Bleacher Report - Columbia SC

Clemson Tiger Football: What Were Napier and Steele Thinking?

Chad Hensley — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:35:02 -0500

The Clemson Tigers came into this weekend's game against the South Carolina Gamecocks with confidence and a six-game winning streak.

But after being embarrassed by their arch rivals 34-17, the Tigers and their fans are looking for answers.

The Tigers were outplayed and out-coached by the Gamecocks.

Plain and simple, the Gamecocks were better.

Spiller's number of touches were low, but Harper? Really?

Heisman hopeful C.J. Spiller touched the ball 12 times out of 61 total offensive plays.

There were reports that Spiller was sick after his opening 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but that doesn't excuse offensive coordinator Billy Napier for giving the nod to backup running back Jamie Harper in the game's first drive.

Harper fumbled as the Tigers were driving, and the momentum shifted to the Gamecocks for the rest of the game.

I am not sure about other Tiger fans, but ever since he fumbled in his first carry as a true freshman against Alabama, I hold my breath every time Harper gets to tote the rock.

Andre Ellington is the best option behind Spiller. It is as obvious as the quarterback situation, where Kyle Parker is head and shoulders better than his backup, Willy Korn.

42 passes. 24 rushes. Enough said.

Napier must have pulled out the game-plan that he used against the Maryland Terrapins, because he completely abandoned the run.

The Gamecocks were sliding guys up to the line to contain the running game, but that doesn't mean you completely abandon the run—especially with a red-shirt freshman as your quarterback.

Spiller and Co. had some trouble getting traction early in the game, but that doesn't mean you abandon the run and try to pass against the No. 11 passing defense in the nation.

All Napier had to do is look at the previous three games the Gamecocks played—all losses.

Tennessee—40 rushes, 24 passes
Arkansas—36 rushes, 27 passes
Florida—39 rushes, 25 passes

One might say that success allows a team to run more than pass. However, Arkansas and even mighty Florida with Tim Tebow only averaged 2.1 and 3.6 yards/rush, respectively.

Obviously the offense turned the ball over numerous times, but I believe sticking with the run would have at least allowed the Tigers to make a game of it at the end, and definitely would have kept South Carolina's front four from teeing off on Kyle Parker.

Kyle Parker and the offensive line looked like they did early in the season

Besides a lack of running game, the protection scheme was pretty bad for Parker.

Napier left the young quarterback on an island without an extra blocker, and Parker was running for his life for most of the game.

The Tigers offensive line was man-handled, and Parker was back-peddling like he did against TCU and other games early in the season.

Some fans were calling for screens, but screens typically work when teams are blitzing. The Gamecocks were getting pressure with their front four.

Besides trying to establish the run, Napier could have used shorter drops and quicker passes, but instead decided to take a page from ex-offensive coordinator Rob Spence. Bubble screen after bubble screen was blown up, and the Tigers never got anything going.

Parker was also very inefficient on third-down, which he has excelled at for much of the year. Maybe Napier needs to come up with some new wrinkles because teams are obviously keying on tight end Michael Palmer as Parker's go-to guy.

But again, it goes back to the running game. South Carolina didn't respect the run, and therefore didn't respect play action, which has been there all season for the Tigers.

The Tigers defense still have no answer for the quarterback read option

Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and his defense finally had a bad game.

Since the last two drives by Georgia Tech 's quarterback Josh Nesbitt against the Tigers in September, teams have exploited the heart of the Tigers defense with the quarterback read option—and Steele has still not come up with an answer for it.

The offense didn't exactly help the defense out with its turnovers and poor execution, but the Gamecock's Stephen Garcia extended drives with his legs, just like every other team that has a mobile quarterback.

With all due respect, how could Steele not have his team prepared for it? Every team that has tried it has been successful.

The Tigers defense, led by Steele, are the main reason the Tigers are playing in the ACC Championship game. The defense is what has kept the Tigers in games that would have gotten away from them in years past.

But don't be surprised when you see Nesbitt running wildly through the first and second levels of the Tigers defense this Saturday. If Steele doesn't come up with something to defend it, it will be a long night for the Tigers.

It's all about the ACCCG

For the next year, Tiger fans will have to listen to Gamecock fans, who like cicadas, only get to come out so many years. Let them chirp. Their team deserved it.

The Tigers goal is to win the ACC Championship and get to the BCS game in the Orange Bowl.

