FROM 3-4 TO THE GATOR BOWL!

The kickoff of the 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl between the Clemson Tigers and Nebraska Cornhuskers is less than 7 days away! I can think of no better way to spend New Year's Day than watching the Tigers play. Even though the expectations were very high coming into this season, I think all Tigers fans would agree that we are very fortunate to be playing in a prestigious New Year's Day bowl game after the way things unfolded in the beginning and middle part of the schedule. I think back to the feeling I had while sitting in the Georgia Dome at halftime of the Alabama game and after the game. I remember how I felt numb sitting in Death Valley after the Maryland game, almost in a state of shock. I recall being in Winston-Salem and thinking to myself that Tommy Bowden had just sealed his fate with that loss to Wake. The media talked about how the mighty had fallen and Bowden's hot seat was the hottest it had ever been. At this point, it began to get tiresome listening to reports about our offensive line problems, division among the team, how Harper was playing hurt and it just wasn't a fun time to be a Clemson Tigers fan.

However, next up on the roller-coaster ride was a mixture of surprise and relief when it was announced that Bowden was "stepping down". After the announcement of Dabo Swinney as interim coach and listening to his press conference, I felt excitement and pride to the point that tears came to my eyes. I am proud of the way that the team responded afterwards. I am proud of the way coach Swinney unified not only the team but the university and the fans. After the Ga. Tech loss, I didn't have so much of a sick feeling afterwards. I did hate that the 8 year old who sat behind me with his dad and screamed "Go Jackets" seemingly for the ENTIRE game left satisfied. I will never understand why some CU fans sell their tickets to just anybody and force their fellow fans to have to listen to the opposing fans carrying on but I digress. I always hate losing but during the Ga. Tech game, I began to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I had hope. It was great to finally get a win against BC and to do it on the road was even better. Then, we just demolished Duke. Detractors can say whatever they want but I was as nervous about playing Duke this year as I have ever been. We got a great win over Virginia on the road even though I still heard the detractors say how our offense was anemic and this and that. I looked at it as a W. Sure, it's always nice to put up points but when the clock hits 0:00, the W is what counts and it was just a good, old-fashioned, grind-it-out defensive battle. Then, in the annual rivalry against the gamecocks in Death Valley it was, well, just pure bliss. I was wet and cold but jumping for joy the entire game. The only time I was nervous was when SC came out and drove the the length of the field for a TD after the second half kickoff and made it 24-14. We ended up scoring another TD and making big play after big play and the game was never in doubt again. Swinney was then named the head coach and shortly thereafter it was announced that we were playing Nebraska in the Gator Bowl on New Year's Day. Now, I ask you- how cool is that after sitting at 3-4 after the Tech game?

The only way to make this turnaround story even better is to get a win in the Gator Bowl game. Most of the national sportscasters are predicting a Nebraska win but I think the Tigers can pull it off, although it will certainly not be easy. I have studied Nebraska quite a bit since the announcement that they will be our opponent. I have a lot of respect for their offense and they too are having a similar turnaround season. They score a lot of points and have some great weapons on offense. They have a great coach and a strong fan base. It should be an exciting game and I believe we will need to score a minimum of 30 points to get a victory.

The team was scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. today at the team hotel in Jacksonville, their first since the Christmas holiday break. The Tigers should have good weather for their practices with the exception of Monday. According to the Weather Channel, the current weather in Jacksonville is party sunny and 78 degrees. The extended forecast calls for similar weather through the weekend but a 40% chance of rain on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday are both expected to be mostly sunny, although the highs will drop to around 69-70 degrees. On game day, the forecast is for a high of 69 with scattered showers with the chance of precipitation at only 30%. I can't wait until kickoff. Let's finish off this wild season with a win against Nebraksa. GO TIGERS!!!

FULL INTERVIEW WITH REGGIE MERRIWEATHER

Reggie Merriweather is a familiar name to Tigers football fans. In 2006, most of Death Valley was chanting "Reggie, Reggie" as the 4th quarter was winding down and Clemson was driving deep into SC territory. However, for the benefit of those who may be new Tigers football fans and to refresh the memory of the long-time fans, here is a brief bio: Reggie played for North Augusta High School (S.C.) and came to Clemson as a highly rated recruit after an outstanding senior season in which he rushed for 2580 yards and 29 TD's. Merriweather was named Player-of-the-year by several state newspapers and listed as the #27 RB in the nation by Superprep. After redshirting in 2002, he played in all 13 games in 2003 on special teams and had 16 carries as a tailback. In 2004, despite having only started six games, he finished the season with the most carries (136) and led the team in rushing yards (670), averaging 4.9 per carry. Merriweather scored 11 TD's in 2004, 3 of which came in a OT victory against then #10 Miami in the Orange Bowl and 3 more against South Carolina in the year of the infamous brawl.

In 2005, Reggie again started six games while James Davis started the other six. He gained 736 yards on 149 carries, averaging 4.8 per carry and had 7 TD's. Notable games included three 100+ yard performances in a row against Temple, Duke and Georgia Tech. Merriweather scored two TD's against MD that year with a 7.5 average yard per carry and 3 TD's against Duke. In 2006, Davis was the starter in all 13 games and freshman C.J. Spiller was also on the field along with Demerick Chancellor. However, despite the decreased workload, Merriweather averaged 4.2 yards per carry over the first 3 1/2 games and scored two TD's. It was in the second half of the fourth game against UNC that he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of action for the next five games and even after healing, he had only five carries the rest of the way.

I got in touch with Reggie to speak with him about a variety of subjects, including "the" burning question about him being taken out of the game against SC in 2006 after three of those five carries mentioned above went for 23 yards. Here is the conversation:

JM: Following your senior year, you were signed as a free agent by the NFL's San Diego Chargers, reuniting with Clemson teammates LB Anthony Waters and QB Charlie Whitehurst. Tell us about that experience.

RM: It was a real honor and a privilege. Anytime you have a chance to do what you've dreamed about for fifteen some-odd years, it's an awesome feeling. To come in and play with some of the best players in the NFL, not to mention three of the best running backs you've ever seen, it's just kind of overwhelming. Being around Charlie and Anthony was great. Anthony and I played in the Shrine Bowl together, so we've known each other for a while. Charlie and I hit it off real good when we first met back in 2002 because he was dating one of my friends and so we had a lot to talk about. Actually, when I got there (San Diego), I knew half the rookies because I either played with them in the Hula Bowl or knew them from ACC or SEC games that Clemson played in. So it was fun and a tremendous honor. The only bad thing about it was that I was playing behind two Pro Bowl RB's and one of the fastest cats in the league in Darren Sprolles. I was there for about 6 months then got released the day before the first preseason game.

JM: Bring us up to speed on what you have been doing lately. You're living in Charleston now?
RM: I've basically been trying out for different teams and trying to figure out what I want to do as far as coaching, playing ball and what I want to do with my Human Resources degree. I am currently living in Charleston but will probably move back to Augusta at beginning of the year to follow up on some other options. In Charleston, I was coaching and teaching at James Island High school. Being a running back and knowing a lot of defensive schemes, I coached outside linebackers. I enjoyed being around younger kids and coaching them. I also enjoyed sharing old high school and college stories with them as well. I also coached with DeAngelo Bryant from Wake, Sean Grant from Citadel, and Marcus Lawrence from God-awful usc (laughs) but it was enjoyable and even though we were 3-9 we had a ball. Now that football season is over, I'm trying to figure out the next step. I still plan on trying out for the Canadian league. I actually had a contract but I turned it down for that AAFL deal that folded, so just trying to figure my next step.

JM: David Dunham mentioned that you and he still stay in contact and hang out. Are there any other former teammates that you are still tight with?

RM: I keep in touch with a lot of guys and try to stay updated with the team as much as possible. I still talk to C.J. Spiller, Chansi Stuckey, Sergio Gilliam, Will Proctor and a bunch of the guys. It's funny how people change with the times and lose contact but I'm one of those guys that if I know you then I know you. It's kind of like being in the army and having war buddies.

