Posted by Block-C Staff

Just seeing the Dome triggers a Pavlovian response in my brain that makes me crave delicious chicken sandwiches. Actually, a lot of things make me crave chicken sandwiches.

Clemson and Alabama (the only team whose fans are more obsessed with their coach than Sakerlina fans) are working on a one-time matchup in 2008 to be played in the Georgia Dome, says the State. Clemson may have an empty spot on their 2008 schedule as UCF has asked out of their contract with the Tigers and UTEP has reneged on their commitment to play Bama, so the Tide has a gap to fill as well. According to the State, neither team wants to add a road game, so a game at a neutral location would solve both teams’ problems. Personally, I think this is an awesome thing for Clemson. I would rather play a solid team we have a chance of losing to than a mid major or cupcake any day. Both teams have large fan bases in Atlanta and are probably equidistant to the Chocolate Metropolis.

Posted by Willy Mac

What we have here a Q&A with the other two notable Clemson blogs. The Sporting Gnomes and TBIG will join us on this one. As of now, the Gnomes submitted a research thesis that might be considered by many to be the largest post that site has ever seen. TBIG packed it’s bags up and left last Tuesday, we haven’t see or heard from them since. They didn’t even leave us a note.

1) At this point, if you were coaching who do you start as your top three receivers? Who would you start as quarterback? Linebackers?

You definitely start Aaron Kelly, Rendrick Taylor, and Tyler Grisham. We say this because the majority of our plays will be runs and receivers blocking is on of the key components of the running game. Aaron and Tyler have some good hands on them and neither are slow. Don’t start Jacoby because he’s still a little too small for us. True he’s a burner, but he’s still a lil’ guy. You do bring him in on four/five wide pass sets. Honestly, we do start Cullen Harper simply because he’s been in the system longer, he’s still a talented QB, and you don’t want to damage Korn’s psyche via baptism by fire. It’d be nice to ease him into real game situations. He’s never seen college game speed in a real game. Linebacker wise, you’d have to start Tramaine Billie even though he has a hairline fracture in one of his hands. You also have to start Antonio Clay, simply because he’s got the best head on his shoulders and can be a good leader on the field. Lastly, you’ve got to get Nick Watkins on the field. This is definitely his breakout year.

2) Game-by-game season outlook… GO.

Check out this link for our answers to that.

2a) What’s our one dumb loss of the year?

If it happens again this year, it will be against Central Michigan. They are not a bad team and we could easily overlook them. They play a tough schedule including West Virginia and will not be intimidated by playing at a much larger venue. If some of our slump-era games last year are any indication, the environment at DV for lesser games can be kinda lame at times, the fans will have to bring their A-game for this one, too.

2b) What’s the one game where we step up as the underdog?

Willy Mac: Probably Virginia Tech. Hopefully we are both ranked by that point and Gameday will come back. Clemson could definitely step up here. Just remember, we never had a chance in hell against FSU in 2003. You have to keep hope. If it’s a night game, chances are good for the upset. But don’t buy completely into this. VT is a complete team and they could also drop 40 on us at home.
Chili: While I don’t think Gameday will be in Clemson for VT, it will still be that sort of an electric environment. I’ve seen Tiger teams rise to the occasion and falter miserably in this sort of a heavily-hyped night game, so historically these things could go either way. I think VT gets the best of us, but if we’re going to win as a ‘dog, it’ll be this one. We could be underdogs at Maryland and pull that one out if VT doesn’t go our way.

3) Sub Korn, who’s your breakout player of the year? Who is a flop for you?

The best candidates for breakout players would be Phil Merling and Michael Hamlin. Merling, if he keeps working hard, might be able to fill the shoes that Gaines Adams left behind. That’s a big hole to fill but Merling is that friggin talented to be able to make the key sacks and big plays. He’s also as exciting to watch as Charles Bennett and Gaines were. Hamlin also has a great chance to have a breakout year as well. He’s got experience, strength, and the skill set to be a stellar safety this year. He could potentially emerge as the best player on our defense this year. As for the flops, we don’t know that there will be any player who absolutely bombs. You have to be disappointed that Antonio Clay is struggling, but we wouldn’t categorize him as a flop by any means. He’s been through a lot and we hope he rebounds strong this season.

4) What will be the most overused ineffective play this season? Think 2005-2006 Bubble Screen, people.

While we’re well aware that the bubble screen was used to set up other packages, it was still futile 90% of the time and just looked silly when we were trying to gain 15 yards on a third down. I would just vote again for the ol’ bubble screen. I just don’t think Spence is done with it.

5) Who’s your pick to win the ACC Atlantic division? The Coastal division? Who walks away with that big ugly trophy?

The Atlantic division will probably come down to FSU or Maryland, with the Tigers having an outside shot. Coastal is either GT or VT, and we think odds are Virginia Tech takes the trophy home.

6) Who would you like to see us blowout this year (GT 2003, USC 2003, GT 2006, etc). Don’t initially vote USC, unless you REALLY want to blow them out.

Chili: I’d like to blow out VT and pay them back for giving us an American History X style curbing last year. I’d secondly like to demolish Maryland because, well, they’re Maryland.

Willy Mac: I would fully like to embarrass those Jesuit “Sweet Carolina” wastes of life otherwise known as Boston College. I just hate BC, and if you went up to Boston for the game last year, you’d know why. Their fans are just drunk assholes who try to fight anyone wearing opposing colors. Polar opposite of a Clemson game day experience and I feel that they don’t deserve such a good team.

7) What’s our toughest game this year? What’s our easiest game?

