The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, August 29, 2001, Opponents 2001: A Gamecock Sports Extra, Image 23
Game 11
CLEMSON
1 p.m., Nov. 17
Columbia, S.C.
Nickname: Tigers
Head Coach:
Tommy Bowden (3rd year)
2000 Record: 9-3 (6-2 ACC)
2000 vs. USC:
Won 16-14 in Clemson
The Gamecock rates the
opposition
passing: 0 0 0
Rushing: $ # # #
Pass Defense: 0 0
Run Defense: 0 0 0
Overall: # # 0
2001 projected record: 8-3
BY PRESTON BAINES
THE GAMECOCK
Clemson enters the 2001 season
with plenty of promise after last
year’s successful season. The key to
the season, though, will be in the
hands of the defense.
The Tigers’ defense was very
suspect late last season, and it will
need to step up for the Tigers to heat
the best teams in the country.
Clemson returns an ACC-lead
ing 52 lettermen.
Offense
Clemson’s offense is about the
best in the ACC. Senior quarterback
Woodrow Dantzler is on top of
Heisman Trophy watch lists and
compiled nearly 2,000 yards passing
and 1,000 yards rushing last season.
The Tigers were dealt a blow after
finding out wide receiver Kevin
Youngblood will be out for the rest
of the season with a broken leg.
Highly touted freshmen Roscoe
Crosby and Airese Currie look to
make an immediate impact on the
tigers’ aerial attack.
The Tigers are very formidable
on the ground. Head coach Tommy
Bowden has the strongest offensive
line in his tenure at Clemson. The
O-line will have a solid backfield to
block for, with Dantzler and Travis
Zachary returning.
Defense
Bowden has reason to worry
about the defense. The already weak
secondary has lost its two best per
formers from a year ago, Alex
Ardley and Robert Carswell. Strong
safety Charles Hafley and corner
back Brian Mance look to lead this
year’s defensive backfield.
With a questionable secondary,
the Tigers will need to get pressure
in the opposing team’s backfield.
The defensive line should get help
when Nick Eason returns from be
ing out for most of last season, but it
still lacks depth.
Linebackers should be the
strong point of this year’s team, de
spite losing Keith Adams to the
NFL. Chad Carson and Braxton
Williams look to have big seasons.
Outlook
' Clemson has the potential for a
great season. This year’s success
will rely heavily on the same games
as last year. The Tigers should coast
through the season undefeated.
Games at Georgia Tech, home
against Florida State and at USC
will make or break the season.
If the defense can step up and
Clemson head coach Tommy
Bowden discusses strategy
with his quarterback and
2001 Heisman hopeful,
Woody Dantzler. Clemson
beat USC 16-14 last season.
SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK
do better than expected, and with
inexperience and injuries at FSU
and a weak Georgia Tech team,
Clemson should challenge for the
ACC crown. Anything less than
eight wins will be a huge disap
pointment.
AssociatedTress
College Football
Top 25
•fc
1. Florida
2. Miami (FL)
3. Oklahoma
4. Nebraska
5. Texas
6. Florida State
7. Oregon
a. tennessee
9. Virginia Tech
10. Oregon State
11. Georgia Tech «
12. Michigan
13. Kansas State
14. LSU
15. Washington
16. Northwestern
17. UCLA
18. Notre Dame
19. Clemson
20. Mississippi State
21. South Carolina
22. Wisconsin
23. Ohio State
24. Colorado State
25. Alabama
italics - USC 2001 opponents
806-82
Weekly Specials s
Wednesday House Liquor
College Night $1.50 Rolling Rock
Ladies free til lOpm
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Row firing 22 C Freshman and Sophomores
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