JM: Have you had the opportunity to attend games in Death Valley or follow the Tigers on the road since your playing days at Clemson?

RM: I've been to several games this year but none more memorable than Dabo's first win against the cocks! But yes, I've been to a few games to watch Spiller and Davis do their thing.

JM: You had countless big plays and big games during your playing career as a Tiger including 3 TD's against SC and 3 TD's against then #10 Miami in the Orange Bowl, both in 2004. What game stands out to you as your personal best and what win means the most to you?

RM: Every game was one to remember and I can't really think of one that meant more than the other. My whole career was a great one and I wouldn't change a thing. If I had to choose one to dwell on it would probably be the SC game in 2004. That game was so hyped up and it was really my first game against SC since I had gotten to Clemson and actually got a chance to show my stuff. It was the most memorable because of trash talk and a bunch of folks who said I couldn't play for Carolina and I'd never compare to SEC talent, so yeah it was a touchy game.

JM: I'm sure there were a few disappointing losses to you along the way as well. Any that stand out to you?

RM: That's one to dwell on. We lost a lot of games in my career but there are two that stick out the most: VT and SC- both in my senior season (2006). The only reason I say these games is because I didn't play. [Note: Merriweather in fact did not play against VT due to injury. However, he did have three carries in the SC game. I'm sure what he meant was that he didn't play much - he went in late in the 4th quarter and was yanked after 3 rushes gained an average of 7.7 yards per carry] I'm not saying if I did play, we would have won but when I signed with Clemson, I told Rick Stockstill [who recruited him] that I would give my all to Clemson- mind, body and heart. Just seeing my team struggle and knowing that I can contribute......it cut me even deeper when he [Bowden] took me out of the Carolina game. When we got into the locker room, he gave a speech and at the end he goes , "Can't win them all, guys". I about lost it. I forgive him for that but will never forget.

JM: Okay, since you brought it up, I have been wondering about this for over two years, so let's go back in time: You are a senior playing against SC in your final game in Death Valley. The Gamecocks have just kicked a FG to go up by 3 with just under eight minutes left in the game. The kickoff goes for a touchback. At this moment, you have no carries in the game. Sophomore James Davis has seven carries for 14 yards for a 2.0 yard average and Freshman C.J. Spiller has six carries for 116 yards for a 19.33 yard average. Finally, you get an opportunity and on the first play of this final, crucial series you run for 10 yards and a first down. On the very next play, you run for seven yards. C.J. then gets the next four carries, for 23, 9, -1 and 8 yards but on that last run has to leave the game with an ankle injury. On 1st and 10, you get the carry and run for six yards to the SC 17 yard line. So, at this moment, we have momentum, the crowd is going crazy and chanting your name and you have rushed three times for 10, 7 and 6 yards. You are then taken out of the game and replaced by James Davis, who gets four straight handoffs for 1, 3, 2 and -1 yards. Facing 3rd and 9 with only 27 seconds left, Proctor gets sacked for a 10 yard loss, which forced the failed FG attempt. After the game, there was a huge uproar by the fans who said you should have never been taken out. My question is, given the circumstances, did you question being taken out of the game and were you upset about it afterwards?

RM: The oh so dreaded question. Well, first off, the season for me was kind of a bust from the coaches stand point. When I signed with Clemson, they said I was going to be the only back they took but they ended up taking Duane Coleman also. For as long as I played at Clemson, I was behind some good backs but never got a chance to start a whole bunch. Not that it means a whole lot but when you're a senior and it's your last go-round, it has an affect on you. So, going into my senior year, coaches told me to lose 10 lbs. and come back to camp in the best shape of your life! I did that and more. I reported to camp weighing 203 lbs, running a 4.40 yard 40, benching 415 and squatting about 590! So I was amped. We had, to me, the best back-field in the nation. Imagine Reggie Bush, Mike Turner, and Edgerrin James in one backfield- (laughs) just nasty! That's how I viewed us. I had a great camp but sat in the back seat every game and didn't mind much because we are a team. I contributed and we won, so life was good. I didn't mind much until mid-season and the run game was non-existent. I mean, VT shut us down and so did a few other teams. After my injury earlier in the season, I cried and thought this was it. They tried to rush me back but my ankle was no good. I got healthy about the VT game but we got crushed and it was a long flight back to Clemson. That Monday morning I went and talked to Bowden about the running game and told him I felt hurt and wanted to help my team get out of this hole. After that, nothing changed. We still didn't run the ball, just put everything on Proctor's back and that didn't work out too well. But the Carolina game was hard. I dislike those guys with a passion. When he [Bowden] put me in, I was a man on a mission to conquer and win. When he took me out, I thought it was just for a breather and it surely wasn't. I tugged and pulled on his shirt a few times but he never turned around and looked at me. In the locker room after the game, after he was talking all week about winning and all that stuff, he says," Well, guys, we can't win them all." I about lost it! I was like, "Wow"! I can't believe he just said this, but who knows what would have happened if I would have stayed in. Ever since I was little, I just wanted a chance to prove that me, this little half-pint of a guy could do something big- that I could put Clemson football on my broad "Joey Batson-made" shoulders and take them to the promise land! I'd like to think I was a super hero or something. But yes, it was a heart-breaking game and a bad moment for me and I forgive but won't forget, so all is well.

JM: In 2005, you were credited with making the following quote: "They (fans and media) are seeing James Davis and other freshmen coming in and making a direct impact and forgetting about us". You went on to say that you hoped he and other freshman did have an impact because it would mean you were a better team. You were always a team player and an ambassador for the program but was there ever any tension, jealousy or resentment coming from either side between you and James Davis?

There has always been fight in me and I've always had something that I had to accomplish. The funny thing about life is that there is only a few special ingredients: hard work; perseverance, compassion and tenacity. I learned this when I was young from my dad. We have a wood furnace at home that we burn during the winter, so we'd always have to cut wood and stuff during the summer to get ready for winter. Sometimes we'd have to split the wood because it was too big for the furnance, so my dad is like cock diesel and can split wood with ease. I was a shrimp back in the day and couldn't even lift an axe. Once I could, he let me split a piece of hickory and it was so hard I couldn't crack it. He told me, once you start keep chipping away and if you are persistent, you will break it soon enough. I love competition and it's always been in our group. Burton Burns has always kept it in our room because competition breeds excellence! I love them boys, especially C.J. He's a man after Gods own heart and he's an awesome friend but no there no animosity there.

JM: This is somewhat of a follow up question: In 2006, Tommy Bowden was quoted as saying this about you: "He's in a position where it is tough to get three guys a whole bunch of work, but he's a guy that I would like to get more work, because there is not a lot of separation between him and the others (Davis and Spiller)". However, in looking back at just the first three games of your senior season before your injury, you had 17 carries while Davis had 57 and Spiller had 13. Did you express frustration or let Bowden or any of the other coaches know that you wanted the ball more or were you content to just try and make an impact when you did get it?

RM: I'm not a complainer and I don't say much. I let my playing and my attitude do my walking and talking. However, just as Jeff Davis told me one time: " You have four tires on your car and one of them is squeeking really bad. Which one are you going to pay more attention to? No, I didn't say much to the coaches- just Bowden.

JM: Give us your thoughts and opinions on the announcement of Dabo Swinney as Clemson University's new head football coach.

RM: I know it's a great fit for Dabo. Clemson needed change and he's the man with the plan. I have witnessed him first hand take control of the team and he's brought so much to the program already.

JM: Well, thank you, Reggie. I appreciate you taking the time to let all the Tigers fans catch up with you and we certainly wish you the best in whatever you decide to do in the future.

