Well here it is more than 24 hours after the Tigers opened the season with a 37-14 victory over Middle Tennessee and with some time to reflect here are some thoughts. First of all, CJ Spiller's kickoff return for six will be one of those things that 20 years from now 200,000 people say they were in the building when it happened. I really believe it will be one of those football plays that will go down in Tiger lore. All I could say afterwards was "Wow!". Now all of Tiger nation holds its breath to see how serious his toe injury is. Could it be that for two seasons in a row that the Tigers will have to go against Georgia Tech without the services of their best player? We may not know the answer to that question until Wednesday.
The one two punch of Spiller and Jacoby Ford has to scare special team coaches to death. I don't know that I would ever kick a punt to these two guys and I know I would squib kick every time on kick offs. Enjoy the kick off and punts returns you saw Saturday in the Valley because I don't know that you will see many more.
The debut of Kyle Parker went about as I expected it would. I tried to tell everyone that would listen that the separation between Kyle and Willy Korn was significant and I think we all saw that. Parker's stats could have been much better if not for the dropped passes, but 9-20 for 153 yards and two touchdowns sure did look good. The plays that he made with his feet might have been the most impressive of the night. As for Willy, all I can say is poor guy. It is like someone has a voodoo doll and just sticks him with pins whenever he enters a game. Dabo and Billy Napier now have a big job ahead of them of keeping Willy's head straight. These type of things have got to play with your mind. Hopefully he will be able to get something positive going.
The Tigers piled up 202 yards rushing, but I am not sure any of us are convinced this team is ready to line it up and knock folks off the ball. I loved the formula of running the ball 40 plus times and game and throwing it 20 to 25 times per game, especially with an inexperienced quarterback. Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington are going to be really good. It was also good to see Rendrick Taylor get in there and pound the football. It would have been better if Rendrick and the offensive line could have gotten it in the end zone from just two yards out in the second quarter.
Speaking of the offensive line, well they were at times offensive but at other times I thought they looked good. Consistency is the big thing. You can't play one series well and then get beat on the next. That is part of the problem when you play young guys. At some point in time this group has got to gel or at least that is the hope.
Defensively Brandon Maye, D'Andre McDaniel and the boys rock some Blue Raiders. Three interceptions to go along with three sacks and only seven points given up. The aggressive style was just what all of us expected out of Kevin Steele. It should be real interesting to see how the D plays against an offense that as Dabo says "plays inside a phone booth". Disciplined, stay at home, be true to your assignments will be the order of the day against Georgia Tech.
It wasn't the perfect opener against Middle Tennessee, but the 37-14 victory gives the coaching both things to build on and things to get on the team about.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Now, we wait!
As I write this, Miami has claimed the ACC Baseball Championship title with an 8-4 victory over Virginia, so congrats to the Canes. The sixteen regional sites have been announced and the ACC has landed four (Miami, FSU, UNC and NCSU). Coastal Carolina has been named a regional host for the second year in a row. The field of 64 will be named tomorrow at 12:30pm. There are 30 automatic qualifiers and 34 at-large teams. Is Clemson worthy of one of those 34 bids? Here are the pros. First of all the Tigers are #26 in the RPI according to Warren Nolan's "Nitty Gritty Report" which is about as close to the formula used by the NCAA. Secondly the Tigers played only eight games against teams below #88 in the RPI and they went 8-0 versus those teams. Compare that to Coastal which played 35 games against teams with an RPI of 101 or less. The Chanticleers went 31-4 versus those teams. Lastly, Clemson went 6-4 in their last ten games of the year, not overly impressive but good nevertheless. Now the cons. The Tigers went a combined 0-15 versus Miami, UNC, FSU, South Carolina and Georgia and only 9-20 versus teams in the Top 50. Secondly, Clemson was only 11-18-1 in the ACC this year. Thirdly, Jack Leggett's team was 10-12-1 on the road.