I believe this is possible, but the only way they achieve these goals is if Napier and Steele put together a solid game plan on both sides of the ball.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Clemson Tigers Forget To Show Up Against South Carolina Gamecocks

Jacqueline Kirby — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:02:10 -0500

The rivalry has been alive since the 1880s and Clemson has dominated the nine of the past 10 meetings at Williams Brice Stadium. Unfortunately, it looks like the Tigers forgot their purpose on Saturday.

This is the 107th time the two teams have faced each other and Clemson fans were definitely disappointed after the match.

Clemson suffered a few bad turnovers and could not overcome them. It seemed as the game went on, more stuff kept going wrong and the team could not get their act together.

Many of the South Carolina fans say it serves us right after all of the bragging we have done since the last time they won in 2006. This win was also big for Steve Spurrier, who has not done anything for the Gamecocks all season before the game.

Clemson's Heisman contender, C.J. Spiller, did not have his best game either, which may seriously affect his chances at the trophy.

This was an unfortunate end to the regular season. Winning the rivalry game would have lifted the spirits of the team and the fans going into the ACC Championship game this weekend in Tampa.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Ranking the ACC after Week 13 of College Football Action

Jeffrey Fann — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:26:46 -0500

Most of the ACC's top teams came up with poor performances this weekend. Clemson, Georgia Tech and North Carolina all lost.

This was embarrassing weekend for the ACC against SEC. What can you say? The ACC championship game is the de-facto game for 6th place in the SEC.

The ACC blew a big chance to gain some national respect and will face at least a month, until the bowl season, of the rest of country questioning its football credibility.

Previous All About SportsBlog Rankings
Pre-season |Wk 1 |Wk 2 |Wk 3 |Wk 4 |Wk 5 |Wk 6 |Wk 7 |Wk 8 |Wk 9 |Wk 10 |

Wk 11 |Wk 12

1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-2, 7-1) - Last Week 1

The Jackets have proved up to this point that they are the ACC's best team, but losing to a mediocre Georgia team at home 30-24 proves they are not a truly elite team. The Jackets' powerful rushing offense has been masking a defensively flawed team all season.

Note to head coach Paul Johnson get a new defensive coordinator. Dave Wommack lost this game for Georgia Tech, long before that last drive stalled. I would have averaged eight yards a carry running between those gaping holes Saturday night.

2) Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3, 6-2) - Last Week 4

The Hokies ended the season solidly by blowing away their in state rival Virginia. I can't put the Hokies at No. 1 just yet. They haven't beaten a quality team since Oct. 10 when they defeated Boston College. That doesn't mean they can't finish the year in the top spot though.

They had 483 yards of total offense with nearly 300 on the ground. Now the Hokies get ready for a Gator or Chick-fil-A Bowl appearance. I don't think they fall lower than either of those. I'm thinking they are returning to Atlanta.

3) Miami Hurricanes (9-3, 5-3) - Last Week 5

At least one ACC team decided to beat a non-conference opponent today. Miami looked rock solid today with a 31-10 win over a decent South Florida team. The defense held South Florida to 220 total yards and the offense had more than 400. Now the Canes wait for their bowl bid. I think they end up in the Gator but we will have to see the result of the GT\Clemson game, because GT can't fall below Miami if they lose the ACCCG.

4) Clemson Tigers (8-4, 6-2) - Last Week 2

The Tigers were an even bigger no-show against their SEC rival South Carolina than Georgia Tech was losing 34-17. They gave up 223 yards on the ground to a Gamecocks squad that has struggled running the ball all season.

This is not a good sign before facing Georgia Tech's strong running game. Fortunately for Clemson, the Jackets' defense is not nearly as good as South Carolina's. The Tigers only had 48 yards running against South Carolina. Rushing yards will come much easier against Georgia Tech.

5) North Carolina Tar Heels (8-4, 4-4) - Last Week 3

The Tar Heels completed the fall from last week's top three teams with a dismal performance losing to a bad NC State team 28-27. The Heels dominated statistically out gaining the Wolfpack 481 yards to 335 yards but still lost their third straight to the Wolfpack. This game will keep the Heels from one of the upper-tier ACC Bowl games.

6) Boston College Eagles (8-4, 5-3) - Last Week 6

In spite of all the obstacles they had to face, Boston College has completed, in my opinion, the most surprising season of any ACC team. Frank Spaziani should get some ACC Coach of the Year votes. They beat Maryland only 19-17, but so what? Eagle fans should be very pleased with this season.

