Clemson Tigers Plan to Run All Over Gamecocks

By MikeBullock  |   Wednesday, November 25, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

Clemson Tigers
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When the (AP) 15th Ranked Clemson Tigers hit Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina this Saturday, it won’t be to celebrate their ACC Atlantic Division Title or pound their chest in anticipation of December 5ths ACC Championship game. The Tigers are traveling to SC with only one thing on their mind, beat the rival South Carolina Gamecocks and beat them soundly.

"It's a great rivalry,” said Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney. “It's very similar to what I grew up in. The people just do not like each other. They talk about it all year. It hasn't had the national effect as much as maybe the Alabama-Auburn game. Those two teams are in the same conference, the same division, so that's different. This game historically has not had as much effect on a national scene with rankings and championships. But make no mistake; it doesn't take a backseat to any rivalry. It's a great rivalry. It's good old-fashioned bragging rights."

And just how does Swinney plan to get those rights? By running all over the Gamecocks and stopping them from returning the favor. And, Swinney’s outstanding running game and stellar defense are fully equipped to do just that.

"Something that's critical for us every week is to stop the run,” Swinney continued. “If they can get a run game going against us that makes it difficult. We have to do a good job against the run. They have several guys they'll run in there. That goes for us to win against the point of attack. That's a key for us in any football game. They're much improved on the offensive line.”

With Heisman and Doak Walker Awards hanging in the balance, you can rest assured Tiger tailback C.J. Spiller will do his best to add more ground yardage to his record breaking season. Having put up 114 against the Cavaliers last weekend, Spiller needs to have a breakout game this weekend to cement his standing among the NCAA’s greats.

South Carolina’s 17th ranked defense may have something to say about that however. The Gamecocks have proven to be tough to run against this season, with great play coming from their interior linemen and safeties especially.

While many late season games turn into aerial battles, expect this one to stay well grounded, with Spiller adding to his highlight reel and Clemson clinching their seventh straight victory on their way to the Orange Bowl.
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