TUESDAY TRIVIA- ANSWER: TERRENCE FLAGLER

Can you name this former Tiger football player? Here are ten hints:

1. Born in New York, NY

2. Played for same high school as former OC Rick Stockstill, Fernandina Beach High School (FL)

3. Set a FL state record with 408 rushing yards and 7 TD's in one game

4. Third Clemson player to score four TD's in one game

5. Holds Clemson record for all-purpose running yards in a game with 274

6. Played for head coach Danny Ford

7. Took handoffs from QB Rodney Williams

8. All-American and All ACC his senior year

9. Selected in the 1st round of the NFL draft, 25th overall pick

10. Won two Super Bowl Championship rings with the San Franciso 49ers.

Check back on Wednesday for the answer.

POLL RESULTS- TIGERS vs. THE ECONOMY

Thanks to everyone who voted in the most recent poll. The question was: Will your 2009 season game attendance and/or IPTAY donations be affected by the current state of the economy? As much as we all love tailgating and attending games on Saturdays in Death Valley and following the Tigers on the road and to bowl games, I began to wonder if the sad state of financial affairs we find ourselves in would affect the average fan's ability to continue to paying IPTAY dues and/or ticket costs and all the other expenses associated with game days. So, I decided to ask. The majority of the respondents, 45%, said it's a priority no matter what the economy is doing. However, 23% said that the economy would definitely affect their game attendance and/or dues. Another 4% said that they were planning on attending/donating less and another 26% said that their plans for 2009 would possibly be affected unless the economy improved soon.

So, in essence, the results indicate that roughly half the respondents are going to continue to carry on with business as usual while the other half are either possibly or definitely going to have to alter their plans unless things improve soon. It's hard to define exactly what "improvement of the economy" means to all people. For some, it may mean that they're gainfully employed or have a reasonable assurance of continued employment. For others, it may be easier access to credit that has tightened substantially this year or recouping losses suffered in the stock market decline. I want Death Valley to be filled to capacity for every 2009 game, so my Christmas wish is that we see the overall economic turnaround necessary.

Be sure to vote in the new poll regarding your favorite content on this site. If you have suggestions about specific content that you would like to see on the site in the future, just send me an email: jmesser4@gmail.com

TRIBUTE VIDEO- REGGIE MERRIWEATHER

TIGERS IN THE NFL- WEEK 16 UPDATE

Nick Eason- DE Pittsburgh Steelers
Nick Eason had one tackle in limited playing time in a 31-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday night. Eason now has 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the 2008 season. Pittsburgh has already clinched their division title and now finish up the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Phillip Merling- DE Miami Dolphins
NFL rookie Phillip Merling had two tackles and sacked Kansas City QB Tyler Thigpen in a win over the Chiefs, 38-31. Merling now has 26 tackles and two sacks in the 2008 season. In order to secure a playoff spot, the Dolphins need to win the regular season finale against division rival NY Jets.

Gaines Adams- DE Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gaines Adams had two tackles in a crushing 41-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. For the season, Adams now has 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 interceptions, one returned for a TD. The Bucs have now dropped three games in a row and must win their final regular season game against Oakland and have help by Philadelphia beating Dallas in order to make the playoffs.

Justin Miller- KR Oakland Raiders
Kickoff return specialist Justin Miller fielded 4 returns for a 23 yard average in a 27-16 win over the Houston Texans. Miller is the only player in the NFL to return two kickoffs for touchdowns this season. He is averaging 25 yards per return and that average is 14th in the league among players who have returned 25 or more kickoffs. The Raiders finish up the regular season on the road against the Tampa Bay Bucs but are out of the playoff picture.

Jamaal Fudge- DB Atlanta Falcons
3rd year player Jamaal Fudge got on the field Sunday and had one tackle in the Falcons 24-17 win over the Vikings. The Falcons are assured of a wild card playoff berth but can also win the NFC South division if they win at home against St. Louis this Sunday and the Panthers lose on the road to the Saints.

Brian Dawkins- S Philadelphia Eagles
7-time Pro Bowl selection Brian Dawkins had five tackles on Sunday in a 10-3 loss to the Redskins that severely hurt their playoff chances. Dawkins now has 70 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception in the 2008 season. The Eagles must beat Dallas on Sunday and hope that both Tampa Bay and Chicago both lose in order to get a wild card berth into the playoffs.

Did not play or no stats available:
Leroy Hill- LB Seattle Seahawks (neck injury)
Tye Hill- CB St. Louis Rams (injured reserve)
Chansi Stuckey- WR NY Jets
Barry Richardson- OT Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Waters- LB San Diego Chargers
Charlie Whitehurst- QB San Diego Chargers

TIGERS IN THE 2009 NFL DRAFT

There are several seniors on the Tigers football team who will declare themselves eligible for the 2009 NFL draft. Even though it is a few months away before the actual draft dates in April, I thought it would be interesting to find out where the current "mock drafts" have some of those Tigers projected to be drafted or how they are ranked according to the number of players expected to be in the draft at their playing position. If you are not familiar with how the draft works, each of the 32 NFL teams has a certain number of selections or "picks" of the players in the draft. There are seven total rounds and somewhere between 30 and 45 selections within each round. Last year's draft had 252 total players selected, which means that each team drafts about 8 players.

Typically, the most talented players are taken early in the draft and command bigger dollar value contracts. Earlier round picks are obviously considered more desirable and these are allotted according to a variety of factors such as the team's win-loss record the previous year. However, a top 10 draft pick that seems like a "sure thing" can be a bust for the team if the player doesn't perform up to expections (example: Ryan Leaf). On the flip side, there are also "hidden gems" found in the later rounds (example: Tom Brady). Below is a list of the Tigers (Seniors only) and the round/pick/team projections and/or their ranking within the number of players expected to be in the draft at their playing position, such as RB.

JAMES DAVIS, RB
NFL Draft Source: #2 RB in the draft
Draft Countdown: #1 RB in the draft, 32nd overall pick
Consensus Draft Services: #1 RB in the draft
New Era Scouting: 2nd Round, 63rd overall pick, NY Giants

DORELL SCOTT, DT
Walter Football: 2nd Round, 62nd overall pick, Carolina
New Era Scouting: #8 DT in the draft
Consensus Draft Services: #6 DT in the draft
Draft Countdown: #14 DT in the draft, 98th overall pick

MICHAEL HAMLIN, SS
New Era Scouting: 2nd Round, 51st overall pick, Dallas
Walter Football: 3rd Round, 91st overall pick, Atlanta
Consensus Draft Services: #1 SS in the draft
New Era Scouting: #2 SS in the draft
NFL Draft Source: #6 S in the draft
Draft Countdown: #5 SS in the draft, 53rd overall pick

CULLEN HARPER, QB
NFL Draft Source: #7 QB in the draft
New Era Scouting: #11 QB in the draft
Consensus Draft Services: #4 QB in the draft
Draft Countdown: #2 QB in the draft, 66th overall pick

AARON KELLY, WR
Consensus Draft Services: #2 WR in the draft
NFL Draft Source: #14 WR in the draft
Draft Countdown: #18 WR in the draft
New Era Scouting: #19 WR in the draft

TYLER GRISHAM, WR
NFL Draft Source: #37 WR in the draft
Draft Countdown: #44 WR in the draft

CHRIS CLEMONS, FS
Draft Countdown: #23 S in the draft
NFL Draft Source: #15 S in the draft
New Era Scouting: #9 FS in the draft
Consensus Draft Services: #10 FS in the draft

RASHAAD JACKSON, DT
Consensus Draft Services: #25 DT in the draft
New Era Scouting: #16 DT in the draft
NFL Draft Source: #25 DT in the draft

UPDATE ON BOWL NEWS

It's always a good idea to know your enemy, I mean opponent. Here are some links to articles of interest from Nebraska Cornhuskers sports sites. First, an article on Nebraska's game plan from Husker Locker. Next, an article from the HuskerExtra site on the Cornhuskers' bowl practices, injury update on RB Marlon Lucky and Clemson info. Another article on the HuskerExtra site discusses Clemson receivers Aaron Kelly and Jacoby Ford. One more interesting article from HuskerExtra here.