There is some talk that the SEC may get 9 teams in the field of 64 with Arkansas being the ninth team. The Razorbacks didn't even make the SEC Tournament, so that brings up the question of "If you don't qualify for your own tournament should you get a berth in the NCAA's?". Now I brought up Coastal earlier and I did that to ask you this question, "If the Tigers had played Coastal's schedule how many wins would they have and would it be enough for a NCAA berth?" How about, "How many games would Coastal have won against Clemson's schedule and would they be hosting a regional?"
Here is hoping for the best tomorrow and that the NCAA Tournament streak continues.
There is some talk that the SEC may get 9 teams in the field of 64 with Arkansas being the ninth team. The Razorbacks didn't even make the SEC Tournament, so that brings up the question of "If you don't qualify for your own tournament should you get a berth in the NCAA's?". Now I brought up Coastal earlier and I did that to ask you this question, "If the Tigers had played Coastal's schedule how many wins would they have and would it be enough for a NCAA berth?" How about, "How many games would Coastal have won against Clemson's schedule and would they be hosting a regional?"
Here is hoping for the best tomorrow and that the NCAA Tournament streak continues.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Does it end with Tech?
The season could come to an end with tomorrows game against Georgia Tech and with that also ending maybe the streak of 21 consecutive NCAA appearances. The "Mercy Rule" at the hands of NC State did not please anyone associated with the Tiger baseball program, but when you give up six runs in the top of the first you get what you deserve. Giving a pitcher like Clayton Shunick a six run cushion before he even steps on the mound for the first time in the game and you are asking for trouble. All he had to do was pound the strike zone and change speeds and the game was his. Here are some notes on the series with the Yellow Jackets:
Clemson and Georgia Tech have met 196 times on the diamond, with the Tigers holding a 97-96-3 lead in the series dating back to the 1902 season. Earlier this season, Georgia Tech defeated Clemson twice in three games in Atlanta, while the Tigers downed the Yellow Jackets twice in three games during the 2006 regular season at Clemson. Clemson holds a 13-9 lead in ACC Tournament games. The two last met in the tournament in 2006, when Clemson defeated the Yellow Jackets twice in three games in Jacksonville to advance to the championship game. Clemson also holds a 16-7 lead in neutral-site contests. Jack Leggett is 31-26 against the Yellow Jackets as Clemson’s head coach, including a 6-5 record in the ACC Tournament. Leggett was also 3-5 against Georgia Tech as the head coach at Western Carolina, therefore he is 34-31 all-time against the Yellow Jackets.
Airtime for us on network lines will be 9:45am with the first pitch scheduled for 10am.
Clemson and Georgia Tech have met 196 times on the diamond, with the Tigers holding a 97-96-3 lead in the series dating back to the 1902 season. Earlier this season, Georgia Tech defeated Clemson twice in three games in Atlanta, while the Tigers downed the Yellow Jackets twice in three games during the 2006 regular season at Clemson. Clemson holds a 13-9 lead in ACC Tournament games. The two last met in the tournament in 2006, when Clemson defeated the Yellow Jackets twice in three games in Jacksonville to advance to the championship game. Clemson also holds a 16-7 lead in neutral-site contests. Jack Leggett is 31-26 against the Yellow Jackets as Clemson’s head coach, including a 6-5 record in the ACC Tournament. Leggett was also 3-5 against Georgia Tech as the head coach at Western Carolina, therefore he is 34-31 all-time against the Yellow Jackets.
Airtime for us on network lines will be 9:45am with the first pitch scheduled for 10am.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Hernandez just too much
Chris Hernandez was as advertised today going eight innings, striking out 9, allowing just four hits, and most importantly allowing zero runs. The Tigers were never really in the game as Miami scored two runs in the first and then got a solo home run in the second in bolting out to a 3-0 lead. Each time it seemed the Tigers were on the verge of getting back into the game, they would ground into a double play. The final Miami 7 and Clemson 1. For Clemson to make the championship game now they must have Miami lose tomorrow and on Saturday and the Tigers must beat NC State and Georgia Tech. The Wolfpack are up next tomorrow night at 8pm. Here are some notes on the series with NC State:
Clemson and N.C. State have met 169 times on the diamond, with the Tigers holding a 101-67-1 lead in the series dating back to the 1921 season. Earlier this season, the Tigers defeated N.C. State twice in three games. Last year, the Wolfpack won two games. Clemson holds a 17-9 lead in ACC Tournament games and has won nine ACC Tournament games in a row against N.C. State. The Wolfpack’s last victory over the Tigers in the ACC Tournament took place in 1992, when N.C. State defeated Clemson twice in as many days. The two teams last met in the ACC Tournament in the 2006 title game, as the Tigers caputured the championship with an 8-4 victory. Clemson also holds a 13-10 lead all-time in neutral-site games. Jack Leggett has a 35-17 record against N.C. State as Clemson’s head coach, including an 8-0 record in the ACC Tournament. Leggett was also 7-18 against N.C. State as Western Carolina’s head coach, meaning he has a 42-35 all-time record against the Wolfpack.
