Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008

Clemson: Grading the keys, injury report

KEYS TO THE GAME

1.

MAKE USC PAY FOR PURSUIT

Clemson had six gains of 20 yards or more by halftime. The maligned offensive line opened holes between the tackles that backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller hadn’t seen in a while. Acting coordinator Billy Napier said that the Gamecocks had trouble getting their fits right when the Tigers shifted tight ends before the snap. The result was a 184-yard rushing performance — its best in the past seven games.

Grade: A

2.

SLOW TIGHT END JARED COOK

Cook had one first-half catch for 2 yards and was benched for most of the second half because of a supposed lack of effort. He appeared to give up on the play in which he tipped a pass behind him that safety Chris Clemons intercepted with 9:09 left in the first half. In the second half, backup Weslye Saunders showed what kind of mismatch the tight ends could have presented: four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Grade: B-minus

3.

DENY THE DRAW

USC’s backs averaged 4.8 yards per carry, but the only time they did significant damage was the drive in which Clemson let up after taking a 24-0 in the second quarter. In 10 other drives, the Gamecocks produced 55 rushing yards.

Grade: A-minus

— Paul Strelow

INJURY REPORT

None reported.

— Paul Strelow

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