ESPNU.com has a nice preview of the upcoming Konica Minolta Gator Bowl matchup with stats. for both teams that you can see by clicking here. Another preview article from College-sportsfans picking Nebraska over Clemson can be viewed by clicking here (not sure why they're terming it the 2008 Gator Bowl when it's being played in 2009). Here is a link to the Nebraska's depth chart and another link to Clemson's depth chart to compare the matchups.

INTERVIEW WITH DAVID "HITMAN" DUNHAM

I was fortunate enough to get in touch with former Tiger LB David Dunham today and he graciously accepted my request for an interview. Dunham always made the most of his opportunities on the field and while his stats. don't necessarily dazzle you, his big plays do. I'm going to hit some highlights on Dunham's playing career at Clemson but don't want to give away too much because some of these are discussed in the interview below: Dunham came to Clemson as a highly rated recruit out of Columbia High School in Lake City, FL. In his redshirt freshman year, he played a limited role at LB but mostly on special teams, earning a letter in each. In David's sophomore year, he played on special teams in every game and very quickly earned playing time as a LB. He made it clear to the coaches and fans why he was so highly recruited, contributing with some big plays in games against FSU, UNC, SC and was named special teams player of the game against MTSU. The playing time at LB increased even more as a junior in 2004 and so did the big plays in games against against VA, MD, SC and FSU. In his senior season, Dunham made the hit that many Clemson fans and football fans around the nation will always remember.

JM: What have you been up to since your Clemson playing days- are you back in Lake City, FL now?

DD: Following my career at Clemson, i was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to continue playing, I went on to camp with the Jets briefly and played some arena football thereafter. I currently reside in Valdosta,Georgia.

JM: Do you still keep up with any of your former teammates?

DD: I still keep up with a few members of my recruiting class (Cliff Harrell, Jamaal Fudge, Kyle Browning, Airese Curry, Tye Hill and Lionel Richardson). In addition to those guys, I am still close friends with Reggie and in fact am heading to Tampa this weekend to watch Gaines play. I also try to keep up with a few of the guys that are still playing now, like Chris Chancellor and Kavell Conner.

JM: You were known as the "Hitman" at Clemson for obvious reasons. You knew this would come up because right or wrong, it seems to be the one play that defined your career at Clemson. I was at the BC game and really thought you had killed Matt Ryan. It's been seen about 35,000 times on youtube and was voted #1 college play of that weekend by ESPN. Give us your thoughts on it now.

DD: The reason that play sticks out in my mind is not for the glory or notoriety that was associated with it but for the fact that my "man"(in man coverage) caught the pass for a first down on a crucial third and long! But nevertheless, the hit still gives me chills; I can only imagine the impact if I had not pulled up.

JM: You had several other big plays as a Tiger including the hit and forced fumble against the Gamecocks Cory Boyd on the opening kickoff in 2004 and the fumble recovery in the end zone against UNC in 2003. Is the Ryan hit the one play you personally thought was your best play or do you have another overall performance in a game that you are most proud of?

DD: I believe that my most memorable moment would be my sack on Chris Rix at home in our first "Bowden Bowl" victory, or hitting T.A. McClendon on the goal line and knocking him out of the game in 2004! That is one not alot of people talk about but probably made the most impact on that game.

JM: Moving on now from your personal accomplishments to those of the teams you played on, is there one team victory that stands out to you as being the best?

DD: My favorite without a doubt was that intial win against FSU. It was huge to beat FSU being from Florida. I was playing against two of my high school teammates, Jerome Carter and Kendyll Pope, and my two favorite high school coaches came to watch the three of us play. I recorded my first sack and had another memorable hit when I pushed my blocker into the return man. It was the first time in my career that we played "in the zone" as a team, the crowd was absolutely fanatical and it meant the most to Coach Bowden. I mean FSU had to know what was coming as Radio preceded us running down the hill!

JM: How about one team loss that stands out as the worst?

DD: The worst lost I witnessed would have to be the loss to Matt Ryan and Boston College following the hit. To lose in OT- given the fact that the loss took us out of ACC championship contention and placed FSU in the ACC Championship game after we beat them convincingly on our "Senior Day"-they ended up playing in a BCS game and we played in the Champs Sports Bowl.

JM: You never lost to the Gamecocks the entire four years that you played but witnessed a rare loss during your redshirt freshman year. Coming from the state of Florida, how long did it take you to realize the intensity behind the rivalry?

DD: I did not play, but still traveled to every away game that year, I remember the coldness from the fans and in the air of that stadium and Coach Bowden vowing to not lose again to USC to all of the underclassmen. I grew up accustomed to the FSU vs.Miami rivalry and in that game the fans and players are civil. In our contest, it was about who turned that hatred into motivation to get a win. I will never forget watching USuCks Brewer and Pinnock laugh at us for losing! That was always my motivation!

JM: Have you kept up with the Tigers football program since your playing days were completed and if so, give us your thoughts on the recent staff shakeup and the 2008 season. Also, share your thoughts and/or opinions about the program in general going forward.

DD: I still keep up with the program as much as I can. I have been to a few games the past couple of seasons and expect great things in the future. Coach Swinney and the rest of the staff will do a marvelous job from this point and beyond. As long as he keeps surrounding himself with great coaches, the sky is the limit for our program. In my opinion, we are building something truly special here; the foundation has been layed for greatness.

JM: Thank you again for taking the time to let Tigers fans catch up with you! Your hometown is a short drive from Jacksonville- will we see you at the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on New Year's Day?

DD: Hopefully so. I was on the sideline for the FSU game and may try to do the same when we take the field against Nebraska. I truly appreciate the opportunity to catch up and GO TIGERS!!

DAVID DUNHAM'S HIT ON MATT RYAN

TRIBUTE VIDEO TO DAVID DUNHAM

FORMER TIGER DAWKINS VOTED TO 7TH PRO BOWL

The 2009 NFL Pro Bowl selections have been announced and former Tiger Brian Dawkins, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, will represent the NFC at the safety position. This is Dawkins' seventh Pro Bowl selection over his stellar thirteen year NFL career. Since being drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 1996 draft, Brian has played all thirteen of those years in Philly. He has become an icon among the Eagles fans, which is a feat in itself considering that many players, coaches and media consider them the toughest in the league. This pretty much tells you what you need to know about Dawkins. He is definitely all-in and what you see now is the same thing you saw when you watched him play for Clemson. Even at age 35, he still plays with reckless abandon and has always been known for his fierceness, intensity and competitive spirit. He has also been named one of the NFL's top ten hardest hitters and filled many highlight reels over the years, some of which can be seen in the video on this page. Earlier this week, he broke the Eagles franchise record by playing in his 181st game and can break the franchise career interception record with only one more pick.

During Dawkins' career at Clemson, he led the Tigers with 21 special-teams tackles as a freshman. As a sophomore, he became the starting safety and earned second-team all ACC honors that year and the following year as a junior. During his senior season, Dawkins was named a second-team All American by the AP; made first team all ACC; was named defensive player of the week by Sports Illustrated and finished tied as the 1995 ACC leader in interceptions.

