Thursday, Oct. 09, 2008

Gameday preview: Clemson vs. Wake Forest

Keys to the game against Wake Forest, five questions with Cory Lambert and more.

KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Establish the star running backs

The teams that beat Clemson are the ones that stuff C.J. Spiller and James Davis. Although Wake Forest might have the league’s two best defenders in cornerback Alphonso Smith and linebacker Aaron Curry, its line is average. A week after the Deacons were upset by Navy and its option attack, the Tigers installed a series of trick plays designed to feature both backs. Coincidence? Doubt it.

2. Cover the misdirection ... passes

At the onset of coach Jim Grobe’s tenure, Wake Forest relied on a rushing offense based on misdirection. The offense is built around quarterback Riley Skinner now and primarily works off misdirection passing plays. Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning’s game plans the past few years have worked well, and the Tigers were able to slow Wake’s running game. But Clemson’s young linebackers will be challenged to stick to their assignments.

3. Coach to win, not to avoid losing

With three more tough games ahead, Clemson will not seize control of the Atlantic Division with a victory today. But a loss arguably could drop the team out of contention because it would Wake Forest by two games and would not have the tiebreaker. Everyone knows the Tigers’ record for rising to the occasion when coach Tommy Bowden’s back is against the wall. Well, coaches need to summon the desperation and passion that spawned past rallies.

5 QUESTIONS WITH ... Cory Lambert

No. 76 Junior Offensive Lineman Greenville

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound junior is expected to start at left guard tonight — the third spot he has played on the line this season.

QUESTION: You have gone from right tackle to left; then, as of last week, left guard. What’s next, center or tight end?

ANSWER: I hope I never play center. With each position, it just keeps getting harder, and you’ve got to know more. Each position, you’ve got to get lower, and I don’t think I can get any lower.

Q: Most guards tend to be 6-foot-3 or shorter. Does being 6-6 make the transition more difficult?

A: It definitely makes it harder because you have to stay lower, and I’m used to standing up more as a tackle. I can definitely tell a difference. But it’s easier to stay lower at guard than at tackle because they’re right on you as you come out of your stance.

Q: With 6-6 Chris Hairston at left tackle, quarterback Cullen Harper suggested he might not pass to the left because he can’t see over you guys.

A: We were joking around, talking if they moved (6-6) Antoine McClain to guard, it would make Thomas (Austin, the 6-3 center) look awfully short. There’s another reason to try to stay low — I don’t want to get hit in the back of the head with the ball.

Q: Which Clemson defensive lineman is toughest to block?

A: At guard, it’s Dorell Scott. He’s a veteran. Out at tackle, though, if you struggle with speed, it’s Ricky Sapp. But power, you might be surprised to know it’s Kevin Alexander. He’s got a serious arm bar. When he gets under you, he drives you back.

Q: The knock on you always has been you don’t play with a mean streak. What’s the meanest thing you’ve ever done?

A: I have a twin sister, so we’ve gotten in a few battles. Once I accidentally tripped her and she fell down the stairs.

KEY MATCHUP

Clemson QB Cullen Harper vs. Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith

About Harper

The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder from Alpharetta, Ga., began the season as the top-ranked senior quarterback, according to two NFL scouting services. But it would be fair to suggest the ACC’s preseason player of the year has not lived up to that billing. In part because of a patchwork offensive line, Harper has yet to look comfortable throwing the ball and has five interceptions in as many games.

How he will win the matchup

Barring slick conditions, there are reasons to believe Clemson will open its downfield passing game, as Wake Forest generates a minimal pass rush. Criticism about coordinator Rob Spence’s conservative play-calling has festered for two weeks, and at this juncture, the Tigers have nothing else to lose.

Key number: 3. Touchdown passes by Harper vs. Wake Forest a year ago (he completed 27 of 35 passes for 266 yards)

About Smith

There is a reason Clemson steered clear last year of passing in the direction of the 5-9, 190-pound senior from Pahokee, Fla. Rated as a probable first-round NFL draft pick, Smith is the NCAA’s active career interceptions leader (16) and needs four more to tie the ACC record held by former UNC corner Dre’ Bly.

How he will win the matchup

In some measure, Smith wins if his presence forces the Tigers to limit their passing game to the other half of the field. Wake Forest relies on man coverage, so if Smith locks on to top receiver Aaron Kelly, Clemson has few other proven vertical options.

Key number: 4. Career interception returns for touchdowns, tied for the ACC record

INJURY REPORT:

CLEMSON: Out — G David Smith (ankle), G Barry Humphries (knee), DT Rashaad Jackson (knee), DT Jamie Cumbie (wrist); probable — LG Jamarcus Grant (shoulder), DT Antwon Murchison (hamstring).

WAKE FOREST: Out — G Dennis Godfrey (knee), C Ryan Britt (knee), CB Marcus Williams (shoulder); doubtful — LB Jonathan Jones (calf); probable — K Sam Swank (hamstring), DT John Russell (shoulder)