7) Florida State Seminoles (6-6, 4-4) - Last Week 7

Today was just more evidence how far this once great program has fallen. Florida dismantled FSU 37-10 in a game that wasn't even that close. The Noles didn't look like they belonged on the same field as the Gators.

Florida dominated in every fashion, and after the game Bobby Bowden said he has some soul searching to do before deciding on his future at Florida State. On one hand I understand Bowden wanting to return FSU to some semblance of its former glory, and on the other hand he has to realize they can't move forward with him there.

8) Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-7, 3-5) - Last Week 10

Quarterback Riley Skinner goes out a winner at Wake Forest with a 45-34 victory over the Duke Blue Devils. All that you have to know is he led Wake Forest to the Orange Bowl. That's amazing in itself.

9) North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-7, 2-6) - Last Week 9

The Wolfpack salvaged something out of the season by knocking off in-state rival North Carolina Saturday. Russel Wilson threw four touchdown passes today and pretty much was a one man show this season for NC State. I'm curious, does anyone if he comes back next year or does he play baseball? I know what head coach Tom O'Brien is hoping for.

10) Duke Blue Devils (5-7, 3-5) - Last Week 8

Thaddeus Lewis was his usual brilliant self. He threw for 387 yards today and three touchdowns. Duke lost its final four games, and won't go bowling this year, but they are inching closer and closer towards that goal.

11) Virginia Cavaliers (3-9, 2-6) - Last Week 11

That was probably Al Groh's last game at Virginia. They were in it for awhile against the Hokies, but eventually lost 42-13. Time to move on, Cavaliers.

12) Maryland Terrapins (2-10, 1-7) - Last Week 12

Was this Ralph Freidgen's last season in Maryland? It was a nightmare 2-10 year, but I think the Fridge gets another year to try and get things on track. The Terps won eight games as recently as last season, but they might want to throw this season away. They lost 19-17 to Boston College Saturday.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Clemson-South Carolina Football: No. 15 Tigers Manhandled in Columbia

Jeffrey Fann — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:43:15 -0500

Clemson is still going to the ACC championship. That's the good news. The bad news is the Tigers got beat in every way by a very mediocre South Carolina team.

After C.J. Spiller returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Gamecocks scored 24 straight points in a 34-17 victory. The most frustrating part of the game was hearing the ESECPN announcers fall all over each other discussing the SEC's perceived speed advantage over the ACC.

Frankly, that had absolutely nothing to do with the result. This had everything to do with one team being heaped with praise for several weeks and the other having enough of it. Credit Steve Spurrier and South Carolina for playing harder and more physical than Clemson. The Tigers just couldn't match Carolina's level of intensity.

What does this mean for Clemson's ACC title hopes? I still have to see how Georgia Tech plays against Georgia. If the Jackets lose today, the result for Clemson may be a wash. The ACC's best teams losing to middling SEC teams. That's not good for the conference's perception.

If the Jackets do win, what should worry Clemson's fans is that Kevin Steele's defense is not playing its best football at the end of the year. Virginia had some success running the ball last week, and South Carolina is a poor running team but had 224 running yards today. Certainly Georgia Tech's formidable rushing attack has taken notice.

Clemson recovered nicely after a bad performance against Maryland; let's see how the Tigers come back after this ugly effort.

This article is also featured at All About Sports.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

The Great Debate for Clemson Football: Beat South Carolina or Win the ACC?

Joseph Durst — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:01:04 -0500

Over the course of this past week, Clemson fans have found themselves pondering an interesting question. If it came down to it, would they rather beat the hated Gamecocks or win the elusive ACC?

Clemson fans seem to be split on the matter. I, for one, would take an ACC Championship over beating Carolina any year. However, many Tiger fans have told me that beating our in-state rivals must come first.

It’s been 18 years since Clemson held the ACC crown, while beating South Carolina has become a nearly annual event.

Perhaps fans who have clear memories of ACC glory are not as desperate to return as those of us who have never seen Clemson rise to such heights.

The South Carolina game gives half of the state bragging rights for an entire year. On the terrible, albeit rare, occasion that Clemson loses, fans have to listen to smack for an entire calendar year. They hear it from their friends, neighbors, and often, even their own families.

I’ve always believed that Clemson was better than Carolina; that the Tigers wanted more than just a state championship.

I’ve always preached that Clemson fans have higher aspirations than Carolina fans and that given the choice, the Tigers would prefer national glory over instate dominance.