BRIAN DAWKINS HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO (5:42)

2008 TIGERS DEFENSIVE STATS- TOP 5

TACKLES

1. Kavell Connor, LB- 114

2. Michael Hamlin, S- 102

3. Chris Clemons, S- 84

4. Brandon Maye, LB- 83

5. DeAndre McDaniel, LB- 69

TACKLES FOR LOSS

1. Ricky Sapp, DE- 10

2. Jarvis Jenkins- DT- 10

3. Dorrell Scott, DT- 6.5

4. Kavell Connor, LB- 6

5. Da'Quan Bowers, DE- 5 and Brandon Thompson, DT- 5

SACKS

1. Brandon Maye, LB- 2/19 yd. loss

2. Jarvis Jenkins, DT- 2/17 yd. loss

3. Rashaad Jackson, DT- 2/16 yd. loss

4. Ricky Sapp, DE- 2/11 yd. loss

5. Crezdon Butler- 1/18 yd. loss

PASSES BROKEN UP (PBU)

1. Michael Hamlin, S- 9

2. Chris Chancellor, CB- 8

3. Chris Clemons, S- 7

4. DeAndre McDaniel, LB- 6

5. Crezdon Butler- CB- 5

QUARTERBACK PRESSURES

1. Da'Quan Bowers, DE- 14

2. Dorrell Scott, DT- 9

3. Brandon Maye, LB- 8

4. Jarvis Jenkins, DT-7 and Kourtnei Brown, DE- 7

5. Kevin Alexander, DE-6 and Ricky Sapp, DE-6

INTERCEPTIONS

1. Michael Hamlin, S- 6

2. Chris Chancellor, CB- 4

3. Crezdon Butler, CB- 3

4. Chris Clemons, S-2

5. Coty Sensabaugh, CB- 1; DeAndre McDaniel, LB- 1 and Kavell Connor, LB- 1

FORCED FUMBLES

1. Crezdon Butler, CB- 2

2. Byron Maxwell, CB- 2

3. Michael Hamlin, S- 2

4. Kavell Connor, LB-1; Andre McDaniel, LB- 1; Dorrell Scott, DT- 1

5. Brandon Thompson, DT-1; Brandon Maye, LB- 1

UT RECRUIT NOW WANTS TO CONSIDER TIGERS

A friend of mine who is a University of Tennessee graduate and huge Vols football fan sent me the following link today about an offensive lineman from South Aiken High School in S.C. who had originally committed to UT and has backed off since the staff shakeup.

NEBRASKA FOOTBALL NEWS AND BOWL UPDATE

The matchup between the Clemson Tigers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Konica-Minolta Gator Bowl kicks off in just 16 days and I'm still surprised at the lack of Nebraska football news and on the matchup in general. The Nebraska football program has a strong tradition and quite a large fan base that I presume wants to keep up with the latest on their team's bowl preparations, how they match up with Clemson and so on. I certainly understand that both teams are going to keep things close to the vest and not give the opponent any advantage but it seems odd that there is so very little coming out of Nebraska or from the national media. So, for your enjoyment and to save you the time it takes to search dozens of sites covering Nebraska football and national sports sites, here is a couple of things to check out: (Note- links do not open in a new page, so use your back button to return to this page). Follow this link to HuskerExtra.com for an article and this link to Huskers.com for an article. NBC Sports also has a set of team stats for comparison which you can view by clicking here.

ESPN GATOR BOWL PREVIEW CLIP

TUESDAY TRIVIA ANSWER: LB KEITH ADAMS

Hint 1: Born in 1979

Hint 2: Played RB and LB in high school in Atlanta, GA

Hint 3: All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore

Hint 4: As a sophomore also won the ACC defensive triple crown of statistics (tackles, sacks, tfl)

Hint 5: Holds the Clemson record for most tackles in a game (among others) with 27

Hint 6: His father was a 15 year NFL veteran

Hint 7: Chose to enter the NFL draft after his junior year at Clemson

Hint 8: Played for four different teams in his NFL career, including Dallas and Philadelphia

Hint 9: Nicknamed "Teeth" "Toothinator" and "Termite"

RESULTS OF THE LATEST POLL

Thank you to everyone who voted in the most recent poll concerning the ideal kickoff time for a home conference game. The overwhelming majority voted for 3:30 p.m., while 7:30 p.m. came in second. Not surprisingly, 1 p.m. and noon kickoffs were not very popular, combining for a grand total of only 10% of the overall vote. Be sure to check out the newest poll on how the current state of the economy may affect your 2009 game attendance and donor contributions.

CLEMSON PLAYERS IN THE NFL- WEEK 15 RECAP

Brian Dawkins- S Philadelphia Eagles-

Six time Pro Bowl player Brian Dawkins had four tackles on Monday night in a win over the Cleveland Browns. Dawkins, age 35, now has 65 tackles for the year, along with 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception. This is his 13th NFL season. The Eagles finish the season with two huge division games vs. the Redskins and the Cowboys to try and secure a playoff spot.

Justin Miller- KR Oakland Raiders

The move from the New York Jets to the Oakland Raiders seems to be working out well for former Tiger Justin Miller, at least from a personal performance standpoint. Although Oakland is a franchise in a state of disarray, the talent that earned Miller a trip to the 2006 Pro Bowl as a KR is clearly on display. Justin followed up last week's 92 yard kickoff return for a TD against San Diego by returning one 91 yards for a TD against the New England Patriots in a 49-26 loss on Sunday. Miller now has five career kickoff return TD's in his fourth season in the NFL and is averaging 25.36 yards per return in 2008.

Trevor Pryce- DE Baltimore Ravens

Two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowl player Trevor Pryce had two tackles in a 13-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Pryce now has 27 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the 2008 season. Baltimore allowed Pittsburgh to clinch the AFC North with the loss and now must finish strong to get a wildcard berth into the playoffs. The Ravens' next opponent is the Dallas Cowboys in a Saturday night game.

Gaines Adams- DE Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Second-year player Gaines Adams had three tackles in a 13-10 OT loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome on Sunday afternoon. Adams now has 34 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2008. This was the Bucs. second-straight loss to a division opponent and most likely will result in the NFC South title going to the Carolina Panthers. The Bucs. can still make the playoffs with a wildcard berth. The Bucs. will face the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Phillip Merling- DE Miami Dolphins

Rookie Phillip Merling had one tackle in the Dolphins' 14-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Merling now has 24 tackles in two starts, although he has received playing time in each of the 14 games so far as well as pre-season games. According to a Miami Herald article, Merling is pushing himself to get through the "rookie wall"- the onset of fatigue from having to play so many more games and at a higher intensity compared to college. The Dolphins are not completely out of the wild-card playoff picture and face Kansas City next.

Did not play or no stats available

Leroy Hill- LB Seattle Seahawks (neck injury)

Tye Hill- CB St. Louis Rams (injured reserve)

Nick Eason- DE Pittsburgh Steelers

Chansi Stuckey- WR New York Jets

Barry Richardson- OT Kansas City Chiefs

Anthony Waters- LB San Diego Chargers

Charlie Whitehurst- QB San Diego Chargers

Jamaal Fudge- DB Atlanta Falcons

SWINNEY vs BOWDEN ROUND 2 - C.J. SPILLER

It's no secret that Clemson Jr. C.J. Spiller, voted first-team All-ACC as both a RB and Specialist in 2008, is one of the most talented and exciting players in all of college football. However, you may remember that Spiller was the target of some criticism during the 2007 season for his tendency to bounce outside or reverse field if he didn't immediately find daylight on a running play. C.J., or "Lightning" as he is known, would at times turn and use his blazing speed to try and outrun the defense to the edge instead of putting his head down and grinding out 2 or 3 yards running north and south yards like his backfield partner, "Thunder" RB James Davis is famous for. Speed versus power. The play would sometimes end up for a loss but other times it would turn into a big gain. Barry Sanders, whom you may have heard of, received the same exact criticism as Spiller during his NFL career in which he earned the league rushing title four separate times. The point is that sometimes great players with phenomenal speed, balance and pure talent just try to make something out of nothing and it doesn't always work out. What was vexing at times to us as fans was why he didn't get more touches, given the fact that he was such a playmaker. Sanders and Spiller are going to make up for that loss and then some if you keep getting them the ball.


When coach Swinney took over at the halfway point in the season, he seemed to understand this better than former coach Bowden did. Swinney stressed that he was going to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. So, let's look at how C.J. Spiller was utilized and his stats. in the five division 1 games played under coach Swinney (he did not play against Ga. Tech due to injury) versus the four division 1 games under former coach Bowden (stats vs. FBS opponents Citadel and SC State were not considered). Stats on the left are C.J. under Swinney, stats on the right are C.J. under Bowden.


