Another Step Towards The Orange Bowl for Clemson

By MikeBullock  |   Thursday, November 12, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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Saturday’s matchup between the Clemson Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack should be another good foot forward for Heisman hopeful C.J. Spiller and the Tigers. It was Spiller’s legs that carried Clemson into the Top 25, where they not sit at a modest 24th, and those same legs, with a little help from Virginia, could clinch the division this weekend.

Having won their last five meetings with the Wolfpack, Clemson should have this one in the bag. Just as with last week, the key (beyond Spiller’s performance) will be Clemson’s defense which contained the high powered Seminoles last week, limiting them to 24 points and 392 total yards.

Knowing that Spiller can outperform the Wolfpack’s stifled offense all on his own, should make Clemson QB Kyle Parker’s job all too easy when they take the field. Over the last three meetings, Spiller has gained 329 yards and five touchdowns. But things should be a bit more rarified this time out, as Spiller is having a season for the ages where he’s set the school record for all purpose yards not once, but twice.

"They're comfortable,” said Wolfpack DT Leroy Burgess. “I guess seeing our defense, they think they're just going to come in and do their thing and run all over us.”

And why wouldn’t the Tigers believe that? Over the last four games they’ve averaged 41.7 points and 193 rushing yards, while the Wolfpack has given up an average of 39.6 points and 158.2 yards rushing. It all equates to a perfect storm for Spiller and backup Andre Ellington.

Try as one might, it’s hard to expect anything other than a blowout in this contest. Looking back over the Wolfpack’s 2009 schedule, the precedent has been set, with Duke and Boston College beating the ‘Pack by a combined 101-48. Neither of which are as offensively loaded as the Tigers, nor as stout on defense.

What does that mean for Clemson fans? Kick back, relax and watch the highlight reel unfold as Spiller, Parker and the defense blast the Wolfpack for a sixth consecutive time. If you’re looking for drama, keep an eye on the Boston College game. If they lose to Virginia and Clemson wins, Saturday will be a time for celebration in Death Valley.
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