TheState.com: Tigers

Crowning moment: Tigers win division, shot at title

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:45 EST

CLEMSON | Reflecting on the unlikely success of a team led by one of the youngest head coaches and one of the youngest offensive coordinators in the BCS conferences, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney puffed out his shoulders and mockingly flexed.

When athletics director Terry Don Phillips promoted Swinney from receivers coach to head coach last year, he believed Swinney fit the mold of another up-and-comer he pushed to hire at Oklahoma State years ago, Mike Gundy.

So it was fitting when Swinney, who turned 40 on Friday, mimicked Gundy's infamous rant when a reporter asked about the statement made by him and 30-year-old coordinator Billy Napier.

"I am 40," Swinney said softly but demonstrably. "I'm a man.

"This is an awesome moment. Our fans deserve this. This thing has eluded us for a while, so to punch through and get this thing done ... to put together a run like we have, it's very gratifying."

Booker leads Clemson past UNCG

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

If this is what passes for a tight game for No. 22 Clemson, the Tigers will take it.

For the first time, a team kept it closer than 40 points against them - but it still wasn't enough to test them for 40 minutes.

As a result, Clemson routed North Carolina-Greensboro 89-67 on Friday night behind a season-high 17 points from Trevor Booker.

Milton Jennings added 14 points for the Tigers (3-0), Andre Young had 13 and David Potter finished with 11. Clemson shot 54.5 percent, forced 23 turnovers, broke it open by closing the first half with a huge run and extended its school-record winning streak in non-conference road games to 11.

Clemson won its 29th straight game in November since 2005. Their previous two have come by 43 points against Presbyterian and 40 at Liberty.

Tigers' senior class pumped for last home game

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - The bitterness seethed from Clemson lineman Thomas Austin as he watched television that afternoon.

It was the first Saturday in December 2007, the day of the ACC championship.

Two weeks earlier, the Tigers had been on the brink of winning the Atlantic Division - only for Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan to throw a remarkable touchdown pass with 1:46 left to give the Eagles the lead. Clemson missed two chances to win or tie in the final minute, and Boston College punched its ticket to Jacksonville, Fla.

As Austin hung out withteammates the night before last week's victory against N.C. State, they struggled to come to grips with the opportunity at hand.

"To be honest, it was hard for us to chew on," Austin said.

Clemson's Spiller shares his faith, focus

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

SPARTANBURG - C.J. Spiller has always displayed the ability to stir emotions with his football prowess, but he's proving equally adept in a different kind of arena.

Clemson's senior running back had the full attention of a packed house at the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg's student appreciation night earlier this month.

Roughly 1,000 turned out to watch Spiller take the stage at The Hangar and give a short speech that revolved around living in a positive and humble manner.

He spoke about taking responsibility for one's actions, such as his decision to go against his mother's wishes and return for his senior year rather than enter the NFL draft.

"Sometimes you have to go against the grain in making adult decisions, even when it's your own mother," Spiller said. "You can't always rely on mom to make decisions. At some point, you've got to grow up and become a man."

Gameday preview: Clemson vs. Virginia

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

Over the hump

A Boston College loss in its final two games also would clinch the Atlantic Division title for Clemson. But the Tigers would clearly prefer to get there on their own terms.

Dabo Swinney has done his best to steer Clemson away from overlooking Virginia, even evoking Buster Douglas to hammer home the idea that champions come prepared to take care of business.

Over the hill

It will be the last pre-game run down "The Hill" for 19 seniors, nine of whom are starters.

Tigers toe the line in double overtime

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:15 EST

The Clemson women's basketball team worked the free throw line to close out double overtime and hold off South Carolina, 94-92, at Littlejohn Coliseum.

The Tigers (2-1) used 21 points from junior Sthefany Thomas and 20 from sophomore Shaniqua Pauldo to win their second game in a row against the Gamecocks (1-1).

"I came into this game telling the girls they needed to play a hard 40 minutes," Clemson coach Cristy McKinney said. "I didn't realize it would turn into a 50-minute game, but the girls rose to the challenge and played hard."

With the Tigers up one, Clemson's April Parker fouled Valeria Nainima with 7.6 seconds remaining in double overtime. Nainima hit the first of two free throws, but the second rimmed out to Clemson's Kirstyn Wright. After a scrum, Wright found Pauldo, who raced down court, launching a 3-point attempt with three seconds on the clock. However, Pauldo was hit by USC's Kesley Bone while she was shooting, sending her to the line in a 92-92 game.

