Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Game 12 ’ CLEMSON . 1 p.ni., Nov. 23 Clemson, S.C. BY NICK YOUNG THE GAMECOCK Last year, the Clemson Tigers suffered one of their most dis appointing seasons in recent memory. The season itself was n’t bad (a 7-5 record), but the high expectations that were set before the season were failed to be met. The season was filled with hope as Woody Dantzler, Travis Zachery, an experienced offensive line, and the school’s best recruiting class since 1992 were poised to break out. But an early loss to Virginia shook the team, and it never re covered. The Tigers are determined to make up for last season’s fail ures. Clemson comes in with con cerns at quarterback, running back and the offensive line, but the Tigers will look to their strong group of receivers and their experienced defense to lead the way. For the first time in three years, Dantzler is not the starting quarterback for Clemson. Dantzler’s two-year understudy, Willie Simmons, is prepared to try and replace Dantzler’s run ning, passing and leadership abil ities. Clemson will try to use a com mittee of running backs to replace Zachery. Bernard Rambert, Chad Jasmin and Yusef Kelly will share time in the back field with Rambert as the starter. Even though star receiver Roscoe Crosby was lost for the sea son with an arm injury, the re ceiving corps is still a force to be reckoned with. Sophomores Derrick Hamilton, Airese Currie, and Ben Hall return from strong freshman years to lead the aerial attack. Sophomore receiver Kevin Youngblood will be back after breaking his leg and missing all of last season. Freshman Kelvin Grant and senior J. J. McKelvey round out what could be the most talented set .of receivers in school history The Offensive line is a weakness and a question mark on this year’s squad. The Tigers must replace four starting offensive linemen, three of whom were All-ACC selec tions. Clemson’s defense, usually the weakness of the team, is now a key component. Eight starters return, including six All-ACC preseason se lections. The defensive line returns three starters. Bryant McNeal ranked third in the ACC in sacks last year, and Khaleed Vaughn is the leading returning tackier with 64 tackles, nine for a loss, and eight quarter back pressures. The team’s linebackers could be even better than the defensive line. Senior John Leake recorded 134 tackles last year and has the ability to cover any place on the field. Rodney Thomas recorded 100 tack les last season. Free safety Eric Meekins is the leader of the secondary He finished last season with 72 tackles and an interception. The Tigers feel they can re bound from a disappointing sea son, and the college football ex perts agree with them. Analysts have ranked Clemson anywhere from second to fifth in the ACC. Most of the team’s more difficult opponents have to travel to Death Valley, which should help the Tigers’ cause. Cavaliers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 year for total offense, the Cavaliers return some key players as they hope to climb the ACC ladder. They have already found themselves in a quarterback controversy just one game into the season as starter Matt Schaub is being pressed by Hagans. Against the Rams, Schaub completed eight of 14 passes for 73 yards. He threw one touchdown and an intercep tion. Despite Hagans’ play in the final minute of the game, he still managed to go 10-for-13 with a touchdown run. Alvin Pearman will be the team’s starting tailback. Against Colorado State, Pearman picked up 54 yards on nine attempts, and he scored two touchdowns. At receiver, the Cavaliers have reliable hands in Billy McMullen. Last season, McMullen led the ACC in re ceiving yards per game (88). The senior also scored 12 touchdowns. The Cavaliers have a shaky front line, but their defense, led by inside linebacker Angelo Crowell, still has the potential to be one of the best in the ACC. Crowell is the fourth leading returning tackier in the nation. He had 144 tackles last season. At outside linebacker, junior Raymond Mann is looking to have a breakout year after picking up 80 tackles last sea son. Senior safety Jerton Edwards was second behind Crowell last season in tackles. Senior Shernard Newby in tercepted five balls last sea son. Although Virginia returns some pivotal players, its 2002 campaign will likely be more focused on setting a foundation for years to come. Groh knows the Cavaliers have yet to ar rive, but he knows that they are at least going in the right direction. “I have a pretty good idea of what type of team you have to create to play on that highest level; that’s our ambition and we’ll work until we get there,” Groh said. ■ st°p_^__ Step Step Step Body - Step Mix & Kick Express Express Express Sculpt Express Match Boxing Women on Women on Women on Women on Women on Weights Weights Weights Weights Weights Fac/Staff Fac/Staff Fac/Staff Fitness Fitness Fitness Mat YOGA Step Mat Body Science Combo Science Sculpt Ab Ab Ab Ab Ab Ab Ab Express Express Express Express Express Express Express Adv Adv Adv Adv Mix & Mix & Mix & Step* Step Step Step Match IVlatch Match Water Water Water Water Exercise Exercise Exercise Exercise YOGA YOGA BA BA 2nd Floor 2nd Floor Ab Ab Ab Ab Ab Ab Express Express Express Express Express Express Adv Adv Adv Body Adv YOGA Step Step Step Sculpt Step Ath YOGA Body Step & Drills Sculpt Sculpt Step Step Step Step Combo Combo Combo Combo •Mh* COLUMBIA FILM SOCIETY 1 block from USC @ Moin A Pendleton www.nickelodeon.or9 movie tine: (803)254-3433 • Movies Every Night • Student Discounts • New Movies Every Week • Affordable Concessions You fflUSt be a full-timecoiiege Student to enter! 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