Archive for the preview Category
Posted by Sam
With the Spring Game this weekend (4pm on CSS), we will all witness the only Clemson Football played until the fall. Clemson has had a couple scrimmages leading up to the Spring Game, so here are a couple of the highlights from the most recent one:
Offense
QB:
Tahj Boyd – 8 for 16, 129 yds, 2 TDs
RB:
DJ Howard – 19 carries for 85 yds
Demont Buice – 13 carries for 59 yds
Rod McDowell – 8 carries for 36 yds
Jaron Brown – 2 carries for 26 yards
WR:
Marquan Jones – 4 receptions for 44 yds
Jaron Brown – 1 reception for 30 yds
DeAndre Hopkins – 20-yd TD catch
Sam Cooper - 3-yd TD catch
Defense
Corico Hawkins – led team with 8 tackles
Rashard Hall – 7 tackles
Corey Crawford – caused 2 fumbles (one returned for 87 yds), a tackle for a loss, and a pass deflection
Tig Willard – 6 tackles, pass broken up, and one interception
Josh Watson – 2 tackles for a loss
Justin Parker – 5 tackles and a sack
- I know that’s not much, but come on, its Fooootbawl! Anyways, enjoy the game if you are going and enjoy flipping between the game and The Masters if you are not.
“The Future of Clemson Footbawl…..hopefully.”
Posted by Block-C Staff
South Florida (7-5, 3-4) v. Clemson (6-6, 4-4)
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
Friday, December 31st
NOON Eastern
ESPN, ESPN3 , XM 192, WCCPFM Live Feed
Forecast: Partly Cloudy, Mid 50′s
Previews:
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Line: Clemson by 5.5
Edge goes to:
Clemson offense vs. South Florida defense: Da Bulls. I’m fairly sure that Chili, Willy Mac, some hobos, and I could stop Clemson’s offense from scoring, but instead, Clemson plays one of the best defenses they will have faced all season. Nationally, South Florida is ranked 21st in Yards Allowed per Game (319.75 yds) and 19th in Scoring Defense (19.5 pts), but then again, their conference champion is 8-4 and unranked, so those stats could be more of a product from conference play. However, Clemson’s quarterback situation is not exactly clear. Dabo has said that Kyle Parker will start, but he would be stupid to have him play the whole game, when his backup is the future of his offense. So, who knows what will end up happening under center.
Clemson defense vs. South Florida offense: Clemson. Basically everything I just said about South Florida’s defense against Clemson’s offense applies here, except switch the teams around and you got the gist of it. Oh, and Da Bulls’ starting quarterback is up in the air, too. Their starter, BJ Daniels, got hurt and sat out the season finale and his backup beat Miami, so no one is sure who will be playing QB for Da Bulls in this game yet.
Special teams: Clemson. The Tigers are going to be the favorite here for the rest of the season until proven otherwise, they are above average to great in all phases of special teams right now. Hell, even the field goal kicker is making them all of the sudden.
Intangibles: Push. A bowl game featuring two teams that are at or one game above .500 is nothing but a glorified exhibition game. So, it has to be tough to motivate yourself for such a meaningless game such as this, especially when the only reason the players want to be there is for the free stuff the bowl officials give them and they already got that.
Our Panel from the Cast of “The Hangover 3: New Year’s Day” Says:
Sambo: Since everyone is just assuming that this is going to be a defensive battle, I wouldn’t be shocked if it is high scoring game, something like 31-24….Oh, who am I kidding? The final score is probably going to resemble a baseball score, with Clemson winning on a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 9th, which is the football equivalent of a game-winning field goal as time expires. Since that will be such a terrible game to watch, I’m going to hope the score lands somewhere in the middle, and hopefully Clemson wins.
Clemson 20, South Florida 13
Chili: I am a Clemson grad and am back at CU getting my masters, I love Clemson football, I help write a Clemson blog, and I honestly don’t give a shit about this game. A 6-6 team has done nothing to deserve being rewarded with a bowl game. Yes, it’s extra practices, one more game for the seniors, blah blah. We still finished .500 and got our asses whipped by Sakerlina for the second year in a row. Goddamnit. Skip Holtz looks like sort of a goober but is a good coach, so we know that runs in the family. USF has a decent assembly of talent that is well coached. Clemson has a fantastic array of talent that is poorly coached in certain cases. I think Clemson has enough to win this one.
