Clemson vs. NC State Game Notes

Game Eight: NC State at Clemson

Thursday, October 24, 2002 7:45 PM (EST) Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC

Television: ESPN Play By Play: Mike Tirico Color: Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit Sideline: Dr. Jerry Punch

Radio: Clemson Tiger Sports Properties Play By Play: Jim Phillips Color: Rodney Williams Sideline: Pete Yanity

Series History: Clemson leads 44-25-1

Complete Release in PDF Format Download Free Acrobat Reader

Clemson Has Had Success vs. Ranked NC State Teams Clemson has had some success against ranked NC State teams in the past. Clemson is 5-4 against top 25 NC State teams, including four of the last five meetings when the Pack has been ranked in the top 25. Three times Clemson has upset an NC State team ranked 12th or better, all games that took place at Clemson. NC State is ranked ninth in the USA Today Coaches poll this week, 12th by Associated Press.

In 1967 a Wolfpack team came to Clemson with an 8-1 record. Current NC State Coach Chuck Amato was a starting defensive player on the 10th ranked NC State team that started the year 8-0 before losing to Penn State the week prior to playing Clemson.

Buddy Gore, who has a son on the Clemson roster by the same name, had 96 yards rushing and 28 receiving to lead the Tigers. He scored Clemson’s first touchdown on a 28-yard reception from Jimmy Addison. It was the only touchdown reception of Gore’s career and his first catch of the 1967 season (ninth game of the year). He had just seven catches his entire Clemson career, so you could call it a trick play of sorts by Frank Howard. Clemson held the Pack to 152 yards of total offense in gaining the 14-6 victory.

NC State was known for its “White Shoes” defense that year. Howard decided to answer with his own uniform ploy. He had his managers buy up all the orange paint in Clemson and painted his players’ shoes orange for that game.

Clemson also defeated ranked NC State teams in consecutive games in Death Valley. In 1989 NC State entered the game ranked 12th in the UPI Coaches poll and 13th by AP and the Tigers won 30-10. Two years later the Pack was ranked 10th by the coaches and 12th by Associated Press, but Clemson won 29-19. NC State was 6-0 heading into both games.

Danny Ford’s last Clemson team ironically ended the season ranked 12th in the final poll with a 10-2 record, and the 1989 victory over NC State had a lot to do with that. Clemson jumped out 14-0 in the first period and was never threatened. Joe Henderson led the way with 84 yards rushing on offense, while Dexter Davis had 10 tackles and an interception to lead the defense. Clemson’s defense held the Pack to 67 yards rushing and intercepted quarterback Shane Montgomery three times.

Two years later, Ken Hatfield’s second Clemson team pulled off the upset with a 29-19 victory. Nelson Welch booted five field goals to set a Clemson record. The Tigers warmed up in orange jerseys, then appeared at the top of the hill in purple. The Tigers jumped out to a 23-7 lead at halftime behind 297 yards of total offense. A touchdown on a fake field goal by Rudy Harris gave Clemson momentum early.

Clemson also gained victory over ranked NC State teams in 1993, a 20-14 victory at Clemson, and a 19-17 win in Raleigh in 1997. NC State was ranked 25th in the USA Today poll entering that game. The Tigers won on a 20-yard field goal by Matt Padgett with 19 seconds left.

Clemson vs. Ranked NC State teams

Site NCS Rk Winner Score 1957Clemson 13 NC State 7-13 1967 Clemson 10 Clemson 14-6 1974 Raleigh15 NCState 10-31 1986 Raleigh 20 NC State 3-27 1989 Clemson #12Clemson 30-10 1991 Clemson #10 Clemson 29-19 1992 Raleigh 23NCState 6-20 1993 Clemson 24 Clemson 20-14 1997 Raleigh #25 Clemson19-17

#Coaches’ Poll ranking

Clemson’s Highest Ranked Wins A win for Clemson over ninth-ranked NC State would be the 11th win over a top 10 team in Clemson history, but just the fourth in Death Valley. Clemson defeated fourth-ranked Georgia, 13-3 in 1981 and 10th ranked NC State in 1967 and 10th ranked (Coach’s poll) NC State in 1991 for its other home wins over top 10 teams.

Clemson does have 10 top 10 wins in its history, but seven have taken place on the opponent’s home field or in a bowl game. Clemson had three of the nine during its 1981 National Championship season.

