2008 Orange-White spring game review

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, April 14, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Clemson Tigers
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Although Clemson's recent Orange-White spring game was simply a scrimmage, contests of their ilk are indeed useful, and they tend to serve as somewhat vague guides for what to expect come autumn. And the Tigers' annual game, played this past weekend, did just that.

The positives:

1. DA'QUAN BOWERS: The incoming freshman defensive end led both squads in tackles with seven, including two sacks. Bowers' donning of the white No. 93 jersey was reminiscent of a former Tiger who wore that number only two years ago, now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Gaines Adams, the NFL's No. 4 overall draft pick in 2007. With Bowers and Ricky Sapp at the ends, Clemson will have blazing speed attacking the tackles.

2. XAVIER DYE: This upcoming sophomore made his statement: Dye finished the afternoon being quarterback Cullen Harper's favorite target, catching six passes for 87 yards for the Orange team. Dye, Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham will make for a very serious passing threat in just a few months.

3. SECONDARY: The Tigers' defensive backfield is experienced and very deep with talent. Senior safety Michael Hamlin will lead this squad in what likely will be a part of a highly ranked defense next season.

4. QUARTERBACKS: Not only did returning starter Harper meet expectations with another solid performance (13 of 18, 142 yards, one score and one pick in only one half of play), but touted backup Willy Korn proved to be a threat as well, finishing 15 of 24 for 117 yards and one interception.

5. LINEBACKERS: A big question mark entering spring drills, this squad appears to be coming together. There will likely be no returning starters, but some players stepped up to give everyone a glimmer of hope that this position may in fact be ready to go. Upcoming senior Kavell Conner and incoming freshman Stanley Hunter ended the day with four take-downs apiece, one of Stanley's being an almost open-field tackle of star running back C.J. Spiller.

6. PAUL MACKO: The upcoming junior running back, who has been too far down on the depth chart to be noticed, led all rushers with 10 carries for 36 yards. More than once he barreled his way between the tackles, catching they eyes of many. He outperformed Spiller and the highly anticipated Rendrick Taylor, who in mere months has gone from receiver to linebacker and now to running back. When Macko got the ball, he stood out.

The negatives:

1. OFFENSIVE LINE: This squad is already looking like last year's and will likely be Clemson's Achilles' heel this season. This yet-again-rebuilt squad allowed a massive 11 sacks and quite a few tackles for loss. Head coach Tommy Bowden stated there will be some things done schematically to alleviate the pressure on the line. Those new schemes will have to be some wild ones; after all, it's very difficult to foresee what could possibly be done to overcome the hemorrhaging loss of four starters. No real improvement was seen.

2. KICKING: The missing of the extra point in the first quarter did not sit well for fans, nor should it have. Sure, it's only one missed kick, but it was a chip shot. Returning starter Mark Buchholz and special teams coach Andre Powell must get this simple problem fixed quickly. Special teams appear to have been all but been neglected during the bulk of Bowden's career at Clemson (much like the offensive line, coincidentally), and this spring game did not really show any signs of true improvement.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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