Clemson’s focus will be the key to game against Georgia Tech

By Lee Roberts  |   Friday, October 17, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

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In the aftermath of Tommy Bowden’s dismissal as head coach, Clemson must try to regroup quickly before squaring off against Georgia Tech this weekend. The Yellow Jackets' offense requires discipline to defend and when you’re heavy on emotion and light on preparation, discipline is the first quality to go. A loss to Georgia Tech essentially eliminates Clemson’s chances of winning the ACC Atlantic Division.

Commentary: After learning of Bowden’s departure, many players were understandably emotional. Rumors swirled that Bowden’s presence was a divisive force between the players, with Cullen Harper, in no uncertain terms, even telling reporters Bowden got what he deserved. With so much attention on Bowden, Clemson must find a way to regroup and prepare for a talented Georgia Tech team.

Georgia Tech’s option offense is unique in the ACC and one of the few true option attacks in the country. With starting quarterback Josh Nesbitt back from injury, the Yellow Jacket offense should be as effective as ever. Defensively, Georgia Tech’s line presents a major challenge for Clemson’s inexperienced blockers.

A loss in this game would leave Clemson at 1-3 in the conference and completely out of the race for the Atlantic Division crown. With Wake Forest undefeated and holding the tiebreaker over Clemson, the Demon Deacons would have to suffer an epic collapse to allow the Tigers to play for the ACC title. That doesn’t seem likely. So, this game is a must-win for the Tigers.

Clemson will play with more emotion than it has all season. For college kids, sometimes too much emotion can be detrimental. Add in the first start for Willy Korn and an injured C.J. Spiller, and things could get ugly. Interim coach Dabo Swinney must find a way to get his troops to play with controlled passion. If they can, this team still has the talent in place to make a late-season run.

Fan Pulse: Clemson fans' focus has been on the coaching change and potential replacements, but a few have turned their attention to the game. They are expecting a low-scoring battle this weekend.

Injury Watch: Spiller is out with a torn hamstring, while offensive linemen Cory Lambert and Barry Humphries are questionable for Saturday.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ACC.
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CommentsComments: 6  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
NB		01:59 PM
10/17/2008
This "must -win" game for Clemson was played last Thursday night against Wake. We have to lean on common sense and reality now....
No.2
RazzMaTazz		02:38 PM
10/17/2008
NB: Wishful thinking does not have to stop. It's part of what makes college football fun. Hope lives in Tigertown again! Our...
No.3
NB		03:00 PM
10/17/2008
Razz; It is fans like you who teams everywhere need. I am more of the straight-forward persuasion. If the Clemson Tigers win out...
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