Pauldo missed the first attempt, but drained the second.

Run blocking pushes Tigers higher

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

Conner eager to face home-state team; Steele swings clear of head games

CLEMSON - After holding Clemson running back C.J. Spiller to 18 yards on 14 carries last season, his season low for a per-carry average (1.3), Virginia's defense can find some hope in last year's 13-3 defeat.

The Tigers' run-blockers have.

"We've watched some games from last year, and it's unbelievable how much better we are," tight end Michael Palmer said. "We were bad."

Palmer finally expressed what most observers believed.

Spiller figures prominently in Heisman lists

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - Clemson running back C.J. Spiller is listed among the top five candidates for the Heisman Trophy in eight published polls this week.

He is ranked as high as first in the Nissan Fan poll, a national vote of fans. He has 80,000 votes, 10,000 more than any other candidate (as of Thursday morning).

Spiller is ranked second by southernpigskin.com, third by the ESPN Experts poll, third by SI.com, fourth by Heismanpundit.com and fifth by USA Today, CBS Sportsline and the ESPN statistical predictor. The latter is a computer formula based on individual statistics and team record.

Spiller and Alabama running back Mark Ingram are the only players in the top five of all eight polls.

The senior running back ranks third in the nation in all-purpose running with 195 yards per game. He needs 103 yards against Virginia on Saturday to break the ACC record for all-purpose yards in a single season. The existing record is 2,054 by Thomas Jones of Virginia in 1999.

Clemson TE driven for answers

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - Senior tight end Michael Palmer played several games last season with one arm dangling to his side, the consequence of a deep bruise above his elbow.

Before getting stitches for a separate injury sustained before his concussion at Miami three weeks ago, he ran barefoot onto the field to celebrate Clemson's overtime victory with teammates wearing spiked shoes. Palmer seemingly incurs at least one crushing hit per game, in part because he refuses not to go airborne so often.

Whatever you want to call it - toughness, stubbornness, determination - Palmer pins it on being five years younger than his brother, Justin.

"He and his friends wouldn't invite me to come play sports with them, but my mom would make them," Palmer said. "Playing basketball or football in the yard with older guys will make you tougher. There's a lot to be said for that."

There's a lot being said recently for Palmer. Clemson coaches insist the leadership qualities of he and senior lineman Thomas Austin have willed the Tigers to the verge of the ACC Atlantic Division title.

ACC notes: Tigers bear down on crown

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:52 EST

The No. 18 Tigers can guaranteed their first Atlantic Division title with a win against Virginia at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC).

But the Tigers can clinch their first ACC title game appearance before taking the field at Memorial Stadium.

North Carolina travels to Boston College (noon, ESPN2) and if the resurgent Tar Heels defeat the Eagles, Clemson (7-3, 5-2 ACC) wraps up the division.

The Tigers, the ACC, and bowl officials are hoping for a Clemson-Georgia Tech rematch in the ACC title game.

THUMBS UP

Women's pregame: USC vs. Clemson

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:38 EST

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, South Carolina

TV: None

RADIO: WISW, 1320AM

RECORDS: USC 1-0, Clemson 1-1

ACC feast is ready for Tigers

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - At some time during his lengthy coaching career, Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele developed the habit of not eating on game days until the contest is over.

It explains why the 51-year-old Steele is typically the last person to leave the Tigers' locker room. Drained, he hunches over in his chair, grabs a bite to eat and recharges before departing - usually after the cleaning staff has finished its chores.

"I am spent," Steele said.

Steele said eating makes him feel lethargic, comparable to the cause and effect No. 18 Clemson (7-3, 5-2 ACC) hopes to avoid this week.

The Tigers can win the Atlantic Division by either defeating Virginia (3-7, 2-4) Saturday or if Boston College loses one of its last two games.

Swinney gives Spiller a new nickname

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - If it takes a publicity stunt for senior running back C.J. Spiller to get Heisman Trophy voters' attention, then Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has the plan.

Copy the ploy of flamboyant NFL receiver Chad Johnson, who formally changed his last name to the Spanish numbers on his No. 85 jersey, Ochocinco.

"I don't know what else we have to do to recognize what he's done," Swinney said. "I am going to officially change his name - in hopes of creating more awareness - he is officially "Dos Ocho," two-eight. He is officially C.J. "Dos Ocho" Spiller. Maybe some people will figure him out then."

