5 questions about Clemson
Greetings-
Travis Sawchik of the Charleston Post and Courier was good enough to dig into a few questions I asked him about the team he covers. You can read his Clemson coverage here. Please read on.
1. What has happened in the past few weeks that’s kicked the offense into high gear?
First-year starting quarterback Tajh Boyd really began to look comfortable against Auburn in Week 3 and since that point, only Bud Foster’s defense (Va. Tech) has kept Clemson below 35 points.
Freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins has really kicked the offense into a different gear since the first game. Not only does he have an elite 40 time, but NFL folks are more impressed with his acceleration, which produces easy separation. He can also high point the ball and has flypaper hands. He’s the complete package. Watkins has taken the top off of defenses, along with fellow freshman Martavis Bryant, allowing tight end Dwayne Allen – a projected top-50 NFL pick – and sophomore receiver DeAndre Hopkins to operate in space underneath.
Boyd’s combination of arm strength and quick release has allowed him to get away with staring down some receivers and waiting longer for receivers to break open. He has really good physical attributes and combined with the skilled pass catchers has made this offense, at least the passing offense, potent.
2. Under what scenario could you see Tech pulling the upset Saturday night?
If Georgia Tech can sustain drives they could be in position to pull off an upset. Clemson thrives off of extra snaps and extra possessions. The Tigers lead the nation in offensive snaps (626) and wear opponents out in the second half, out-scoring teams 175-77 in the second half this year.
Clemson’s defense really struggled with Paul Johnson’s offense in two games in 2009 and Clemson was tied with an FCS option offense in Wofford at the half in Week 2. Georgia Tech is going to have opportunities against a young defense with six new starters that has yet to master base sets let alone option football. Tech needs to stay on the field and hope Boyd gets off to another slow start like he has in his last two road games, throwing a interception returned for a touchdown at Maryland and being off the mark at Va. Tech.
3. Nose guard Brandon Thompson and end Andre Branch are obvious strengths in Clemson’s defense. Where or what are the weak spots?
North Carolina thought it could attack Clemson’s safeties. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele admits his secondary has been susceptible to double-moves this season and against no team should that be more problematic for Clemson than run-first Georgia Tech. Stephen Hill could have a big night for Tech.
4. Has this season changed your opinion of Dabo Swinney?
We always knew Swinney could recruit – that’s his strength. He has a great personal story and great charisma and that pays off on on the recruiting trail. Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd, Clemson’s two most valuable players, were both signed under Swinney.
I was curious to see what changes Swinney would make regarding his coaching staff and he made the a great one in hiring offensive coordinator Chad Morris. I think Swinney has proven he’s more than an ace recruiter and he can be an effective CEO. Perhaps in that Mack Brown mold.
5. What’s the fewest amount of points you could envision Clemson scoring Saturday?
I’ll say 27ish. I think we will see more points than that but Georgia Tech’s best defense is going to be time of possession on offense and it’s certainly plausible Tech will control the clock and shorten the game.
Tech volleyball dad Urban Meyer breaks down the Clemson offense.
Charleston Post and Courier update on the sprained ankle of running back Andre Ellington and a column pointing out Clemson AD Terry Don Phillips hired three of the coaches of the teams in the top five of the BCS – Les Miles and Mike Gundy (when he was AD at Oklahoma State) and Swinney.
A slew of stories available here from the Anderson independent Mail.
Thanks for reading.
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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230 comments Add your comment
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
2:23 pm
Jason, in addition, there are quite a few Tech fans who post on here who didn’t attend the institute, but totally support the Jackets.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
2:26 pm
Bobo, any additional thoughts? You actually seem like an intelligent guy. Would enjoy reading any legitimate comments you might have.
