Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009

Clemson-Virginia: Thumbs up, thumbs down

THUMBS UP

Mason 'Mickey' Dorsey

On Clemson's Military Appreciation Day, to the Seabrook Island resident (Clemson Class of 1949) who played freshman football for the Tigers in 1942 and fought with Patton's Third Army during World War II's Battle of the Bulge.

Clemson defense

After giving up 233 yards and 21 points in the first half, the Tigers gave up 16 yards in the third quarter and did not allow a first down until 7:21 left in the fourth quarter.

Kyle Parker

The redshirt freshman continued his maturation process, coolly shredding Virginia for 222 yards passing (and two touchdowns) and 22 yards rushing through three quarters, then running a conservative, time-consuming offense to run out the fourth quarter.

THUMBS DOWN

Ugly pants

Clemson wearing purple jerseys with orange pants are one thing, but orange paws on purple pajama bottoms - worn by a fan before the game, in public - are over the top.

Game officials

Penalizing Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen for excessive celebration after he saluted following his first-quarter touchdown catch - on Military Appreciation Day? Talk about unpatriotic.

- Bob Gillespie

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