are sophomores and three of the starting defensive backs are freshmen. State is 47th in the country and fifth in the league in sacks with 2.22 sacks per game.

Special teams have been average this season. State is 84th in the nation and 10th in the ACC in net punting averaging 34.44 net yards per punt. They are53rd in the nation and sixth in the league in punt returns averaging 9.85 yards per return and 50th in the country and fifth in the ACC in kickoff returns averaging 22.68 yards per return.

State has had a strange season. They lost a defensive battle to South Carolina 7-3 before going on a three game winning streak against Murray State, Gardner Webb and Pittsburgh. The win against the Panthers gave Pittsburgh its only loss of the season.

The Pack could not sustain the momentum and went on a four game losing streak with losses to Wake Forest, Duke, Boston College and Florida State. NC State did rebound for its first conference win of the year last week against Maryland.

The Wolfpack have played better at home with a 4-2 record but are still looking for its first road win this season.

Turnovers have been the key to their season. The Wolfpack are tied for 108th in the nation and 11th in the league in turnover margin. State had just three turnovers in its first four games but have 13 in the last five games. They had four in both the Maryland and Duke games and three in each of the games against Wake Forest, Boston College and Florida State.

Schematic Advantage
When the Notre Dame hired Charlie Weiss he said the Irish would enjoy a “schematic advantage” because of his experience in the NFL.

Virginia’s Al Groh said his team would be “playing chess while others are still playing checkers.” Groh was insinuating that he was smarter than other coaches he would be facing.

I mentioned several times during the coaching search at Clemson that I thought Dabo’s strengths were what this program needed. I thought leadership was the key. My point was that X and O geniuses don’t make great college football programs. Bear Bryant did not out scheme people. Bo Schembeckler and Woody Hayes were not known for the play calling. Pete Carroll was not a genius in the NFL.

Building a program is not about play calling. It is about relationships. More so today than ever before, player-coach relationships are a big key and Dabo in known as a guy that loves his players and cares for his players.

Charlie Weiss and Al Groh have coached in more Super Bowls than almost anyone in college football yet both may be out of a job soon.

I would think both have been humbled by their lack of success and I say good for them. Both made brash statements about how they would outcoach the competition. What they did not realize is that you outcoach someone today when you get to know your players’ girlfriend’s name and inquire about how their mom is doing in her job search. Players’ trust in the coach is more important than their trust in the play.

With all of the film study and all of the clinics coaches have access to so much more information today than ever before. I do believe that techniques taught to players by position coaches are very important but the idea of out scheming people might be a thing of the past. Leaders inspire young people to follow them and that is more important than X and Os. Just ask Weiss and Groh.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee.

Heisman Candidates and Balloting

Mickey Plyler — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:06:40 -0500

Heisman Candidates and Balloting
The P word was not a welcomed one around Clemson for the last few years of the Tommy Bowden era. The previous head coach sometimes talked about parity and how the playing field was level and how close in talent so many teams had become and those statements may have been true but Tiger fans did not want to hear it.

But has parity hit the Heisman race this season? No one is having a blockbuster season to date. Can one guy separate from the pack this November?

In years past we have seen some remarkable numbers put up by Heisman winners. Last season Sam Bradford was 328 of 483 for 4,721 yards and 50 touchdowns with only eight interceptions.

In 2007, Tim Tebow was 234 of 350 passing for 3,286 yards and 32 touchdowns with only six picks. Tebow rushed for 895 yards and 23 touchdowns. He accounted for 55 touchdowns that season.

In 2005, Reggie Bush 2611 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy is presented to the “individual who deserves designation as the most outstanding football player in the United States.” But it has turned into a trophy for the best player on the best teams. Seven of the past 11 winners have played on a team that played for the national championship.

Alabama’s sophomore running back Mark Ingram is the front runner according to the group think that happens with the media but his stats are not that impressive. Sure Alabama is 9-0 and ranked number three in the country but how many games would they have won without Ingram? He 175 carries for 1,148 yards and eight touchdowns. Are those eye popping numbers?