Mike Bobo
October 28th, 2011
2:27 pm
Supersize:
You probably have those same papers that proclaim recruiting rankings the same place I do….beside the toilet. Granted there are some kids they hit the nail on the head but there are quite a few 5 star kids who would be pumping gas in a couple of years as well as 3 star kids who will be playing on Sunday.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
2:30 pm
Bobo, you got that right. Although when I said “on paper,” I just meant that the abilities they are SUPPOSED to have look good. I could care less about star rankings.
Mike Bobo
October 28th, 2011
2:31 pm
Let me know when I post an illegimate comment! LOL
Mike Bobo
October 28th, 2011
2:32 pm
Darn, forgot the spellcheck….Illegitimate
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
2:33 pm
LOL Bobo
Mike Bobo
October 28th, 2011
2:34 pm
Well alright now…..time to head out and good luck tomorrow against the kittens
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
2:34 pm
So Bobo, why do you post under the name of somebody most UGA fans hate. Are you NOT a UGA fan?
GT93
October 28th, 2011
2:48 pm
Just the stats:
Georgia Tech is (49-25-2) against Clemson.
Average score: Georgia Tech = 20.5 – Clemson = 16.4
11 Wins for Georgia Tech in its past 13 games that were decided by five points or less.
For results of the last game when Clemson was ranked in the Top 5 and undefeated:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores100/100302/100302380.htm
Is Dabo a better Coach?
October 28th, 2011
2:50 pm
Yes, as is every other Coach from Pop Warner league to the NFL that actually understands the value in throwing the forward pass.
BS Patrol
October 28th, 2011
3:01 pm
I wonder why I keep getting this image in my mind of some doggie peeping through the blinds to see if it is safe to go outside in the big city? Shall we say, WUSS?
Carly
October 28th, 2011
3:20 pm
I’m believing quite a few of you here went to Georgia Institute of Technology. However, I
also believe most of you went to Sam Houston Institute Of Technology!
BS Patrol
October 28th, 2011
3:22 pm
Hey Supersize,
Do you know if the road (the real one) was named after the book or the book was named after the road? Do you know if Dude Lester is a UGA grad?
SilverandBlack
October 28th, 2011
3:41 pm
Supersize…I am guessing that you weren’t one of the people who said wait until CPJ gets his recruits and this system will excel? That’s all I heard this first year when GT was winning alot of football games. My problem, this year, has been the complete flop of the offense and horrendous special teams! This offense needs some more imaginative playcalling, personell and formations. I love the base offense!! Who doesn’t like 90 yard td runs to start games!!!! Put Zenon at BBack and throw to him out of the backfield…put the quarterback in semi shotgun(pistol)….Sims has only been getting a yard or two at best on those runs, and Tevin can’t end up with the ball on those option plays every time…Make a 4 wide receiver set and run out of it….Just change it up and give it a look!!!
SilverandBlack
October 28th, 2011
3:45 pm
Is anyone else tired of seeing the midllne option play? If you are going to run that play then Days needs to be the guy to run it! Can we cover him in stickem?
beezit
October 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
Ken, just heard you on 99TheFan in Raleigh….not only can you not write, you can’t speak either….for God’s sake man, get some communications skills…
carolinajacket
October 28th, 2011
3:57 pm
Change two plays in each of the last two games and you very well may have had different results. We weren’t all that bad.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
Here’s where to look at crime: http://spotcrime.com/ga/athens
SilverandBlack
October 28th, 2011
4:12 pm
Carolina….has GTs offense looked anywhere remotely like it should? It scored 7 points against Miami’s defense? It needs alot of additions and/or changes. Also, the special teams remains a work in progress.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
Southern Cal just parted ways with a big-time HS running back (Baxter) that didn’t pan out.
carolinajacket
October 28th, 2011
4:25 pm
Certainly not, but if Roddy hadn’t grabbed the facemask and that run plus 15 yards held up and the botched punt reception had not occurred, we would have had many more offensive yards and offensive plays. Not great, but not all that bad.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
4:35 pm
That play looked like Roddy Jones got a finger stuck between 2 bars of the facemask.
carolinajacket
October 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
I will change that to allegedly grabbed the facemask.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
4:43 pm
Delbert, I see you are back How did it go?