Now the time has finally come for me to practice what I preach. Those who can easily recall Clemson’s glory days in the ACC, or live in Gamecock country where verbal abuse will be unbearable, can be excused for wanting a Gamecock trouncing over an ACC crown.

When Clemson doesn’t make it to the ACC Championship, the SC game is the biggest of the year. This year, however, Clemson has reached the title game, the Gamecocks must play second fiddle, and that’s exactly the way it should be.

Hopefully, Tiger fans can find a happy compromise where Clemson wins both games, but if you could only win one, which would you take?

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Clemson-South Carolina Preview: Gamecocks Hope To Reverse Rivalry Trend

ACC SEC Blog — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:44:59 -0500

The Gamecocks and Tigers will tee it up for the 107th time on Saturday in the Battle For The Palmetto State.

There is no love lost between these two as was evidenced when I asked bloggers from both teams what this rivalry means.

Clemson would like their sixth win in a row this season and a seventh win in the last eight meetings between the two. But they also have an ACC Championship Game to look forward to next week.

South Carolina, on the other hand, is hoping to break a three-game losing streak this season and beat a potential conference champion and their archrival.

Keys for Clemson

1. Spiller Time

C.J. Spiller is the most dynamic player in college football, having scored running the ball, receiving the ball, returning the ball, and throwing the ball this season.

The Tigers have done a very good job at making sure he gets plenty of touches this season. That needs to continue on Saturday.

South Carolina must know where the Heisman candidate is at all times, especially coming out of the backfield on receptions.

The Gamecocks may just decide to kick the ball out of bounds too, instead of allowing a fourth return for touchdown by Spiller this season.

2. Pressure Garcia

Clemson's defense is at its best when it can rush the passer and allow ball-hawking safety DeAndre McDaniel to roam the secondary. McDaniel is second in the nation with eight interceptions.

If the interceptions weren't enough, the Tigers lead the ACC and rank 11th nationally with 33 sacks.

South Carolina's Stephen Garcia has really improved his pocket awareness this season, but he needs to be extra sharp on Saturday.

Getting the ball out of his hands quickly will be necessary, and preferably the ball is going to go to talented freshman Alshon Jeffery a lot.

Keys for South Carolina

1. Establish a Running Game

The reason here is two-fold: to keep the ball away from a Tiger team averaging 39 points per game over their past three with ball control, and to keep the "Bamberg Bookends" from pinning their ears back to rush Garcia.

The Gamecocks have not had much success running the ball this year, but Brian Maddox emerged in the Florida game as a potential threat with 82 rush yards.

For Clemson, if they stuff the run early, I can see where Steve Spurrier would go almost exclusively with the pass.

2. Eric Norwood

The senior from Acworth, Ga. is to South Carolina's defense what Spiller is to Clemson's offense. Norwood has come up big in the Gamecocks' wins this season and will need to again on Saturday.

The Tigers had trouble blocking another great pass rusher in Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan this season.

Norwood would be greatly helped by a healthy Cliff Matthews on the other side to create their own pass rush tandem. Matthews' status was questionable early in the week.

Just like Spiller, QB Kyle Parker and the Clemson backs will need to know where Mr. Norwood is at all times since he lines out up at end and linebacker throughout the game.

Prediction

If I mention the words "Chicken Curse" to my South Carolina blogger brethren, they get upset. But it looks like it could be rearing its ugly head again this season.

The Gamecocks always have a tough time in November (probably due to their schedule of Tennessee, Florida, and Clemson rather than any "curse") and it looks like it is continuing this season.

Despite a hostile road crowd, I think Clemson's offensive talent and ball-hawking pass defense is too much for South Carolina.

Clemson Wins
Clemson Covers -3

You can check out this preview and many rivalry week previews at The ACC & SEC Blog

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas Pull Upset Games for Thanksgiving--

jay holgate — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:54:08 -0500

Original Story Published on SEC Sports Report

ATLANTA, Ga —It’s rivalry weekend. The final SEC games of the regular season don’t need any more hype but I see this as Upset Weekend .

This Thanksgiving weekend there are five state championship games at stake which includes three SEC vs ACC match-ups. Three games could be upsets so don’t get caught with a turkey bone in your mouth on Saturday night.

I was 5-1 in my SEC picks and picked the LSU upset and nailed the sleeper game with Kentucky upsetting the Dogs. I’m 74-16 for the season which keeps me at 82 percent accuracy for the year.

