Clemson

Clemson University- Clemson Tigers

Established in 1889, Clemson University is the best public university in the state of South Carolina, enrolling more than 17,000 students. The football team takes the field at Memorial Stadium, better known as “Death Valley” by football junkies. The Tigers won the 1981 national championship under the leadership of head coach Danny Ford. In total, the program has won 13 Atlantic Coast Conference championships, the last coming in 1991. Tiger football is an integral component of life in Clemson, SC. The annual in-state battle with the rival South Carolina Gamecocks is guaranteed to provide fireworks and bone-crushing action.

2007 Clemson Tigers Outlook

The Clemson Tigers are widely regarded by prognosticators to be the favorite in the ACC Atlantic division. This is due in large part to the return of explosive running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller. The team must replace last year’s starting quarterback Will Proctor. Highly touted freshman QB Willy Corn is the most likely candidate but must beat out sophomore Cullen Harper for the starting spot. If the team can solidify the quarterback position, the schedule sets up nicely for the Tigers to make a serious run at a conference championship. The Tigers open the season at home in the Bowden Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles. The majority of their difficult games will be played in the friendly confines of Death Valley. The season finale at South Carolina will be their toughest road test. The 2007 season may bring Clemson its first conference title in 16 years.

Clemson Tigers 2007 Schedule

Sep 3 - vs. Florida State, 8:00 PM

Sep 8 - vs. UL-Monroe, 1:00 PM

Sep 15 - vs. Furman, 1:00 PM

Sep 22 - at NC State, TBA

Sep 29 - at Georgia Tech, TBA

Oct 6 - vs. Virginia Tech, TBA

Oct 13 - Open

Oct 20 - vs. Central Mich, TBA

Oct 27 - at Maryland, TBA

Nov 3 - at Duke, TBA

Nov 10 - vs. Wake Forest, TBA

Nov 17 - vs. Boston College, TBA

Nov 24 - at So Carolina, TBA

Clemson Tigers- Head Coach Profile

Tommy Bowden is heading into his ninth season as Clemson head coach. In that time, he has yet to have a losing season. The son of legendary Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, Tommy Bowden has consistently put a competitive team out on the field. He was named ACC Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2003. Despite his consistency, Bowden has failed to register a 10-win season. Bowden received much scrutiny after his team finished last season 1-4. The upcoming season will offer Bowden his best chance at reaching 10 wins and silencing his critics.

Clemson Tigers- Key Departures/Players to Watch

As mentioned earlier, the team must find a new starting quarterback due to the graduation of Will Proctor. The excellence of running backs Davis and Spiller should make for a smooth transition. On defense, the team must fill the shoes of standout defensive end Gaines Adams, who was a top five pick in this year’s NFL draft. Sophomore defensive end Ricky Sapp looks to provide the same kind of production off the edge that Adams brought. Linebackers Nick Watkins and Antonio Clay are proven playmakers.