Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008

Begging pays off for Spiller

Back becomes first non-quarterback with a TD pass for Clemson since 1999

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — It took the better part of two years, but all of the begging finally paid off for one of Clemson’s running backs.

That is how long junior C.J. Spiller and senior James Davis have been prodding the Tigers’ coaches to let them throw a pass.

Their chance actually came last week against Duke, but Spiller tucked the ball and ran when receiver Tyler Grisham was covered in the end zone.

A Virginia safety must not have reviewed the film too closely, because Spiller and Grisham executed the play for a 15-yard score with 3:32 remaining in the first quarter of Clemson’s 13-3 victory.

From the left slot, Spiller took the handoff on a sweep but never turned upfield, waiting for Grisham to break into the clear in the back of right side of the end zone for the game’s lone touchdown.

“I finally got my early Christmas gift.” Spiller said. “James has been asking for it for a while, but I’ve got a little quarterback history in my book.”

He played quarterback in eighth grade.

It was the first completion by a Clemson player other than a quarterback since cornerback Justin Miller connected on a 2-yarder against North Carolina State in 2004.

The last time someone other than a quarterback threw a touchdown pass was kicker Tony Lazzara on a fake field goal against Virginia Tech in 1999.

Sapp done? Junior defensive end Ricky Sapp’s availability for this week’s USC finale — and perhaps any potential bowl game — is in jeopardy.

Sapp told teammates he believed he tore cartilage in his right knee. Sapp had to be helped to the locker room in the second quarter and did not return.

Sophomore Kourtnei Brown and redshirt freshman Andre Branch, a Richmond, Va., native, split time as Sapp’s replacement.

Drawing the line. Offensive line coach Brad Scott sported a wide grin as he congratulated interim coach Dabo Swinney_— for good reason.

The Tigers’ often-criticized line played a major role.

Virginia outside linebacker Clint Sintim came in to the game ranked third nationally in sacks (13), yet Cullen Harper was not sacked.

On the final drive, the Tigers converted a pair of third downs by running behind the left-side tandem of sophomore tackle Chris Hairston and junior guard Thomas Austin. The drive culminated with a Clemson field goal

“There have been several times this year where we’ve gotten the ball in the fourth quarter and not been able to put the nail in the coffin,” Austin said.

“To have a chance to win next week to play in a bowl game and go 8-5, you look back a month ago and no one would have ever thought that would be possible for us.”

Extra points. It was the fewest points Clemson has scored in a win since topping USC 13-9 to end the 2005 regular season. ... Senior safety Michael Hamlin moved into a tie for third in school history with his 13th career interception. His 17 career takeaways are two behind record-holder Terry Kinard. ... Grisham notched his first touchdown in 34 catches this season.

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