Here are my Saturday predictions:

SEC Upset Game No. 1: SEC vs ACC–South Carolina vs Clemson in Columbia

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier needs a big win as bad as anybody in the SEC.

Spurrier has lived in the state long enough where he even hates Clemson now. The Cocks have played games close but not brought home the wins. Two weeks to prepare for this game was a much needed break. South Carolina is hungry.

Clemson has dominated the series this decade. This season, Clemson has won six games in a row. Coach Swinney says he's not even thinking about the ACC Championship game until the rivalry game is over.

I believe Clemson comes in with a chip on their shoulder. South Carolina gets some huge turnovers and wins in a close one 24-21.

SEC Upset Game No. 2: 15 LSU vs Arkansas in Baton Rouge

The Tigers are favored by 3.5 points but this is an upset in the making.

Coach Les Miles has been catching a ton of heat about the poorly managed Ole Miss upset. He is a glass half-full guy and he lives for momentum. There is too much mud on his face from last week to get focused enough for Arkansas.

Meanwhile, Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett is lighting up the skies. Mallett is getting better every week and this Hawg team is starting to have some confidence again. This game might get ugly. Hawgs win 24-16.

Upset SEC Game No. 3: Tennessee vs Kentucky in Lexington

The odds makers like Tennessee by three. The Vols have owned the Cats for 24 years in this series.

I believe Coach Kiffin told the Knoxville Police department to expedite the investigation of starting safety Janzen Jackson because his dad needed more players on defense.

It worked. Amazingly, Jackson has been cleared of charges and available to play Saturday. But the Vols are pretty banged up.

Kentucky has won five of their last six games this season and has enough momentum going to pull the upset on Saturday. Kentucky’s Randall Cobb is a playmaker and as long as he is on the field, the Cats have a chance. I believe the Cats pull the upset 21-20.

2 Alabama vs Auburn in the Plains

Coach Nick Saban knows what is at stake here. Beating Auburn coach Gene Chizik in their first clash on the road would be another notch on his wall. A big win against Auburn in the Plains helps recruiting significantly.

Auburn has been hot and cold all year and who knows which team will show up Saturday. If Auburn is hot, they may keep it close. Either way, I don’t see any reason in which Bama loses this one. Roll Tide 31-14.

1 Florida vs Florida State in the Swamp

The Gators have won five in a row against the Seminoles and this year will have the same result. Tim Tebow will have another great game as his team finishes the regular season undefeated. Gators romp 35-14.

Georgia vs Georgia Tech in Atlanta

I never thought I would see this. Georgia Tech is favored to beat powerhouse Georgia by a touchdown. This Georgia team seems like it never got on the tracks this season.

The Dawgs have lived off big plays for a decade and for now those days are behind them. It’s hard to pick an ACC team but I will close my eyes. The Jackets will win 28-24.

25 Ole Miss vs Miss State in Starkville

The Rebels won a squeaker last week against LSU and it was big win for the program. This week, Coach Nutt will have to travel and finish off with a win over the in-state rival to capture the Egg Bowl. Look out for Dexter. State will put up a good fight but not a win. Rebels win 35-24.

I enjoyed my visit to Knoxville last weekend and will be traveling to western Tennessee for Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to the upset games and would love to see the SEC beat the ACC in all three games. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Until next time, I will see you on the ball field.

Jay Holgate is an SEC sports analyst, freelance writer and life coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. He can be heard around the South on sports radio.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Paul Johnson and Dabo Swinney Prove Their Critics Wrong

Jeffrey Fann — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:31:24 -0500

Regardless of what happens against their rivals South Carolina and Georgia Saturday, the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will meet in the ACC Championship Game for the right to represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl.

Paul Johnson coaches Georgia Tech, and Dabo Swinney coaches Clemson. If you've followed these two coaches over the last one-and-a-half to two years, you know they had a lot of critics doubting whether each could succeed at his respective school.

Let's start with Paul Johnson.

Johnson had always been a nice coach. The early part of his career was highlighted by winning two I-AA national titles in 1985-1986 as offensive coordinator of the Georgia Southern Eagles. Back then he ran his version of the option offense with a guy named Tracy Ham. Ham was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks college football has ever seen.

Johnson had successful offensive coordinator stints at Hawaii and Navy, setting all kinds of school records along the way. He went back to Georgia Southern as head coach and won two more I-AA championships. He moved on to be head coach of the Naval Academy, where Navy had their most successful run of football since the 1960s. Navy beat Notre Dame for the first time in over 40 years while Johnson was there.