Clemson and N.C. State have met 169 times on the diamond, with the Tigers holding a 101-67-1 lead in the series dating back to the 1921 season. Earlier this season, the Tigers defeated N.C. State twice in three games. Last year, the Wolfpack won two games. Clemson holds a 17-9 lead in ACC Tournament games and has won nine ACC Tournament games in a row against N.C. State. The Wolfpack’s last victory over the Tigers in the ACC Tournament took place in 1992, when N.C. State defeated Clemson twice in as many days. The two teams last met in the ACC Tournament in the 2006 title game, as the Tigers caputured the championship with an 8-4 victory. Clemson also holds a 13-10 lead all-time in neutral-site games. Jack Leggett has a 35-17 record against N.C. State as Clemson’s head coach, including an 8-0 record in the ACC Tournament. Leggett was also 7-18 against N.C. State as Western Carolina’s head coach, meaning he has a 42-35 all-time record against the Wolfpack.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Taking on the Canes
Got into Jacksonville today and took the family to dinner at The Jacksonville Landing and I must admit there was hardly any buzz concerning the tournament. I did see some Clemson faithful and they seemed jazzed up about the opening round match up with Miami.
Clemson and Miami (FL) have met 49 times on the diamond, with the Hurricanes holding a 26-22-1 lead in the series dating back to the 1977 season. Earlier this season, the Hurricanes swept the Tigers in three games at Mark Light Field. Last year, the two teams split four games, including Clemson’s 5-4 win in 13 innings in the ACC Tournament. Alex Lee’s walk off, suicide squeeze bunt gave Clemson the victory. The Tigers hold a 9-5 lead in the series since Miami joined the ACC prior to the 2005 season, including a 2-0 lead in ACC Tournament games. The Tigers also defeated the Hurricanes 9-1 in the 2005 ACC Tournament. Miami holds a 7-6 lead all-time in neutral-site games as well. Jack Leggett is 14-14 against the Hurricanes as Clemson’s head coach, including a 4-4 mark in neutral-site contests. He was also 0-1 against Miami as head coach at Western Carolina, meaning he is 14-15 all-time against the Hurricanes.
Miami (FL) will start lefthander and ACC Freshman-of-the-Year Chris Hernandez (10-0, 2.67 ERA) on the mound. The Miami, FL native has made 13 starts for a total of 84.1 innings pitched. He has allowed 67 hits (.216 opponents’ batting average) and 14 walks with 87 strikeouts. He has also allowed just 12 extra-base hits, including only two homers. The Tigers will counter with junior righthander D.J. Mitchell (6-4, 3.11 ERA) on Wednesday. The Rural Hall, NC native has made 13 starts and six relief appearances for a total of 92.2 innings pitched. He has allowed 89 hits (.254 opponents’ batting average) and 37 walks with 95 strikeouts.
Air time for us on network lines is supposed to be 12:45pm, but with a game in front of us starting at 10am I wouldn't be surprised if we don't hit the airwaves until sometime around 1:15pm. I will check in tomorrow after game one. Go Tigers!