Saturday's game with Virginia will mark Spiller's final game in Death Valley, and Swinney has raised the notion that Spiller will merit consideration for Clemson's Ring of Honor.

Swinney was asked Tuesday which was his favorite Spiller highlight.

Recap: Clemson Football Q&A

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

thestate.com/tigers Replay a an interactive question-and-answer session with The State's Paul Strelow as Clemson prepares to take on Virginia on Saturday.

Clemson football with Paul Strelow

Flames no match for No. 22 Clemson, 79-39

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:24 EST

David Potter felt good from the start, early wakeup call included, and his career-best performance helped No. 22 Clemson roll over Liberty 79-39 Tuesday.

"My shot just felt good, even in warmups," the senior said after scoring 17 points and hitting five 3-pointers. "It just felt good from the beginning, so I was just shooting."

The Tigers hit 10 3s in all, most on wide open looks, and buried the Flames from the opening tip at 10 a.m. They led 17-1 before Liberty got its first field goal, and 42-19 at halftime, giving them more points than their smothering defense allowed in 40 minutes.

Potter needed only eight minutes to match his career high of 12 points. He made four 3-pointers, and later added another 3-pointer and a layup.

"He's one of the guys that we're looking to and he certainly delivered," Clemson coach Oliver Purnell said of the senior, whose other 12-point game came in his freshman debut.

Spiller is ready for his close-up

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - Alabama running back Mark Ingram gets a crack at Florida's vaunted defense in the SEC championship game.

Two quarterbacks with name recognition - Texas' Colt McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow - are in position to lead their respective unbeaten teams to the national title.

Even Stanford running back Toby Gerhart has the chance to impress the old guard in a matchup against Notre Dame.

As for Clemson running back C.J. Spiller's best shot at making a final splash in the Heisman Trophy race - well, the Tigers presumably have to reach the Dec. 5 ACC title game to provide him the platform for making a closing argument.

"He has a chance, but it's going to be very tough for him," ESPN writer Bruce Feldman said. "He's a dynamic player and is as explosive as anyone in the country, but is he going to get the chance to get everyone's attention?"

[Video] Swinney previews Virginia game

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney discusses the team and its upcoming game against Virginia. (Video by The Greenville News)

Clemson OL Page leaves team

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

Clemson offensive lineman Kenneth Page, a redshirt freshman out of A.C. Flora High School, has left the team.

Page had appeared in just two games for a total of five snaps this season and was not even on the dress roster for Clemson's last home game two weeks ago.

Page declined comment when reached by phone.

Tigers' rebound impresses Cavs' Groh

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45 EST

CLEMSON - Virginia coach Al Groh spent Sunday night reading No. 18 Clemson's press clippings in order to get a feel for how its offense made such a drastic turnaround.

Groh gathered that the bye week afforded the Tigers the luxury of reorganizing their approach to squeeze more from players not named C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, and the byproduct is a "rhythm" that has helped them score at least 38 points in the five games since.

Clemson (7-3, 5-2 ACC) plays host to the Cavaliers (3-7, 2-4) Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and Groh thinks the biggest difference has probably been the development of redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Parker.

"He's got the type of eye-to-hand coordination that would be associated with somebody who could hit a speeding fastball or moving curveball as well has he does," Groh said. "That's a critical factor I think you find in most quarterbacks who were really, really good and have a high accuracy number.

"Early in the season, the skills were apparent, but clearly he was a player who hadn't had to make those decisions under the speed of ACC competition, and now that he's 10 games into the season, so, really doing a terrific job with it. They have some remarkable playmakers, and he's very tuned into getting the ball to those playmakers."

Clemson loses road opener to Charleston

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:57 EST

CHARLESTON - Freshman Keyrra Gillespie led Clemson with 13 points and Lele Hardy posted her second double-double in as many games with 12 points and 12 rebounds, but the Tigers lost their road opener, 68-55 to College of Charleston.

College of Charleston point guard Toni Gerty led all scorers with 22 points, 10 from the free-throw line.

The Tigers (1-1) struggled with ball control, committing 22 turnovers, but they also forced 21.

Coming out of halftime tied at 26, the Cougars opened up a five-point lead five minutes in to the half. A 10-0 run by the Cougars put the game out of reach, giving them a 17-point cushion with five minutes remaining.

Clemson cut the lead to eight on an April Parker layup and forced a turnover, but Sthefany Thomas missed a 3-point attempt with 1:38 to go.