AVG. NUMBER OF RECEPTIONS PER GAME- 4.2 versus 1.75

AVG. RECEPTION YARDS PER GAME- 63.8 versus 15.9

AVG. YARDS PER RECEPTION- 15.2 versus 15.9

NUMBER OF TOTAL RECEIVING TD'S- 2 versus 1

AVG. NUMBER OF CARRIES PER GAME- 12.2 versus 7

AVG. NUMBER OF RUSHING YARDS PER GAME- 59.6 versus 44.0

AVG. RUSHING YARDS PER CARRY- 4.89 versus 6.29

NUMBER OF TOTAL RUSHING TD's- 2 under both

NUMBER OF PASSING TD's- 1 versus 0


A couple of things to keep in mind: One, these stats reflect mostly averages to compensate for the fact that the comparison is over five games with Swinney as coach versus four with Bowden. Second, it's worth considering that the offensive line issues were perhaps more pronounced under Bowden's tenure Third, C.J. came off the field and didn't return to the game against Wake due to injury. Although I was in Winston-Salem for the game, I do not recall how much time was left in the game but this must be considered. Still, it's clear that Swinney made good on his word because Spiller's catches and carries increased significantly and his avg. gains for both stayed fairly close. So, up for debate is whether the win-loss record of 1-3 in the four games played under Bowden would have been more like the 4-1 under Swinney if C.J. got the ball more. We'll never know but it's interesting to see the numbers after the fact.

SWINNEY VS. BOWDEN- ROUND 1- OFFENSE

Here are some interesting statistics comparing offensive categories under former head football coach Tommy Bowden to the offense under current head football coach Swinney. Although each was the coach for exactly half the season or six games, the games against FBS opponents (Citadel and S.C. State) coached by Bowden were excluded. Consequently, there are only four games of statistics under Bowden ('Bama, NCSU, MD, WF against which Bowden went 1-3) but six games under Swinney (GT,BC, FSU, Duke, UVA, SC against which Swinney went 4-2). Swinney's stats. are on the left, Bowden's stats. are on the right.


AVG. POINTS SCORED: 24.3, 15.6

AVG. YARDS OF OFFENSE: 324.2, 296.5

AVG. # OF FIRST DOWNS: 17.7, 15.5

AVG. # OF TOUCHDOWNS: 2.83, 1.75

AVG. # OF PLAYS: 67, 56.5

AVG. # OF YARDS PER PLAY: 4.82, 5.18

AVG. # OF RUSHING YARDS: 99.5, 102

AVG. # OF CARRIES: 36.3, 26.7

AVG. # OF PASSING YARDS: 224.7, 194.5

AVG. PASS COMPLETION %: 64.55, 60.32

AVG. # OF PASS ATTEMPTS: 30.7, 29.7

AVG. # OF INTERCEPTIONS: 1.3, 1.0

AVG. # OF TOTAL TURNOVERS: 2.5, 2.5

AVG. 3RD DOWN CONVERSION %: 33.3, 25

AVG. # OF PENALTIES/AVG. YARDS PER: 4.67/8.61, 6.25/9.08

So, what's it all mean? First, to be fair, Bowden did not actually run the offense himself. He left that job to former offensive coordinator Rob Spence, the so-called "mad genius" who was fired about thirty seven seconds after Swinney was named interim head coach. However, Bowden was the head coach and therefore is ultimately responsible for offensive production or lack thereof. An examination of these statistics reveals that under coach Swinney, the Tigers offense averaged more points, more total yards, more first downs, more touchdowns, more plays, more carries, more passes, more passing yards, a higher pass completion percentage, a higher third down conversion and less penalties and yards per penalty than it did under Bowden.

Three of the categories look better under Bowden: The Tigers offense averaged more yards per play and more rushing yards even though it averaged less carries. There was also less average interceptions. Statistics don't tell always tell the whole story and in some cases, teams can dominate a game statistically and lose it. However, in this case there is clearly a marked improvement offensively across the board under Coach Swinney and the win-loss record also improved.

12/12 UPDATE- NEW TIGERS FOOTBALL COACHES

The Clemson Tigers head football coach Dabo Swinney has officially announced the hiring of new staff members Danny Pearman; Charlie Harbison and Woody McCorvey along with their respective titles. Pearman has been named tackles and tight ends coach, Harbison has been named defensive backs coach and McCorvey will serve as an administrator within the football program. Below is a summary of the coaching careers of all three new staff members:

Danny Pearman
2008 MD Tight Ends, Special Teams, Halfbacks
2007 DUKE Tight Ends, Special Teams
2006 UNC Tight Ends, Special Teams Asst.
1998-2005 VA TECH Tight ends, Special Teams Asst. and Offensive Tackles
1997 ALABAMA Special Teams, Defensive Tackles
1991-1996 ALABAMA Special Teams, Offensive Tackles
1990 ALABAMA Graduate Assistant
1988-1989 CLEMSON Graduate Assistant
Played Tight End at CLEMSON 1984-1987

Charlie Harbison

2007-2008 MSU Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs
2003-2006 ALABAMA Wide Receivers
2001-2002 LSU Running Backs
1998-2000 ALABAMA Defensive Backs
1995-1997 CLEMSON Defensive Backs

Woody McCorvey

2004-2008 MSU Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks

1999-2003 UT Running Backs

1998 SC Wide Receivers

1990-1997 ALABAMA Wide Receivers (coached Dabo Swinney)

1983-1989 CLEMSON Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

NEBRASKA NEWS CHANNEL SPORTS

GATOR BOWL MATCHUP- NEBRASKA ARTICLES

I've been scanning every Nebraska football website I can find for interesting articles about their bowl game preparations, player interviews or news, injury reports, trash-talking and so on. As of right now, there really isn't a whole lot of information out there. I've created some links to what I've come up with so far. (Note- links do not open in a new window, so use your back button to return to this page). Click here for Nebraska coach Bo Pelini's comment about red and orange. Click here for an article on Nebraska's RB Marion Lucky. Finally, click here for an article on Nebraka's bowl preparation.

BLAST FROM THE PAST- CLEMSON VS. NEBRASKA

TIGERS VS. GAMECOCKS HIGHLIGHTS 2008

WEEK 14 RECAP OF CLEMSON PLAYERS IN NFL

JUSTIN MILLER-KR OAKLAND RAIDERS

Pro Bowl kick returner Justin Miller, who was recently waived by the N.Y. Jets and picked up by the Oakland Raiders, raced 92 yards for a touchdown after receiving a kickoff in the Thursday night game against the San Diego Chargers. Miller fielded 6 kickoffs and averaged 29 yards per return.



TREVOR PRYCE-DE Baltimore Ravens

Two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler Trevor Pryce had one tackle in a win against the Washington Redskins on Sunday night, 24-10. Pryce now has 25 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2008 and the Ravens are 9-4, one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North. The next game is against the Steelers in a battle of two of the league's best defenses.

BRIAN DAWKINS- S Philadelphia Eagles

Six-time Pro Bowler Brian Dawkins made four tackles in a road win over the defending Super Bowl champion N.Y. Giants on Sunday, 20-14. This week, Dawkins tied the team record for career games with 180 and last week tied the team record for interceptions with 34. Brian has 61 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception so far this season. The Eagles are 7-5-1 and need to win out to have a good shot at the playoffs. Next opponent- Cleveland Browns.

CHANSI STUCKEY- WR N.Y. Jets

Chansi Stuckey had 4 receptions for 43 yards, leading the Jets in receiving yards on Sunday in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It was the Jets (8-5) second straight loss and puts them in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East with the Patriots and Dolphins. The Jets play division rival Buffalo next.

PHILIP MERLING- DE Miami Dolphins

Merling had one tackle in the Dolphins 16-3 win against their NFC East division rival, the Buffalo Bills. Merling now has 23 tackles and one sack in his rookie year. The Dolphins are 8-5 along with the Patriots and Jets in the NFC East division. They face the 49ers next.

