What to Look For From Clemson Against Middle Tennessee

The Clemson Tigers open the season tomorrow against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. It's the type game that's good to open with.

You get that team that's probably not quite good enough to beat you, but is good enough to press you and provide a solid opening gauge.

I'll be heading to this game tomorrow, and there are some things I'm looking forward to getting a first hand look at.

1) How is quarterback Kyle Parker going play in his first game as a starter?

I'm expecting Parker to actually play well. As an athlete who's also played big time collegiate baseball, I don't think he'll be nervous. People will be surprised at what a strong\accurate arm he has. He's fairly mobile as well, and you'll see him make a play or two with his feet.

2) What about defensive end De'Quan Bowers?

I'm going to keep a close eye on this one. Bowers is a tremendously gifted athlete, who has All-American potential. He dominated the spring game, but now its time to see if he can harness his physical ability with good fundamental play. He has all the ability in the world, and the Middle Tennessee game will start to show if he's ready to take the next step.

3) Is the offensive line really improved?

They've been preaching toughness all during the offseason for the Tigers. Middle Tennessee doesn't provide a physically imposing defensive line, but they will show many different looks, stunts, and blitzes. If the offensive line is really improved, they should dominate the Blue Raiders defensive front 4. If Clemson has trouble running the ball and protecting quarterback Kyle Parker tomorrow then that certainly wouldn't be a good sign for the rest of the season.

4) Can C.J. Spiller handle the role of feature back?

No one questions C.J. Spiller's talent. He's fast. He can catch passes and he can return kicks. One of the knocks on Spiller last season, was he spent too much time running east\west rather than north\south. He didn't hit the holes hard enough, and got caught up at the line of scrimmage more often than a back of his quality should have. I'm looking to see if Spiller can be an every down back, and take what defense gives him even if it's only a 3-4 yard gainer.

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