Toughest game with either be Virginia Tech at home or South Carolina in Willy Brice. Virginia Tech because of their defensive skill and talented coaching staff. They absolutely shut us down this year and perfectly analyzed our strengths and weaknesses to exploit lack of QB ability. We also say South Carolina depending on their momentum. Last year they were a couple breaks away from a high-water mark kind of season. If they catch a couple breaks this year the hype will build and culminate in the November match up against the Tigers. Not only will both teams’ seasons be riding on the game, but Gamecock fans — ever eager to buy into the Spurrier mythos — will circle this game if they win it as proof of the OBC’s ownership of the Tigers and they’re certainly delusional enough to think it would be the start of a winning streak to even up the series between the two teams.

8) Will this be Tommy’s last season? Why or why not?

No, this won’t be Tommy’s last season. Even if we finish out at 6-6, the worst realistic scenario, we think he sticks around for another year. Odds are we win 7 or 8, plenty for Bowden to stick around. He’s too much of a yes man to the AD and has burrowed himself and his job security deep in the bosom of the front office.

4 DAYS TILL KICKOFF

Posted by Willy Mac

I recently corresponded with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog Buc Em. The following is what came of the entire interview. Not too bad if you ask me. They have nothing to worry about.

This shirt just made my eyes vomit.

Posted by Willy Mac

More of this to come if the “Skin and Bones” Seminole O-Line can’t get their lives right.

Here is the last “Know Your Noles” segment of the year. Labor Day is imminent and we can’t wait. Hope you’ve enjoyed this segment and as always we appreciate your opinions and comments in the “rabble rabble” section at the bottom of the post. Lastly, thanks to Bill K, err, NoleCC, err, whatever he goes by. Thanks to that guy. He’s always fun to work with and is a credit to the Seminole fan base, especially the blogging sect. Check out our responses on Scalp Em here.

1) Weatherford is the starting QB again. Are a lot of Nole fans thinking “Hey, there’s still time for him to have a bad acid trip (Wyatt Sexton)”?

Honestly it’s the same as it’s always been, a 50/50 split in the fan base. It reminds me of the Adrian McPherson / Chris Rix saga. A couple of things about Weatherford though, people act like he isn’t mobile. He’s no Charlie Ward, but doesn’t have concrete shoes like Chris Weinke either. If the revamped FSU offensive line can hold off the Tiger blitz, Weatherford will be just fine. If the Noles can establish a running game, Weatherford might even have a big night and eventually a big season. I just hope I don’t have to watch Xavier Lee sulk on the sidelines AGAIN.

2) How has Antone Smith looked in spring practice? How much is the drop off from first string RB to second string?

Antone hasn’t played tons during practice, which is more because of the depth issue than the “hurt” issue. Jimbo Fisher is banking a lot on a healthy Antone Smith, since even in Bobby Bowden’s words “There’s a big drop off to 2nd string at running back.” Someone cue Jim Cantore with his “ominous” quotes.

3) Who should we be more worried about, Geno Hayes (LB) or Myron Rolle (RV)?

My initial reaction is Myron Rolle, however he’s the main threat in the secondary. Clemson will do everything to avoid him, which makes Geno Hayes the bigger worry for the Tigers. There are 6-7 other guys up there, Geno is going to find a way to get free and make the big hit.

4) Any preseason inuries of note? Any notable changes except for the fact that your OL is on the Curves diet?

First of all, the OL went on Jenny Craig, not Curves. Get that straight. As for injuries, Joe Surrat is out for sure with a broken Tibia, however he was looking at second string most likely anway. Knock on wood the Noles should be pretty healthy for the showdown on Monday Night.

5) How will the new hires impact the season? Are we looking at the Seminoles second wind or an ugly three ring circus act?

From everything I’ve read, heard or watched FSU looks to benefit greatly from the coaching changes. Fisher looks like the Bowden heir-apparent and Trickett is going to have a mean & nasty line in the future. So, as a Nole fan I have to believe that this is a second wind for the program, and not the dagger in the heart of the program. That said, another failure to win some big games and you might count FSU as done for a long, long time.

6) The Noles always seem to have a really spectacular athlete Warrick Dunn, Peter Warrick, Chris Weinke… er… I mean… who is this year’s freak?

Antone, Antone, Antone. Antone Smith is heavily underrated, and if he’s healthy he’s going to create some havoc despite FSU’s offensive line. If, by some miracle the O-line can block someone once in a while FSU might be looking at a 1000 yard rusher. You can throw Greg Carr in there as a touchdown freak, since he can only catch the ball in the end zone, but his stats will be sick. Probably like 12 catches for 100 yards and 10 TD.

7) What percentage of grown-men FSU fans wear jerseys to games? 50% or closer to 80%?

It’s way under 50%, believe it or not. Now if you want to throw in coaches polos or file everything under “Nike” gear, you’re looking at close to half. The bigger question is how many lap dances will FSU men receive in the student section this year? (Just search for Lapdance On ScalpEm.com)

8) Bobby Bowden becomes the first active CFB coach with Alzheimer’s in the next three years. Do you take the over or under on that bet?

“Dadgumit Wi… Ch… #38. That boy’s mama makes the best walnut brownies you know. I like them a lot. They were real nice down in Apopka. Mmm, mmm. Don’t you think Gene? Oh and look there’s Thad Busby. He’s a Junior this year, that #12, he’s going to be a real star.”

I’ll take the under. [Insert winking smiley here.]

“GOD??! What the shit are you talking about! It’s Maury!”

Gentlemen, all that I have left to say is good luck, but not too good. I’ll be watching from home Monday night, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy the start of our seasons as much as you! May DannyFordIsGod.com thrive in some Garnet & Gold following the game, and may you kick the crap out of Georgia Tech down the road. God I hate GT. And tell Chili to stop shaking more than twice.

5 DAYS TILL KICKOFF

Posted by Willy Mac