Clemson has had 21 wins over top 25 teams since 1986 and has had at least one ranked win in 14 of the last 16 seasons. Tommy Bowden has defeated at least one ranked team each of his first three years at Clemson. The Tigers defeated Virginia, 33-14, in 1999 when the Cavs were ranked 19th (USA Today), then downed a 25th ranked South Carolina team in 2000. The Tigers defeated 9th ranked Georgia Tech in Atlanta last year. Clemson is 0-2 against top 20 teams this year, a loss at Georgia and a loss at Florida State. In both games Clemson out-gained the opposition, but lost.

Clemson’s Top 10 Victories

Opponent Site Rk Score 1981Georgia Clemson, SC 4 13-3 1981 Nebraska Miami, FL 4 22-15 1959Texas Christian Houston, TX 7 23-7 1981 North Carolina Chapel Hill,NC 8 10-8 2001 Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA 9 #47-44 1967 NC StateClemson, SC 10 14-6 1983 North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 10 16-31988 Oklahoma Orlando, FL 10 13-6 1991 NC State Clemson, SC *1029-19 1992 Virginia Charlottesville, VA 10 29-28

#Overtime, *Coaches’ poll.

Clemson Has Ended Undefeated NC State Seasons Four times since 1989 Clemson has ended an undefeated NC State season. Granted, one of the years we are counting is 1997 when NC State was just 2-0, but in three other recent seasons Clemson has stopped Wolfpack perfect starts that have been 4-0 or better.

The last time NC State came to Clemson the Pack were 4-0 under first-year head coach Chuck Amato. Clemson came away with a 34-27 victory, giving Clemson a 7-0 mark at the time. In 1991 and 1989 NC State came to Clemson with a 6-0 record and left with a loss each time. The Pack is 8-0 heading into Thursday night’s game, its best start since 1967.

Both Teams Coming off Close Home Victories Clemson and NC State both enter this game coming off home victories by eight points or less. The Tigers defeated Wake Forest last Saturday, 31-23, while NC State downed Duke in Raleigh, 24-22.

Clemson trailed 23-14 in the third period and still faced a 23-21 deficit heading into the fourth period. But the Tigers scored 10 points in the final period and held the Demon Deacons scoreless. Wake Forest trailed by eight and drove to the Clemson 18 with under two minutes left, but on a third-and-two play, Brian Mance stripped a Wake Forest running back inside the 10-yard-line. The ball rolled into the endzone and was eventually batted through the end line by Altroy Bodrick. Clemson ran out the final 1:15 to preserve the victory.

Clemson gave up 523 yards to Wake Forest, the most yards ever by a Tiger opponent in a Clemson victory. But, the Tigers forced five second-half turnovers, three interceptions and two fumbles. Justin Miller, Mance and Bodrick had interceptions, while Travis Pugh had the fumble recovery. Mance does not get credit for a takeaway because he did not recover the fumble, but it was certainly a huge play.

The victory was in direct contrast to Clemson’s previous two games, which both ended in defeat. Clemson out-gained Florida State and Virginia by nearly 200 yards combined, but lost both of those games. Wake Forest had 243 more yards than Clemson, but the Tigers came away with the triumph.

NC State struggled with a Duke team that lost its 21st straight conference game. Duke scored a touchdown with 16 seconds left, and then recovered an on-side kick. Duke ran off three more plays, but they were all incomplete passes. A 65-yard field goal fell short and NC State had its eighth straight victory this season, its ninth in a row over Duke.

Philip Rivers, the nation’s leader in passing efficiency this week, threw for a season high 364 yards and two touchdowns to lead the way for NC State. He had a pair of 100-yard receivers in Jerricho Cotchery and Sterling Hicks. Cotchery had 174 yards on six catches and had a touchdown score.

Clemson vs. NC State Series Notes The 22nd Annual Textile Bowl Clemson and N.C. State will do battle in the 22nd annual Textile Bowl when the two teams meet in in Clemson on October 24. Clemson has a 15-6 advantage in the series since the game took on the Textile Bowl title in 1981, the year Clemson won the National Championship. The Textile Industry has a very important effect on the economy of North Carolina and South Carolina and the two schools competing in Thursday’s game.

Overall, Clemson has a 44-25-1 lead in the series, including an 18-10 record in games played at Clemson. The Tigers are 15-10 against NC State in games played in Death Valley and the Tigers have scored 499 points in those 25 games. Clemson is 11-1-1 against NC State in neutral site games and 15-14 in games at Raleigh over the years, including last year’s 45-37 victory.

Many of the Textile Bowl contests have been close, including each of the last five, which have all been decided eight points or less. Five years ago in Raleigh, Matt Padgett booted a 20-yard field goal with just 19 seconds left to give Clemson a 19-17 victory. The Tigers drove 78 yards in 14 plays to set up the winning score. Nealon Greene hit 20-32 passes for 250 yards and Tony Horne caught eight passes for 112 to key the Clemson offense.

In 1998 at Clemson, Torry Holt completed an incredible day with a nine-yard scoring pass from Jamie Barnette with just 37 seconds left. It was his fourth touchdown reception of the day. He had 225 yards receiving in that game. In 1999, NC State, behind Head Coach Mike O’Cain, defeated Clemson 35-31 in an exciting contest in Raleigh that featured 35 first-quarter points between the two teams combined, most combined points ever in the first period of a Clemson game. Clemson had five possessions in the fourth period with a chance to take the lead, but could not drive for a winning touchdown.

The 2000 game was a thriller that came down to the last possession before the Tigers came away with a 34-27 victory. Woody Dantzler completed 18-30 passes for 220 yards and also rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Rod Gardner had 10 catches for 137 yards, while Travis Zachery added 31-147 and two scores.

Last year was the Woody Dantzler show as he gained 517 yards of total offense, an all-time Clemson record. He had a career best 23-27 passes for 333 yards and four scores, and also rushed for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Still, it was a 45-37 outcome, as Rivers had another outstanding passing game for NC State.

Another close game took place in 1993. Clemson held a 20-0 lead after three quarters thanks to an offense that gained 250 yards rushing, but had to hang on in the last minute to gain the victory. Tim Jones broke up each of the Wolfpack’s last two pass plays of the game at the Clemson goal line over the last 12 seconds of the contest to preserve the Tiger victory.

Last Four Meetings Have Featured Offense The last four meetings between Clemson and NC State have featured high powered offensive shows. In fact, the average score between the two teams in the last four meetings is Clemson 37 and NC State 36. Clemson has outscored the Pack 149-145 in the last four meetings combined.

Over the last four meetings, Clemson has averaged 25 first downs, 175.5 yards rushing, 291.2 yards a game passing, 467 yards of total offense and 37.3 points per game. The Pack has averaged 17.5 first downs, 52.2 yards a game rushing, 322.5 passing and 374.8 yards of total offense per game against the Tigers in the last four meetings.

Last year’s game featured 333 yards passing by Clemson and 331 by NC State, the only game in Clemson history in which both teams threw for at least 330 yards in the same game. Last year the Tigers gained 567 yards of total offense in Raleigh, Clemson’s highest total-offense figure in history on an opponent’s home field.

In 1998, Clemson scored 39 points and lost, at the time the most points Clemson had ever scored in a loss. Brandon Streeter completed 27-38 passes for 329 yards in that game. Clemson has scored at least 31 points in four straight games against NC State.

The two teams are 2-2 in these four games. NC State won in 1998 and 1999 and Clemson won in 2000 and 2001.

Clemson Offense vs. NC State 1998-01

FD Rushing Passing Total OffPts 1998 22 40-111 27-38-329 78-440 39 1999 21 33-8324-42-285 75-368 31 2000 30 65-274 18-30-220 95-494 34 2001 2852-234 23-27-333 79-567 45 Totals 101 190-702 92-137-1167 327-1869149 Avg. (25.3) (175.5) (291.2) (467.3) (37.3)

NC State Offense vs. Clemson, 1998-01

FD Rushing Passing Total OffPts 1998 14 23-21 20-33-374 56-395 46 1999 21 46-13515-30-215 76-350 35 2000 14 23-32 21-50-370 73-402 27 2001 21 21-2125-48-331 69-352 37 Totals 70 113-209 81-161-1290 274-1499 145 Avg.(17.5) (52.2) (322.5) (374.8) (36.3)

Last Year’s Game Woodrow Dantzler’s 517-yard performance against North Carolina State not only set numerous Clemson records, but also propelled the Tigers into the thick of the ACC championship race. Dantzler completed 23 of his 27 passes for 333 yards and also threw four touchdown passes, tying his backup Willie Simmons for the school record. In addition, Dantzler tallied 184 rushing yards to go along with two touchdown runs. Dantzler became the first quarterback in ACC history to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 2,000 yards in a regular season career.

Dantzler’s 517 total yards left him 38 yards short of the ACC record for an individual game and it was the fifth highest total in league history. The graduate student set Clemson records for touchdowns (6), touchdown passes (4) and passing efficiency (237.6).

Dantzler got the Tigers going on just the third play from scrimmage. Dodging would-be tacklers in the middle of the field and breaking out to the left sideline, he sprinted 55 yards down the field to the Wolfpack end zone, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead less than 90 seconds into the game.