Ingram has four of Alabama’s nine opponents have held him under 100 yards. He has averaged 127 yards rushing per game. Are these Heisman numbers?

Ingram does have 24 catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns which gives him 1,364 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns. How did he get to be the front runner for the Heisman? I guess 127 rushing yards per game and eight rushing touchdowns are more impressive than I give him credit for.

Some voters will give their vote to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. In my opinion, Tebow is one of the best college football players to ever play the game but to give him the Heisman this season would be a shame. When he won it as a sophomore Tebow had 4,181 yards and accounted for 55 touchdowns. This season he is just 114 of 173 through the air for 1,531 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has run the ball 115 times for 78 yards and nine touchdowns. That gives the senior 2,109 total yards and 20 touchdowns which is far below his 4,181 yards and 55 touchdowns he had as a sophomore.

Some will vote for Texas quarterback Colt McCoy but does he deserves the Heisman because he plays on the nation’s number two team? So far this season the Longhorn signal caller is 231 of 317 for 2,447 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air. He has also rushed for 317 yards and one touchdown. That gives McCoy 2,764 total yards and 18 touchdowns. These numbers are a big drop from last season where he had 4,420 total yards and 45 touchdowns.

Darren McFaden had a better year when he did not win it. The same can be said for Graham Harrell, Vince Young and Adrian Peterson.

I would much rather see Houston quarterback Case Keenum win it rather than Tebow or McCoy. At least Keenum has had a Heisman-worthy season. The junior has completed 325 of his 458 passes for 3,815 yards and 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions. I know his team is not ranked in the top five in the country but he has had the best season among quarterbacks.

I honestly think C.J. Spiller belongs in the conversation if the award goes to the best football player. He has 135 carries for 739 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Spiller has 21 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He has 15 kickoff returns for 530 yards and three touchdowns and six punt returns for 191 yards and a touchdown. For the season Spiller has 1,784 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. He has three 100-yard rushing games, a 100-yard receiving game, a 100-yard kickoff return game and a 100-yard punt return game.

Spiller has done it in Clemson’s biggest games too. He broke the school record for the all-purpose yards in the Tigers overtime win at Miami when he went for 310 yards and broke his own record with 312 yards in the win over Florida State last weekend.

How can any member of the media in Florida who has seen Tebow and Spiller play this season vote for Tebow over Spiller? Tebow has three games where he has passed for over 200 yards. He has thrown for over 250 yards once. He has only one 100-yard rushing game this season.

Anyone from the Sunshine State who has watched Tebow this season then saw Spiller’s two games against the Noles and Canes then there is no doubt who they should vote for.

Heisman ballots will be mailed out Wednesday, November 18th. There will be 926 eligible voters this year including 870 media voters, 55 former winners of the trophy and one public vote to be determined online (no news to Tigernet readers).

I was surprised to see the number of ballots each year that are not returned. The record for participation is only 97%. Who has a vote for the Heisman and does not send it in?

Last year 93% voted online and most did so late in the process. If Clemson, Texas, Florida and Alabama make it to their conference title games, Spiller, McCoy, Tebow and Ingram will have one last opportunity to impress voters in their biggest games of the season.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee.

Florida State Review

Mickey Plyler — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:27:11 -0500

Florida State Review
Saturday night was not perfect but memorable. The weather, the tailgating, the atmosphere, the prospects, the game and the celebration made this game one to remember. It was not a masterpiece but it will remain on the wall for some time.

The country got an extended look at C.J. Spiller and my only regret is that he was not healthy enough to pull away like he normally does. Nevertheless, he was incredible. Incredible enough to break his own school record for all-purpose yards with 312.

Saturday’s win marked the first time in school history that Clemson beat Miami and Florida State in the same year. Interestingly enough, it took Spiller’s 310-yard school record to beat the Hurricanes and another record breaking 312-yard effort against the Noles.