Clemson 14 , South Florida 9
Willy Mac:
I gotta agree with Chili. I didn’t even know what day it was until I opened this post. And now that I’m thinking about it, I’ve forgotten and have to scroll to the top of the post. Hang on. Friday at 7pm is a hallowed time for me. You can venture a guess that I probably won’t be watching the game and you’d probably be right. In all cases, South Florida is deservingly in this bowl game and Clemson probably doesn’t need to be in a bowl at all. Prep yourselves for an all out, seven or eight month orange shit storm folks.
Clemson 14, South Florida 24
Posted by Block-C Staff
Sakerlina (8-3, 5-3) @ Clemson (6-5, 4-4)
Saturday, November 27th
7:00 PM Eastern
ESPN2, ESPN3 , XM 192, WCCPFM Live Feed
Forecast: Sunny and in the low 60′s while tailgating, could dip into the 30′s by the end of the game.
Previews:
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Line: Cocks -3
Edge goes to:
Clemson offense vs. Sakerlina defense: Sakerlina. Their defense is in the middle of the road in terms of the SEC, but they match up well against Clemson’s strengths. In other words, Clemson can run the ball well, but the Gamecocks play well against the run, and Clemson is a mediocre passing team, but the Cocks secondary is poor. If Clemson can do anything through the air, then they can set up the run a lot easier, however, we have all seen how that has gone this season, so cross your fingers and hope Clemson’s offense remembers how to catch the ball.
Clemson defense vs. Sakerlina offense: Push. With all the ballyhoo surrounding Marcus Lattimore and his “alleged” awesomeness, I was kind of surprised to see that the Gamecocks have the 8th ranked rushing offense in the SEC. On top of that, Clemson hasn’t allowed a team (I repeat, team) to rush for a total of 100 yards in three weeks. So, if the Tigers are able to bottle up Lattimore, then the one-dimensional/easily defend-able Gamecock offense will show itself and Clemson and it’s 9th ranked Nationally defense can get to work.
Special teams: Clemson. The Tigers are going to be the favorite here for the rest of the season until proven otherwise, they are above average to great in all phases of special teams right now. Hell, even the field goal kicker is making them all of the sudden.
Intangibles: Push-y. This is a tough one. Clemson doesn’t want to lose to Sakerlina for the second straight year, meanwhile, Sakerlina wants to beat Clemson for the second straight year for the first time since hippies roamed the country. But at the same time, Sakerlina has bigger fish to fry next week and Clemson doesn’t really need this win to go to a better bowl, mostly because they will be playing the Mienke Car Care Bowl no matter what happens this weekend. So, other than the rivalry, this game doesn’t mean anything on a grand scale. Push.
Our Panel of Part-time Underwear Models Says:
Sambo: The Clemson fan in me says, “Why are you asking me this question, of course Clemson wins, probably by a million ka-billion”, but the realist in me says, “Damn it, it just feels like one of those kind of years where nothing is going to go right, no matter how many goats I sacrifice to the Football Gods.” So, what do I think will happen in the game this weekend? Well, I’m glad you asked and the answer is easy. I set up possibly scenarios on a dartboard, then closed my eyes, threw a dart, and came up with my prediction. Actually, the first dart hit “Clemson One Million Ka-Billion, Sakerlina -Infinity”, but since I never thought my dart would hit that scenario, I threw a second dart and got my real prediction and I’m not happy about it.
Sakerlina 24, Clemson 17
Chili: It’s going to be rough living in this state for the next year as I expect the Cocks to control this game from pretty much every angle. Clemson’s defense is extremely formidable, but I think that Jeffrey and Lattimore are too much and I don’t think Clemson’s offense will be able to sustain drives long enough to give the defense some rest. If Garcia has a shakey outing things could turn out different, but I expect the visitors from Columbia to continue to play head and shoulders above the Tigers, as they have all season.
Sakerlina 30, Clemson 14
Willy Mac: Unlike my other two cohorts, I think this is going to go our way. I really do. There’s too much game film on them right now and they’ve never faced a defense as good as ours. I know that last statement is pretty bold, but I sincerely believe that we will be the toughest test they’ve faced all year. I think it will be a role reversal from last year where take it to them.
Clemson 28, Carolina 24
Posted by Block-C Staff
Clemson (5-5, 3-4) @ Wake Forest (2-8, 1-6), 2:00 PM Eastern, Saturday, November 20th
ESPN2, ESPN3 , XM 192, WCCPFM Live Feed
Forecast: Sunny and Mid 60′s.
