Tuesday, November 25, 2008

SENIORS RUB THE ROCK ONE LAST TIME


Saturday marks the last time the Seniors and Graduates on the Clemson Tiger football team will rub the rock and run down the hill at Death Valley. This is a very talented group of players and includes some guys who have made huge contributions to the program in their careers at Clemson. Below is a partial list in random order.
There is a strong chance that at least a couple or more of these players move on to a professional career in football. Rub The Rock will be following the 2009 NFL draft and keep everyone updated. Let's show our appreciation and support Sat.
WR Nelson Faerber
S Michael Hamlin
WR Aaron Kelly
DT Rashaad Jackson
RB James Davis
P Jimmy Maners
QB Cullen Harper
S Chris Clemmons
DT Dorell Scott
K Mark Buccholz
S Haydrian Lewis
WR Tyler Grisham
C Bobby Hutchinson
RB Rendrick Taylor
TE Akeem Robinson
DT Jock McKissic
LB Josh Miller

SPURRIER'S FIRST YEAR


The Tigers go to Williams Brice Stadium in 2005 and beat the #19 gamecocks 13-9.

REMEMBER THIS FROM LAST YEAR?


The infamous billboard that caused such a stir after Clemson beat the gamecocks in Williams Brice Stadium in 2007. The billboard was located on I-26 in Columbia, SC.

IT"S A CONSPIRACY!


Since it's rivalry week, I thought I would post the SC automobile license plate since it contains purple and orange and therefore represents Clemson.

Monday, November 24, 2008

2003 TIGERS vs. GAMECOCKS FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS

Of course, no one on either side of the rivalry who watched or attended this game will ever forget it. The 2003 63-17 beatdown ranks up there as one of my favorite games of all time and I still admire Charlie Whitehurst for going 4-0 against the gamecocks during his Clemson career. The video isn't the greatest (but what youtube video is?)but it's worth watching. Thanks to clemson342 for the video and Todd Ellis for announcing "touchdown Clemson" nine times.

2007 TIGERS vs. GAMECOCKS FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS



Just a little something to get you in the mood for this coming Saturday's showdown. The music is by Sammy Hagar and thanks to gotigers2005 for the video.

WEEK 12 RECAP OF CLEMSON PLAYERS IN NFL

Each week I will give a brief update on game stats of Clemson players in the NFL.

Gaines Adams- DE Tampa Bay Bucs
Gaines Adams had 3 solo tackles and a sack for the Bucs D. Tampa Bay overcame a 17 point 1st quarter deficit to rally for a road win against the Lions and reclaim the NFC South division lead. Adams now has 30 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 INT's for the 2008 season.

Leroy Hill- LB Seattle Seahawks
Leroy Hill had 2 solo tackles in a losing effort as the Washington Redskins defeated the Seahawks 20-17. Hill has 83 tackles on the year, 63 of which are solo tackles.

Trevor Pryce- DE Baltimore Ravens
Two time Super Bowl Champion and four time Pro Bowl player Trevor Pryce had 3 solo tackles and was credited with 0.5 sack in an obliteration of the Philadelphia Eagles. Pryce now has 21 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the season.

Brian Dawkins- FS Philadelphia Eagles
Six time Pro Bowl player Brian Dawkins had 2 tackles, one solo, in a loss to the Ravens. Dawkins is credited with 52 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 2 sacks so far in 2008.

Phillip Merling- DE Miami Dolphins
Rookie Phillip Merling had 3 solo tackles in a loss to the Patriots on Sunday. Merling now has 18 tackles and a sack for the year.

Chansi Stuckey- WR New York Jets
Second year player Chansi Stuckey made one reception in a blowout win over the previously undefeated Tennessee Titans. Stuckey now has 21 receptions for 236 yards and 3 TD's for the 2008 NFL season.

Justin Miller- KR Oakland Raiders
Justin Miller, who spent the past 3 1/2 seasons with the NY Jets, was recently acquired by the Raiders as a kick return specialist. He had 3 returns, averaging 21.0 yards, in a win over the Broncos on Sunday.

*note- did not play or no stats:
Tye Hill CB St. Louis Rams
Charlie Whitehurst QB San Diego Chargers
Anthony Waters LB San Diego Chargers
Barry Richardson OT Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Fudge DB Atlanta Falcons

TIGERS 13 CAVS 3


Charlottesville, VA

The Tigers came away with a big road win on Saturday, defeating UVA in a low scoring, hard fought battle 13-3. The Tiger D played lights-out, intercepting Cavs QB Mark Verica three times and sacking him twice. Michael Hamlin, Crezdon Butler and DeAndre' Mc Daniel each had a pick and Hamlin actually had a second INT that was nullified due to a penalty. Hamlin is now tied with former Tiger Justin Miller with 13 in his Clemson career. There were plenty of big plays on defense but my defensive game ball goes to Byron Maxwell. 7 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a forced fumble caused when he laid Virginia's FB Rashawn Jackson out like he had been run over by a Mack truck. Here is what Maxwell had to say: “I thought, ‘This is going to be a big hit,’ because I knew he didn’t see me coming and I knew I was going to get there right when the pass came in. Then, I just hit him, really hard.” Yes, he did and it was a highlight reel hit. There were so many great plays on defense. Rashaad Jackson and Kavelle Connor each had a sack and tackles for loss. Jarvis Jenkins and DaQuan Bowers also had tackles for loss and the overall intensity of the defense was awesome.

On the offensive side of the ball, the only touchdown of the day came on a trick play: C.J. Spiller lined up in the backfield; Grisham at receiver. Spiller took the pitch from Harper and ran right while Grisham headed straight up field and then broke into the right side of the end zone. The safety moved up to provide run support, leaving Grisham uncovered and Spiller lofted his first career TD pass to make it a 7-0 game. Buccholz kicked two field goals, one from 32 and another from 23 to continue his stellar year. His only miss was from a ridiculously long 58 yards. QB Cullen Harper went 18-28 for 139 yards and continues to look much better than he did earlier in the year. He did not throw a TD but neither did he throw an INT or make poor decisions. Jacoby Ford had a nice 19 yd. catch and run, Aaron Kelly padded his ACC reception record by 5 more and Spiller, Davis and Grisham caught passes for some decent gains as well. The offensive stats don't jump out at you but the important thing is the "W".

The offensive line held up well and although neither Davis nor Spiller's rushing stats are impressive, two things must be noted. First, James Davis took full advantage of the holes that were there and gained some tough, grinding yards, averaging 3.6 per carry. Late in the game, with Clemson facing a 3rd and 6 and holding a 7 point lead, Davis gained seven yards. Here is what JD had to say: “I told them to give me the ball and let me and the offensive line put this game on our backs and we will take it home". The entire VA defense was committed to stopping Spiller at all costs and did a good job, holding him to 31 yards on 14 carries but their strategy also resulted in the TD pass to Grisham. Second, coming into this game the Cavs were second in the ACC with 28 sacks, only one behind FSU. VA's LB Chris Sinton received a lot of press coming into the matchup and rightfully so since he racked up 11 sacks in his previous 10 games. I'm sure the Cavs D was salivating after watching Clemson give up 5 sacks to Duke the previous week but Sinton and the rest of the VA defense did not register a single sack in the game.

Overall, it was a great win for coach Dabo Swinney and the team. The Tigers are playing inspired football and have a chance to win their seventh game this Saturday against their state rival. With coach Swinney trying to lock up the head coaching position for 2009, a bowl game and bragging rights, a lot is riding on the game. Go Tigers!