Spiller is kind of like Seinfeld or the Sopranos. Just when you think you have seen the best show, he comes out with something even more enjoyable. Skeptics pointed out that Spiller needed more rushing yards if he wanted to remain a candidate for the Heisman and he responded with a career high 165-yard effort.

In all, he had 29 touches for 312 yards and two touchdowns. In the process, Spiller and Jacoby Ford broke the NCAA record for the most all-purpose yards by teammates.

I agree with Dabo. He is the best football player in the country.

The Tigers rushed for 241 yards against the Seminoles thanks to Spiller and Andre Ellington who had 55 yards on his six carries. I thought Ellington’s 43-yard run was perhaps the biggest play of the game. It came with Clemson up 27-24 but his explosive run was the key play to the drive that put the Tigers up two scores. Ellington had another huge play on third down when his only reception turned into a first down after he broke a tackle of All-ACC linebacker Dekota Watson.

I thought Kyle Parker may have played his best game this season. The freshman was 18 of 30 for 242 yards and four touchdowns. His only blemishes were the one interception and a fumble. Parker made plays with his feet and bought extra time in the pocket. Had it not been for the one penalty, Parker would have thrown for five touchdowns. I thought his decision making process was excellent for just his ninth start of his career.

Clemson’s tight ends had another terrific night. If the tight end was not covered up on the penalty in the third quarter, Clemson would have had a touchdown pass to all three tight ends. It was Dwayne Allen’s touchdown on another tight end screen that helped the Tigers regain momentum.

Jacoby Ford had five catches for 53 yards but it was Xavier Dye who had perhaps his best game. The junior wide out had three big catches for 68 yards including a 43-yard touchdown.

Also it is difficult to score 40 points and 483 yards without good offensive line play. In the fourth quarter the Tiger offensive line took the game over. In the final 12:08 of the game Clemson ran 16 plays and the only pass attempt was the two-yard touchdown to Barry. Clemson ran the ball on 15 of the last 16 plays it had the ball.

The defense struggled early and on some third downs in the second half but the Tigers held FSU to only seven points after the first quarter. The defense also set up the offense with terrific field position throughout the contest.

In my opinion, defensive back coach Charlie Harbison does not get enough credit. His secondary has played outstanding this season and this was a complete effort Saturday night. When Chris Chancellor went down it was Byron Maxwell, Coty Sensabaugh and Xavier Brewer there to pick up the slack. Christian Ponder had thrown only three interceptions the entire season before Saturday night but the Tigers picked off four in Death Valley. In fact, three of the four picks were by non-starters (Rashard Hall, Maxwell and Sensabaugh).

Kevin Steele made very good adjustments and the Tigers were able to get a little more pressure on Ponder in the second half. That pressure helped lead to the four picks including the final of the five turnovers where DeAndre McDaniel separated Ponder’s shoulder.

Everyone saw the place kicking nightmare so there is not more I could add about that situation. Hopefully this will get straightened out before the trip to Raleigh.

Saturday could have been one of those games where some Clemson teams would have folded its tent. Da’Quan Bowers was out and the defense allowed big plays in the first quarter. The Tigers trailed 17-6 and every time something good would happen Clemson would make a major mistake. But this team showed some fortitude. They did not back down. Instead they stood up and make Saturday night one to remember.

There is still a lot of football to be played and this team still has work to do but I am extremely encouraged by what I have seen the last four weeks. It is funny how no one questions Billy Napier’s youth after the Tigers broke a school record by scoring at least 38 points four consecutive games.

This team has what good teams have and that is parts that fit. When Bowers went down Andre Branch and Malliciah Goodman step up. When Michael Palmer went down Dwayne Allen and Durrell Barry picked it the slack. Chris Chancellor injures his knee and Sensabaugh and Maxwell come in a make a play. Spiller needs a breather so Ellington breaks off a 43-yard key run.

Florida State is not the same program they were and this was not the biggest win ever. But it was a win in front of a bunch of top prospects that could provide long term results. It was also a win the fan base needed. It was a win at night and a brilliant fourth quarter effort. It was not a masterpiece but it still looks just as nice beside the masterpieces.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee.