Clemson Tries To Follow Near-Perfect Debut Against Missouri On Saturday

Sept. 5, 2000

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson did almost everything right in its season opener. Now the Tigers have to do it against better competition.

The No. 17 Tigers (1-0) try to build on their superb debut when they play host to Missouri (1-0) on Saturday.

Clemson’s performance seemed nearly perfect in its 38-0 rout of The Citadel last Saturday. Quarterback Woodrow Dantzler broke school records for completion percentage and passing efficiency after going 16-for-17 for 192 yards and throwing three touchdown passes without an interception.

The Tigers scored on five of six possessions when Dantzler was in the game. But even if the offense had struggled, it wouldn’t have mattered because of the defense’s flawless effort.

In recording its first shutout since Oct. 10, 1998, Clemson limited The Citadel to just 105 yards of offense and allowed the Bulldogs to cross midfield only once. Linebacker Chad Carson led the Tigers with a career-high 18 tackles.

“The defensive staff and the defensive team just did a tremendous job,” Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said. “The competition level will elevate next week, and then elevate on down the line. But this is a good starting place.”

The elevated competition comes from a Missouri team that also was impressive in its season-opening 50-20 rout of Western Illinois last week.

Quarterback Kirk Farmer threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, while teammate Zain Gilmore ran for 53 yards and a pair of scores.

Both Clemson and Missouri will be looking for rare 2-0 starts. Clemson has won its first two games just seven times in the last 29 years, while Missouri has started 2-0 just nine times in that span.

Clemson leads the all-time series 2-1, though Missouri won the last meeting in 1996.