Sunday, Nov. 09, 2008

Grading the keys; injury report

1. Improve third-down offense

Florida State came in with the nation’s best third-down defense, allowing an 18 percent conversion rate, and managed to improve it. Clemson went 2-for-15 (13.3 percent). Both conversions were in the first half — one on its opening touchdown drive, another early in the second quarter. Most of the Tigers’ troubles stemmed from an inability to protect quarterback Cullen Harper.

Grade: F

2. Put out the fires

In each of the previous three games, Clemson surrendered momentum late in the third quarter. The Tigers staved off FSU’s first-half wave and were up 17-13 until allowing a 70-yard scoring drive to close the first half. Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said they lost their energy thereafter. In the second half, FSU scored touchdowns on three of its five completed drives.

Grade: C

3. Pressure and contain FSU’s quarterbacks

In a repeat of the Boston College performance, the Tigers hounded sophomore Christian Ponder but had little to show for it. They had two sacks. Ponder’s scrambling did not hurt Clemson until a 21-yard fourth-quarter keeper boosted the drive that put FSU up by two touchdowns.

Grade: C-minus

INJURY REPORT

Senior defensive tackle Dorell Scott (knee) and sophomore left tackle Chris Hairston (concussion) both were hurt in the first half and did not return. Junior tight end Michael Palmer re-aggravated a deep bruise in his left biceps and expects to have an MRI today.

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