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Line: Clemson -13.5
Edge goes to:
Clemson offense vs. Wake Forest defense: Clemson. And we only pick Clemson by default, Wake Forest is really really bad. Their defense is the worst in the conference and 115th in the country in terms of points allowed per game. Also, they are 2nd to last in yards allowed per game in the conference, only narrowly edging Duke. So, despite Clemson’s offense being “special” (and by “special, I mean mentally challenged), they should still have their way with Wake.
Clemson defense vs. Wake Forest offense: Clemson. Quite frankly, Clemson’s defense is one of the best in the country. In back-to-back weeks, they shutdown the top two offenses in the conference and now go against one of the worst offenses in the conference, so this could be a bloodbath. Then again, so was the Boston College game.
Special teams: Clemson. The Tigers are going to be the favorite here for the rest of the season until proven otherwise, Clemson is above average to great in all phases of special teams right now…..except in the only phase that will put up points on a regular basis and that is field goal kicking, which is becoming a bigger and bigger concern.
Intangibles: Clemson. With this win, they become bowl eligible and the players know that if they go to a bowl, they get free stuff, so that should motivate them enough.
Our Panel of “FREE Ugueth Urbina Bobbleheads brought to you by Exxon” Says:
Sambo: I promised myself I wouldn’t pick Clemson the rest of the season, however, this Wake Forest is not the Wake Forest of a couple years ago. Those teams had talent and a competent QB, this team is as scary as a sleeping puppy. But then again, sleeping puppies sometimes fart and everyone knows dog farts are terrifying, so it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Clemson blows this game and then destroys the Cocks next week or the complete opposite. Personally, I hope they just get the whole bowl eligibility thing out of the way, so that I can look forward to a trip to Shreveport……?
Clemson 24, Wake Forest 6
Willy Mac: “Middle of the Road” team meets “Slightly better than Shitty team. Will be watching until things get out of hand, if they get that far. Dabo wants you to have a coke and smile.
Clemson 21, Wake Forest 3
Chili: I guess I’m supposed to say that I think Clemson can go up to Winston-Salem and win without too much effort and that it’s just Wake Forest. Okay, I pretty much believe that. But I also think this Clemson team is capable of really getting bogged down on offense to infuriating levels. That won’t much matter as the defense should absolutely hammer the Wake Forest offense. Clemson gets out of this one and gets above .500 on the season.
Clemson 17, Wake Forest 9
Posted by Block-C Staff
THE (DA/JIM) BO BOWL
Clemson (5-4, 3-3) @ Florida State (6-3, 4-2), 8:00 PM Eastern, Saturday, November 13th
ESPN2, ESPN3 , XM 192, WCCPFM Live Feed
Forecast: Mid to high 70′s during the day, but dropping into the 40′s for game time.
Previews:
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Line: Florida State -5.5
Edge goes to:
Clemson offense vs. Florida State defense: Florida State. Despite FSU’s defense being horrendous last season, they are not too shabby this year. In fact they’re very good. The Seminoles also lead the ACC in sacks with 38, which will clash with our pretty reliable offensive line, giving up a league best 1 sack a game. On top of that, Clemson’s offense is a big fat pile of “meh”.
Clemson defense vs. Florida State offense: Clemson. We expect to see both Ponder and Manuel, meaning you have to consider Manuel’s rushing ability. Though, Clemson did neutralize both GT and NC State’s QBs from running the ball all over them, which should create some confidence for the defense in this game. We know FSU has some offensive weapons, but Clemson’s defense has been outstanding this season and will be relied on to win us another close game.
Special teams: Clemson. The Tigers are going to be the favorite here for the rest of the season until proven otherwise, Clemson is above average to great in all phases of special teams right now…..except in the only phase that will put up points on a regular basis and that is field goal kicking, which is becoming a bigger and bigger concern.
Intangibles: Push-ish. Both teams are still in the hunt for the ACC Atlantic, so they both have a lot to play for. Also, with a win, Clemson becomes bowl eligible.
Our Panel of BCS Busters Says:
Sambo: I said it last week and I’m holding to it, I will not pick Clemson to win a game the rest of the season. Cannot, will not, could not, would not, should not pick them. With that being said, FSU’s backup QB throws Clemson a big enough of a curveball that they trounce the Tigers all over Bobby Bowden Field in the First Annual “Bo Bowl”. Even after last week’s win, I still have nothing positive to say about Clemson’s offense, therefore, I have nothing positive to say about Clemson’s chances in this game, except it will be lower scoring than people think.