DID NOT PLAY OR NO STATS-

Gaines Adams- DE Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jamaal Fudge- DB Atlanta Falcons

Barry Richardson- OT Kansas City Chiefs

Charlie Whitehurst- QB San Diego Chargers

Anthony Waters- LB San Diego Chiefs

Nick Eason- DE Pittsburgh Steelers

Tye Hill- CB St. Louis Rams

GATOR BOWL- CLEMSON vs. NEBRASKA

Since taking over as interim head coach halfway into the 2008 season, Dabo Swinney has twice faced the daunting task of going against opponents whose head coaches had recognizable and respected names, established reputations and NFL experience on their resume'. So far, so good. Both Virginia's Al Groh and South Carolina's Steve Spurrier are former head coaches in the NFL whose teams lost to the Swinney-coached Tigers. In the upcoming Gator Bowl, Swinney and the Tigers will again face a team whose head coach has a ton of coaching experience, including nine years in the NFL and six years as DC of three major college programs with both Super Bowl and BCS National Championship rings to show for it. The Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach, Bo Pelini, served as DB coach with the San Francisco 49ers under George Seifert and won a Super Bowl. Pelini also served as LB coach for the New England Patriots under current USC Trojans coach Pete Carroll and finished up his NFL career as LB coach for the Packers, going 33-15 under coach Mike Sherman. Pelini then served one year as DC for Nebraska, another year as co-DC for Oklahoma and spent the most recent two years as the DC for LSU, winning a BCS national championship in 2007.

The Nebraska football program has a rich championship tradition, having won five national championships, including back-to-back titles in 1970 and 1971. The Cornhuskers also had back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, with their most recent title coming in 1997. As all Tigers fans know, there is a little history between these two teams where national championships are concerned. Clemson defeated Nebraska 22-15 in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 1982 and won the 1981 national championship as a result. Since the Cornhuskers' perfect season in 1997, they have had some successful seasons- going 12-1 in 1999, 10-2 in 2000, 11-2 in 2001 and 10-3 in 2003. Lately, there has not been as much to cheer about. In 2004, they lost 6 games, lost 4 in 2005, lost 5 in 2006 and lost 7 in 2007. Nebraska's AD was fired last year and replaced with former Cornhuskers' head coach Tom Osborne, who in turn promptly fired then-head coach Bill Callahan one day after the final game of a 5-7 season. Osborne then hired Bo Pelini, who in his first season provided a bigger turn around than most expected and improved the regular season record to 8-4. As mentioned in a previous article, the losses came to some tough competition in Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas Tech and Virginia Tech. The future again looks bright for the program and the Nebraska football fans are excited. Here's hoping Clemson dampens their enthusiasm just a bit with a win over the Cornhuskers in 2008. MORE ON THIS MATCHUP TO COME. Go Tigers!

GATOR BOWL BOUND- CLEMSON vs. NEBRASKA

NEBRASKA'S RECORD Nebraska is 8-4 this season and like the Tigers, come in riding a three game winning streak. The Cornhuskers' four losses came against very tough opponents: #8 Texas Tech in OT, #4 Oklahoma, ACC Coastal division winner Virginia Tech and #19 Missouri. The wins came against Western Michigan, San Jose State, New Mexico State, Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and Colorado.

NEBRASKA'S OFFENSE During the current three game winning streak, the Cornhuskers have scored 141 points for an average of 47 points per game. Nebraska seems to have no problem scoring points even against quality opponents: They put up 31 against Texas Tech, 28 against Oklahoma and 30 against Virginia Tech. They have averaged a little more than 36 points per game over the entire season. Nebraska's QB Joe Ganz has thrown for 3332 yards, completed 69.3% of his passes and has 23 TD's and 10 INT's. The Huskers' top two rushers are Roy Helu and Marlon Lucky, who have combined for 1321 yards and have 7 TD's each. Lucky has suffered from turf toe of late but is expected to play. The top receiver is 6'2 Nate Swift with 60 catches for 909 yards and 9 TD's, including 4 games in which he had 100+ yards. Swift is also the career receptions record holder at Nebraska. Todd Peterson is a 6'4 WR with 58 receptions for 690 yards and 3 TD's. Peterson's stats seem to indicate that he plays best in the "big" games. TE Mike McNeill has scored 6 TD's, one shy of the Nebraska school record. Kicker Alex Henery is solid at 14 out of 17 FG's and booted a record setting 57 yarder in the last game.

NEBRASKA'S DEFENSE The good news for Clemson is that Nebraska's defense is nearly giving up the same number of points as the offense is scoring, to the tune of almost 30 points per game. The Cornhuskers' defense is led by nose tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is the top tackler with 68. Suh also has 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT's both of which he returned for TD's and a forced fumble. 6'7, 280 lb. DE Zach Potter is also a key defensive player whose stats with the exception of tackles almost mirror Suh's: 43 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT's and a forced fumble. DE Pierre Allen's stats are impressive as well: 50 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and a forced fumble. The Cornhuskers have 30 total sacks on the year and forced 15 turnovers.

MORE ON THE GATOR BOWL MATCHUP COMING SOON

C.J. SPILLER- WILL LIGHTNING BOLT FOR NFL?

Every time I think about Clemson RB C.J. Spiller lately, the Clash song "Should I Stay or Should I Go" keeps playing in my head. Spiller has a big decision to make: Declare himself eligible for the 2009 NFL draft which will take place sometime in April or remain at Clemson for his senior season and get his degree. C.J. made previous statements which indicated he would almost certainly return to CU, especially if Dabo Swinney was hired full-time as head coach. On October 21, 2008, he was quoted in an article by Ed McGranahan of the Greenville News as saying "My decision right now is I'm coming back. I pray to God that Coach Swinney gets this job. I'm looking forward to the 2009 season, to play for him and to see how much we can grow as a team." It wasn't a guarantee, of course. However, in addition to playing one last year for the coach who recruited him, he also mentioned the importance of receiving his degree because he has a younger sister who looks up to him and wants to be a good role model.

The flip side of this equation is that there is a lot of talk around the NFL about implementing a salary cap for rookies under a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement- which is the central document that governs all negotiation of NFL players contracts) as early as March 2010. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been quoted as saying "There is something wrong about the system. The money should go to people who perform." The issue that has created such controversy is that under the current CBA, the compensation packages for NFL rookies who have never played a down can be higher than the veteran players who have proven they're worth the money. NFL franchise owners and veterans, for the most part, do not like it and feel it's getting out of hand, especially with the current economic conditions. While there is a lot that has to happen in order for this rookie salary cap to actually become policy by 2010, Spiller will certainly have to take these developments into consideration. There is at least a chance that coming back could end up potentially costing him a lot of money.

SWINNEY OFFICIALLY NAMED HEAD COACH

Clemson University made the announcement at a news conference on Monday afternoon: Dabo Swinney is no longer the interim head football coach of the Clemson Tigers. He is now the "official" head coach. While the specifics of the compensation package have yet to be revealed, Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips did state that the contract length will be five years. Swinney does not plan to discuss any changes he may make to the coaching staff until after the Tigers' bowl game.

Coach Swinney has done a fantastic job after accepting the interim head coach position, especially considering the circumstances. He guided the team to a 4-2 record, winning on the road against ACC Atlantic Division winner Boston College as well as defeating Virginia in Charlottesville. The Tigers also routed Duke by 24 and closed out the regular season with a three game win streak by whipping in-state rival South Carolina at Death Valley by 17. Under Swinney's watch, the offense made tremendous strides and the ferocity and attitude of the defense was much improved.