Come on though; Georgia Southern and Navy aren't big-time college football. How could his throwback triple option offense succeed at a BCS school? Georgia Tech gave him a shot, and the rest is history.

Critics said you couldn't run the option anymore in major college football; the defenses were too fast. If it did succeed for a little while, defenses would figure it out. Fans would be bored by the offense. This experiment was doomed to fail.

Paul Johnson, ever confident in his offense and abilities, proved his critics all wrong. All he's done while at Georgia Tech is win 19 of his first 24 games for a .792 winning percentage. His offense is second in the country in rushing and first in the ACC in total offense. Apparently defenses didn't figure it out the second time around.

He's taken a Georgia Tech program mired in mediocrity and has them ranked in the top 10 and in the midst of their best season since the 1990 national championship season. Georgia Tech fans love him. Anyone care to doubt him anymore?

Let's talk about Dabo Swinney now.

Swinney was moving right along in his career pretty well. He was coaching wide receivers and tight ends at Alabama for most of latter part of the '90s, but then he hit a road bump. When he was fired in 2001 with the rest of the Alabama staff, he worked in real estate for nearly two years.

Tommy Bowden gave him the chance to get back into coaching, and in 2003 Swinney joined the Clemson staff as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. He would develop a reputation as a very good recruiter and assistant coach.

When Bowden departed Clemson in 2008, Swinney was named interim head coach. The college football world figured Swinney was just a short-term solution until the Tigers could find a more experienced head coach.

Swinney, ever energetic, began the Tiger Walk (Clemson players arm in arm walking toward the end zone during pregame) and the "All In" rallying cry. Opposing fans at best found Swinney harmless and at worst a coach wasting time with motivational gimmicks.

After a 4-3 finish and a Gator Bowl appearance, Swinney was given the reins of the Clemson program. Most still felt this was a mistake. He just didn't have enough experience.

Like Johnson, Swinney proved his critics wrong. A loss to Maryland early left many skeptical, but Swinney rallied the troops, and the Tigers have won six straight games. Clemson won its first ACC title of any sort in nearly 20 years by capturing the ACC's Atlantic Division. This is something Bowden could never accomplish.

If you doubt Swinney's coaching ability, you're making a mistake. He and offensive coordinator Billy Napier made adjustments to a struggling offense to get the ball into C.J Spiller's hands and get the tight ends more involved in the passing game. Clemson, known for its roller coaster-like play, is playing its most consistent football in many years.

These are two head coaches that believe in themselves and their players and now have their teams playing for an ACC championship.

This article is also featured at All About Sports .

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Is Clemson Running Back C.J. Spiller Overrated?

Timmy Edwards-Ferrel — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:02:58 -0500

Is C.J. Spiller, Clemson's amazing running back/kick returner, overrated? The Clemson Athletic Department obviously thinks not, as they paid a lot of money to get him back this year.

So, is he actually worth the money and hype?

The easy answer is yes and no. Spiller was not overrated coming into the season, and he has certainly played outstandingly this year. But at the same time, many analysts and fans have overrated him, calling him the best player in the country.

Um, no.

Spiller is one of the best player's in the country, that's for sure. But the best? Not even close. He's not even the best running back in the country, but we will get to that later.

Spiller is a great returner (16 kick returns for 549 yards and three TDs, eight punt returns for 206 yards, and one TD), but he is an above-average running back at best (172 carries for 894 yards and seven TDs).

He is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, which is the worst of his career, and is averaging only 81.3 yards per game on 15.6 carries per game. He was a much better running back in 2006, when he rushed for 938 yards and 10 TDs on 129 carries.

Spiller is a receiving threat out of the backfield, with 29 catches for 421 yards and four TDs. But he is too much of a big-play player, and doesn't show enough consistency in any facet of his game for him to be considered the best player in the country. While it's great to have a guy who can break a 70-yard run, it's even better to have a guy you know will grind the defense down for 80 yards every drive.

You also have to consider Spiller's level of competition. Clemson has only played two really good teams this year: TCU and Georgia Tech. Spiller played well in both of those games (199 rushing yards, 148 receiving yards, 114 kick return yards, zero punt return yards, two total TDs), but not well enough for Clemson to win.