Florida State 17, Clemson7
Willy Mac: I tend to agree with my fellow bloggers by saying its just going to be one hard hitting, know down drag out game with multiple injuries. Our offense is still entirely inept and Dabo is right behind them so they’re not going to be making any jaws drop. This game is hopefully going to center around the story line of our returners on special teams having break out games. We turn it over a lot, but so do they. Somehow, SOMEHOW, we break the Seminoles hearts for the third week in a row. They miss a late field goal to tie and we actually make one.
Clemson 17, Florida State 14
Chili: I am really looking forward to watching the Tigers attempt to get their second win in two decades at Doak Campbell. I think we’ll see a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle. I think we’ll also see Christian Ponder in addition to EJ Manuel. Ponder has been practicing a tiny bit at the end of this week and has missed multiple days of practice in the pass without missing the start on Saturday. Clemson’s offensive line will have their hands full (literally, *WINK*) with FSU’s defense who, as I mentioned above, leads the ACC in sacks. If Clemson is going to win it, they’ll have to score on special teams or defense as I really don’t feel Clemson’s offense is versatile and viable enough to overpower the Noles.
Florida State 14 , Clemson 7
Posted by Block-C Staff
THE TEXTILE BOWL
NC State (6-2, 3-1) @ Clemson (4-4, 2-3), 12:00 PM Eastern, Saturday, November 6th
ESPN2, ESPN3 , XM 192, WCCPFM Live Feed
Forecast: Mostly Sunny, Mid to High 70′s
Previews:
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Line: Clemson -3.5
Edge goes to:
Clemson offense vs. NC State defense: Push. We all know Clemson’s offense is nothing special, especially now that Andre Ellington is out for the game, but NC State’s defense is towards the bottom of the league in both points and yards per game. However, this game will be won or lost based on if Clemson’s offense can score whatsoever.
Clemson defense vs. NC State offense: NC State. Believe it or not, but based on yards per game, NC State has the best offense in the conference. Yes, Clemson has a solid defense, but if they can’t force a couple turnovers, then teams generally “run” all over them.
Special teams: Clemson. The Tigers are going to be the favorite here for the rest of the season until proven otherwise, they are above average to great in all phases of special teams right now.
Intangibles: NC State. With the Wolfpack’s win over FSU last week, they control their fate in determining the outcome of the Atlantic Division winner. Meanwhile, Clemson can do nothing but be the spoiler.
Our Panel of Coon and Friends’ Members Says:
Sambo: After the Boston College loss, I can no longer in my right mind pick Clemson to win another game this season. I seriously think they could 4-8, and that even includes losing to Wake Forest, who is just horrible. The only reason I can see them winning this game is if Dabo can somehow motivate the team by mentioning that they still need two wins just so they can go to a crappy bowl game (but I doubt he will say crappy). Also, why does Vegas think that Clemson should be favored in this game? Have they watched them play this season? Or do they think NC State is going to have a letdown after their big win last week? No matter what, I still see Clemson blowing another effing noon game.
NC State 24, Clemson 14
Chili: I have to wholeheartedly echo what Sam has to say about pickin’ Clemson. I have no idea what this team’s going to do. If we follow the tried and true Clemson form that has clearly been passed down to this staff, we’ll beat NC State, Florida State, then lose to Wake Forest and the Sakerlina game will end in a brawl. I think Clemson will have some serious problems with Mustafa Greene as our guys had real trouble against the run versus BC. Russell Wilson, Kyle Parker’s fellow Colorado Rockies signee has been playing excellent football and should be able to confound us a bit. I really expect to see Clemson come out with a great deal of intensity and maybe even take the lead for a while, but NC State is the better coached team and should prevail against our sideline braintrust.
NC State 31, Clemson 21
Willy Mac: I have no idea what a coon and friend’s is, but oh well. Essentially put, we’re against the wall. Last year in the same situation, we went crazy on offense and it worked because we had the healthy horses to do so. This year, we have a bunch of skinny kids with dreadlocks that can sometimes catch if it doesn’t get in the way of them missing their blocks and assignments and a fat kid who insists on dropping the ball and/or hitting a defender and turning around to back into them. We’ll try the same shit we did last year, but this time it will fail in horrific fashion. The defense will have their tongues out a few minutes into the third quarter and Russell Wilson will have a stat sheet so long that the AD will have to dust off an old Dot Matrix just to print it all.
NC State 38, Clemson 13