SilverandBlack
October 28th, 2011
4:50 pm
Good teams overcome penalties. If a team puts GT in a hole…GT struggles.
5150 UOAD
October 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Supersize what is happening?
5150 UOAD
October 28th, 2011
5:06 pm
IF Roddy had put his hand in a Facemask with a Plastic face shield his fingers would never hav been in the facemask. That is an IF.
Ken Sugiura
October 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
beezit – sounds like you’ve been talking to my parents.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
5:39 pm
Super – Boring. That stuff I had to drink is also used as drilling mud for wells.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
5:49 pm
UOAD, check your email
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
5:51 pm
Delbert, LOL. I haven’t had to drink that stuff before, but I have used it (or something similar) for other things, if you know what I mean. I HAVE had to drink something in the past though that is without a doubt the most god-awful stuff I have ever had. You may know what I mean there too, so I won’t go into details. LOL
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
5:54 pm
Delbert D. You musta had a GI/GB series test.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
6:06 pm
1 4 GT – It was a 6-month CT scan to look for leftovers, I guess.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
6:07 pm
Delbert, hope the results are good
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:07 pm
Must be the same yucky junk—8 ozs non-stop—god-awful taste and very thick
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
6:07 pm
“West Virginia University President James Clements said: “The Big 12 is a perfect fit for West Virginia.”
You know, that never occurred to me before, but the Big 12 was kind of flat.
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
BTW–I am home from hospital and rehab and rehabbing here. Mobility has been restored, just have to rebuild my strength and stamina, then LOOK OUT here I come
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
1 4, all the best to you too
Supersize that order, mutt
October 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
off for dinner now, guys. TTYL
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
Heck fire, if God had made W. Va. as flat as the rest of the Big 12, the physical size would have more that doubled.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
1 4 GT – 900 ml. 2 slurps of 450, an hour apart. The version I had back in May in the ER was more like GatorAde. I’d recommend that, although the metal content was the same. About 25 years ago, I had a scan where I didn’t drink the stuff, they shoved…..never mind.
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:15 pm
Always like to hear folks are doing well and in good health. Thanks!
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:17 pm
I get the picture. Some of the things that are required for their tests are bad.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2011
6:18 pm
1 4 – I just don’t see West Virginia as cattle and wheat country. Earlier this year during my postulations of who would go where, a fellow pointed out that WV would be would be good for the SEC because they used to mine coal in Tuscaloosa.
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
Delbert D. For true. The conferences no longer care about geographic proximity or long standing rivalries, only money. Many long standing rivalries will be virtually ended by all this conference realignment, much to the detriment and diminution of college athletics I fear.
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
6:56 pm
Speaking of coal mining, Maybe WV does sorta fit the Big 12. A large vein of coal runs thru much of central USA down into Texas and near Austin and San Antonio. Alcoa has a huge coal mine and digs their own coal for a power plant that they operate not too far from Austin.
1 4 GT
October 28th, 2011
7:02 pm
I’m watching NBC News now and see Prince William and Princess Kate. Did anyone else see the photos of them walking to their plane to fly to LA and the shot of the wind blowing her dress up ala MM in “Seven Year Itch”? A very good shot of her left cheek and the fact that she had to be wearing a thong or commando.
Nerd Herd
October 28th, 2011
8:11 pm
Guy gets a shot of leg shown his way and now he will be chewing on his tongue for a week……just typical talk from one who never left mom’s house.
Talk about a loser......
October 28th, 2011
8:43 pm
On a Friday night when only married people and losers are home, POS mutt takes a pot shot at a man he doesn’t even know for commenting on a beautiful woman …..and he talks about somebody who never left mom’s house. Nerd Herd sounds like a pathetic loser to me