The Georgia Tech game was especially bad, as Spiller disappeared for most of the game. In Clemson's other loss (to lowly Maryland), Spiller had only 72 rushing yards and seven receiving yards with no TDs. He also attempted one punt return for zero yards and two kick returns for 103 yards and one TD. Most of those kick return yards came on his 92-yard, awe-inspiring TD return where he shook multiple tacklers.

That's Spiller's biggest problem, his tendency to disappear in games. For him to be the best player in the country, he needs to perform on a day-in, day-out basis.

Spiller is up for many awards, so let's break down which awards he deserves and which awards he doesn't.

Heisman Trophy : No. Both Mark Ingram and Tim Tebow are better than Spiller, and Toby Gerhart, Colt McCoy, Case Keenum, and Kellen Moore are just as good as Spiller. Spiller might get invited to New York, but he should not be anywhere close to winning it. The only way this changes is if he absolutely goes off against South Carolina this week and against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game, leading Clemson to wins in both games.

Doak Walker Award : No. Mark Ingram and Toby Gerhart are better pure running backs than Spiller, as are many others in the country. Spiller has the 46th most rushing yards in the country, and is tied for the 75th most rushing TDs in the country. Realistically, there are about 60 better pure running backs in the country than Spiller. The Doak Walker Award is for the best running back in the country, not the best player who happens to play running back. So no, Spiller should not win this, nor should he have even been a semifinalist.

ACC Player of the Year : Yes. Clemson won the ACC Atlantic and Spiller is their entire team, so he is definitely the ACC Player of the Year. The only other people who could even be considered candidates are Jonathan Dwyer and Ryan Williams, and neither of them has led their team the way that Spiller has. If Spiller doesn't win this, something's wrong.

First-Team All-ACC : Yes. Spiller should be the first-team specialist player, because he does it all. Were it not for Spiller's threat as a return man, he might not be on the first-team list, because Dwyer and Williams are both better pure running backs. But, he is an amazing all-around player, and will definitely get this honor.

First-Team All-American : Yes. Spiller should be the first-team All-Purpose player, because, once again, he does it all. Name one other player in the country who can harm you in the kick game, rushing game, and receiving game as much as Spiller. You can't.

So, back to the original question: Is C.J. Spiller overrated? Yes, he is, but only slightly. He has singlehandedly taken a Clemson team with little else besides him to the ACC Championship Game, and is one of the most dynamic players in the country. Barring a major injury or something else quirky, he will be a top 15 pick in the NFL Draft in April, and will be a more-polished version of Reggie Bush for some team. If it weren't for Clemson trying to overhype him and ESPN buying into it, he wouldn't be overrated at all.

Here's to hoping that South Carolina can stop him this weekend.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

Clemson Students Hold Funeral for Cocky

Jacqueline Kirby — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:43:11 -0500

Last night Clemson University fans held a funeral service for the South Carolina Gamecocks mascot, Cocky. The service was part of a huge pep rally to get the team ready for the rivalry game on Saturday.

There were Clemson fans from all over the community who came out to enjoy the festivities.

A coffin containing the mascot sat at the front of the festivities surrounded by members of the Tiger Platoon and the Clemson mascots. The cheerleaders and rally cats performed for the celebration.

The funeral service is becoming a Clemson tradition. We end the regular season with a game against South Carolina every year and this is just something extra for the students and community to take part in.

This is just a part of the events that lead up to the rivalry game. There has also been a "Blood Bowl" in which the schools compete to see which school can donate the most blood this holiday season.

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com

2009 South Carolina Gamecocks: A "Wait 'Til Next Year" Team

Ken Campbell — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:21:42 -0500

Will the 2010 college football season be the one Gamecocks fans have always waited for?

Throughout the 2009 season I have heard, and said myself that this team is mostly a bunch of young kids playing this year.

The "kids" now have some experience under their belts. They know what it takes to win and how it feels to lose. These "kids" are also the highly-ranked classes of 2008 and 2009.

This season has been filled with many highs, great plays, and great games.

We also saw the mistakes and inexperience that comes with such a young team.

Nevertheless, the season was a successful one as South Carolina goes into the weekend facing its intrastate rival, Clemson. Six or seven wins this year should be considered just that, successful.

The 2009 team should not be ashamed of how the season went because they could just as well be sitting on an 8-4 or 9-3 season were it not for a little more luck or a few less mistakes.

When the season ends for 2009, I feel we can say with confidence, "Wait 'til next year."

Read more Columbia SC news on BleacherReport.com