Clemson and Miami (FL) have met 49 times on the diamond, with the Hurricanes holding a 26-22-1 lead in the series dating back to the 1977 season. Earlier this season, the Hurricanes swept the Tigers in three games at Mark Light Field. Last year, the two teams split four games, including Clemson’s 5-4 win in 13 innings in the ACC Tournament. Alex Lee’s walk off, suicide squeeze bunt gave Clemson the victory. The Tigers hold a 9-5 lead in the series since Miami joined the ACC prior to the 2005 season, including a 2-0 lead in ACC Tournament games. The Tigers also defeated the Hurricanes 9-1 in the 2005 ACC Tournament. Miami holds a 7-6 lead all-time in neutral-site games as well. Jack Leggett is 14-14 against the Hurricanes as Clemson’s head coach, including a 4-4 mark in neutral-site contests. He was also 0-1 against Miami as head coach at Western Carolina, meaning he is 14-15 all-time against the Hurricanes.
Miami (FL) will start lefthander and ACC Freshman-of-the-Year Chris Hernandez (10-0, 2.67 ERA) on the mound. The Miami, FL native has made 13 starts for a total of 84.1 innings pitched. He has allowed 67 hits (.216 opponents’ batting average) and 14 walks with 87 strikeouts. He has also allowed just 12 extra-base hits, including only two homers. The Tigers will counter with junior righthander D.J. Mitchell (6-4, 3.11 ERA) on Wednesday. The Rural Hall, NC native has made 13 starts and six relief appearances for a total of 92.2 innings pitched. He has allowed 89 hits (.254 opponents’ batting average) and 37 walks with 95 strikeouts.
Air time for us on network lines is supposed to be 12:45pm, but with a game in front of us starting at 10am I wouldn't be surprised if we don't hit the airwaves until sometime around 1:15pm. I will check in tomorrow after game one. Go Tigers!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Well, They Made It
It was a rough couple of weeks for the Clemson baseball team, but Jack Leggett's kids won when they had to and got some help from the boys at VPI, so now it is off to Jacksonville for the ACC Baseball Championship. The Tigers will be the number eight seed and face the one seed, Miami. The Tigers lost all three match-ups in Coral Gables early this year, but two out of the three were close, including the first game which Yonder Alonzo won on a towering home run that still might be going. The way D.J. Mitchell has pitched as of late, most Tiger faithful will be looking for a "W" in game one. I am not saying I don't like Clemson's chances, but mind you Miami has been ranked number one in the country most of the season for a reason. Game one will be Wednesday with the first pitch scheduled for 1pm. Game two for the Tigers will be against NC State on Thursday at 8pm. Clemson took two out of three from the Pack this season. Elliott Avent, the coach of NC State, is one of my favorite opposing coaches in the league. His club has been playing very well as of late despite losing two out of three against Florida State in Tallahassee to end the regular season. The Tigers will get an off day on Friday and then take on Georgia Tech Saturday morning at 10am. The Jackets went two and one versus the Tigers in Atlanta just a couple of weeks ago. It was the last game against Tech when the Tigers bats came alive scoring 16 runs and pounding out 20 hits. Since then the Tigers haven't lost and have had at least ten hits in each of the last five games. So what needs to happen for the Tigers to make the NCAA Tournament? I think Clemson has to go at least two and one in the ACC Tournament with one of the wins coming over Miami. As I write this Clemson sits at number 24 in Warren Nolan's "Nitty Gritty Report" (http://www.warrennolan.com/baseball/2008/nitty). I will have daily updates from Jacksonville starting on Tuesday. If you are in Jacksonville hunt me down at the ballpark. Go Tigers!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
This Coach Gets It
I have always liked Brian O'Connor the head baseball coach at Virginia. Read this article and I think you will as well:
http://www.roanoke.com/sports/college/wb/161753
Big night tonight at Doug Kingsmore. Hope all of you will come out and support John Pawlowski and his family. I hope the Tigers don't get caught up in the emotion of tonight because this game is a big one for the slim NCAA chances the Tigers have.
http://www.roanoke.com/sports/college/wb/161753
Big night tonight at Doug Kingsmore. Hope all of you will come out and support John Pawlowski and his family. I hope the Tigers don't get caught up in the emotion of tonight because this game is a big one for the slim NCAA chances the Tigers have.
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