As impressive as the play and the wins have been, Dabo's leadership qualities stand out as well. Many folks were inspired by the speech he gave at the press conference announcing his new position as interim head coach and wanted to go "all in". A few said it was gimmicky, just like Tiger Walk and "One Clemson" and having players lock arms side by side before every game. Well, leaders lead and they move forward with a purpose and a vision. People wanted to follow because they believed in the vision, because they were inspired. Dabo managed in just a few weeks to inject unity into the team, the university and the fans. His enthusiasm both on the field and off has been contagious. Yet, you get the sense that the guy is both genuine and humble. When you consider that he has a six year history with the program, is widely considered one of the top recruiters in the country and just proved himself capable of coaching his team to wins against guys like Al Groh and Steve Spurrier, one can understand why he got the job. Congratulations.

SPURRIER, SC PLAYERS POST GAME COMMENTS

Here are several quotes from gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier and gamecock players in post-game interviews:

STEVE SPURRIER:

"Give Clemson credit. They made a bunch of third downs. They made more third downs on us than I think about anybody this year. That's how you play the game; their guys made plays."

"Give Clemson credit......they got a dang good team......they're a better team than us right now this year, simple as that and hopefully someday we'll be on a level with them. We're not there yet."

"We just got smashed instead of trying to learn how to compete, I think, yep, yeah. You can sugar coat it all you want but uh, they got two big-time running backs, they got a big-time quarterback. They got some big time ball players on that team o' ere and we gotta get us some big time ball players......and play better."

"Yeah, I'm frustrated too. I thought we could play with these guys but it turned out we couldn't. They're better than us, okay? That's all you can say right now. Got a better team. Better coach, better team."

CAPTAIN MUNNERLYN

"I felt like we were the better team but they came out today and proved they were better than us."

"We were 7-3 [prior to FLA AND CU] and headed for a great year. Now it seems like it's all gone down the drain."

"I don't know what's going on. I don't know what's happening. We're just not playing as good as we were in the beginning."

KENNY MCKINLEY

"They got on us today. It's Clemson. It's supposed to be a hard-fought game and really, it was one-sided."

I LOVE A COLD, WET ORANGE CRUSH

It was worth fighting the traffic. It was worth the cold and rain. It was worth losing my voice. It was even worth having my binoculars stolen. I found out later that two upset gamecocks fans sitting behind me swiped them off the bleachers when they inexplicably left early in the 2nd quarter. The Tigers mauled the gamecocks 31-14 on Saturday at Death Valley, winning their third straight game and becoming bowl eligible. It was the 10th victory in the last 12 games of the rivalry with SC.

There were so many highlights in this game, so many game changing plays on both sides of the ball. My defensive game ball goes to Andre' McDaniel: 11 tackles, a forced fumble and 0.5 tackle for loss. #2 was just all over the field, finding the ball and making big hits. The offensive game ball goes to the RB combo of Davis/Spiller: 183 yards rushing, 52 yards receiving. Davis had 3 TD's and crucial short yardage runs. Thunder and Lightning in the rain were fantastic.

Here is my Clemson Tigers highlight-reel list, key plays and big hits of the game:

1st QUARTER

13:23 C.J. Spiller 28 yard reception from Harper

9:01 Chris Chancellor intercepts a long throw from Smelley on 3rd and 20

6:41 Jacoby Ford runs for 21 yards

4:41 C.J. Spiller takes handoff, makes 5 different defenders miss, gains 39 yards to the 1

4:14 James Davis 1 yard TD run

3:19 Jamie Harper blocks Succop's punt which leads to a Buccholz FG

2:31 James Davis knocks CB Woodson out of the game after 11 yd. reception

2ND QUARTER

14:31 Just as Smelley gets an incomplete pass attempt off, Brandon Maye absolutely levels him

13:45 Chris Clemmons and Michael Hamlin converge on a Smelley pass and knock it down

13:34 After a Succop punt pins Clemson on its own 3, James Davis runs for 7 yards on 1st down

11:20 Clemson drive stalls deep in own territory but Jimmy Maners booms a 54 yard punt

10:32 Dorell Scott tackles RB Mike Davis for a loss

9:09 Chris Clemmons intercepts Smelley pass; DaQuan Bowers lays out TE Cook with a block

8:33 Cullen Harper is all but sacked, with both knees inches from the ground and somehow

throws a perfect spiral 27 yards to Jacoby Ford, who takes it in the rest of the way for TD

7:14 Chris Chancellor drills WR McKinley and sends him flying out of bounds after 21 yd. rec.

Gamecock players immediately call for trainers as McKinley looks badly hurt

5:42 Michael Hamlin picks off Smelley pass. TE Cook immediately goes to gamecock sideline

and expresses his frustration to coaches and Smelley

4:31 James Davis takes handoff, makes 2 defenders miss and rumbles in for 20 yd. TD. ESPN

cameras show gamecocks fans hiding their face or shaking head in amazement

3:15 Scotty Cooper puts a huge hit on RB Maddox after 2 yd. reception

:23 C.J. Spiller 39 yard kickoff return

:16 Aaron Kelly 42 yard pass reception

3RD QUARTER

13:24 Andre' McDaniel and Brandon Maye tackle WR McKinley for 5 yard loss

7:35 Aaron Kelly key 3rd down conversion on short pass from Harper to keep drive going

5:52 Tyler Grisham key 3rd down conversion on short pass from Harper to keep drive going

4:38 James Davis on 3rd and 2 picks up 5 yards for another key conversion to keep drive alive

3:38 James Davis 2 yard run for TD

1:44 Crezdon Butler blitzes from the left corner, sacks Smelley and forces fumble (SC recovers)

:37 Andre' McDaniel and Kavelle Connor hit RB Davis and force fumble (SC recovers)

4TH QUARTER

6:52 Andre' McDaniel breaks up Smelley pass

4:25 Chris Chancellor intercepts Smelley deep in gamecock territory

2:41 James Davis, on 3rd and 6 pinned back on Clemson 11 yd. line has 8 yard run to convert

WEEK 13 RECAP OF CLEMSON PLAYERS IN NFL

Gaines Adams- DE Tampa Bay Bucs

Gaines Adams had one tackle and 0.5 sack in the Buccaneers 23-20 win over division rival New Orleans Saints. He also had a key QB pressure on Drew Brees that contributed to a drive killing interception with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Adams now has 31 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and one TD this season. The Bucs are 9-3 and NFC South division leaders.

Trevor Pryce- DE Baltimore Ravens

Pryce, a two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro-Bowler, had three tackles in the Ravens blowout of the Cincinnati Bengals 34-3. Trevor's stats for 2008 include 24 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The Ravens are 8-4 and one game behind the Steelers in the NFC North.

Brian Dawkins- FS Philadelphia Eagles

Brian Dawkins, a six time Pro Bowl player, had a huge game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thanksgiving day. Dawkins recorded five solo tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in the Eagles rout of Arizona 48-20. For the 2008 season, Brian has 57 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception. The Eagles are 6-5-1.

Philip Merling- DE Miami Dolphins

NFL rookie Philip Merling (1st selection, 2nd round) had four tackles in the Dolphins 16-12 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Merling has 22 tackles and a sack so far this year. The Dolphins are 7-5 and still in contention in the AFC East.

Chansi Stuckey- WR New York Jets

Stuckey had three receptions on Sunday for 30 yards in a loss to the Denver Broncos 34-17. Through 12 games, Stuckey has 24 receptions for 266 yards and 3 TD's. The Jets are leading the AFC East division race at 8-4.

Justin Miller- KR Oakland Raiders

Pro Bowl player Justin Miller returned 5 kickoffs for an average of 20 yards per return in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders were beaten 20-13 and are currently 3-9.

Nick Eason- DE Pittsburgh Steelers

Eason had two tackles in a blowout win over the New England Patriots, 33-10. Eason has 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2008.

Did not play or no stats available

Barry Richardson- OT Kansas City Chiefs

Tye Hill- CB St. Louis Rams

Charlie Whitehurst- QB San Diego Chargers

Jamaal Fudge- DB Atlanta Falcons

Anthony Waters- LB San Diego Chargers