North Carolina State would counter following Clemson’s next possession; Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers took advantage of a Tiger miscue on special teams by hitting Jerricho Cotchery in the corner of the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown reception, tying the score 7-7. Rivers and Cotchery connected again on a 19-yard scoring effort seven minutes later to give the Wolfpack a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Dantzler completed all five of his passes on a nine-play, 71-yard drive that he capped off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Hamilton, tying the score at 14. Racking up 27 rushing yards and completing his sixth and seventh consecutive passes of the game, Dantzler drove the Tigers downfield just before halftime. Tight end Ben Hall’s 7-yard touchdown reception with 56 seconds remaining gave Clemson its second lead of the game. An NC State 20-yard field goal made the halftime score 21-17.

The Tiger defense came out strong in the second half, holding N.C. State to -24 yards on seven plays on its first two drives. Taking advantage right away, Dantzler’s 10th consecutive completion of the game went to Travis Zachery on a rollout pattern, and Zachery coasted 22 yards for the score on the Tigers’ fourth play from scrimmage in the second half. Dantzler finished off the next Tiger drive with an eight-yard touchdown run, giving Clemson a 35-17 lead with 7:53 left in the third quarter.

Cotchery’s third touchdown reception of the game, this time from Bryan Peterson went for 21 yards, rallying Wolfpack fans and cutting the Tiger lead to 12. After the extra point failed, Dantzler and the Tiger offense retaliated once again, delivering a crushing blow to the Wolfpack victory hopes.

Beginning at the eight-yard line, Dantzler led the Tiger offense down the field with the same success he’d experienced the entire game. He carried the ball four times for 54 yards, including a 41-yard tackle breaking scamper worthy of the Sportscenter highlights; he also completed three out of four passes for 21 yards, including a four-yard toss to fullback Chad Jasmin that gave Clemson its biggest lead of the game at 19 points, a lead which would prove to be insurmountable.

Rivers and the Wolfpack offense staged a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Rivers’ 12-yard touchdown pass to W. Wright with 2:57 remaining in regulation narrowed Clemson’s lead to eight; but after recovering the ensuing onside kick, Dantzler foiled the Wolfpack defense once more. Scampering 14 yards and achieving a critical first down with two minutes to play, Dantzler proceeded to run out the clock and preserve the Tiger victory.

October 13, 2001 At Raleigh, NC Clemson 7 14 21 3 – 45 N.C. State 14 3 6 14 – 37

Scoring Summary: CU – Dantzler 55 run (Hunt kick), 1st, 13:36, 3-81 ST – Cotchery 8 pass from Rivers (Kiker kick), 1st, 7:43, 2-9 ST – Cotchery 19 pass from Rivers (Kiker kick), 1st, 0:40, 9-46 CU – Hamilton 10 pass from Dantzler (Hunt kick), 2nd, 9:47, 9-71 CU – Hall 7 pass from Dantzler (Kiker kick), 2nd, 0:56, 6-75 ST – Kiker 20 FG, 2nd, 0:00, 5-61 CU – Zachery 22 pass from Dantzler (Hunt kick), 3rd, 12:47, 4-54 CU – Dantzler 8 run (Hunt kick), 3rd, 7:53, 8-69 ST – Cotchery 21 pass from Peterson (Kiker kick failed), 3rd, 6:48, 4-89 CU – Jasmin 4 pass from Dantzler (Hunt kick), 3rd, 0:57, 13-92 ST – Peterson 15 pass from Rivers (Rivers pass failed), 4th, 12:51, 4-39 CU – Hunt 31 FG, 4th, 5:34, 6-34 ST – Wright 12 pass from Rivers (Robinson pass), 4th, 2:57, 12-70

Team Statistics CU ST First Downs 28 21 Rushing 52-234 21-21 Passing 23-27-0 25-48-1 Passing Yards 333 331 Total Offense 79-567 69-352 Yard/Play 7.2 5.1 Return Yards 123 159 Fumbles-Lost 2-2 0-0 Total Turnovers 2 1 Penalties 20-181 12-118 Interceptions 1-19 0-0 Punt Returns 6-54 0-0 Kickoff Returns 3-50 7-159 Punting 2-45.0 7-41.4 3rd Down Conversions 5-11 5-16 Sacks by Defense 3-22 2-24 Time of Possession 32:58 27:02

Rushing (Att-Yds-TD) CU – Dantzler 23-184-2, Zachery 15-43-0, Rambert 8-43-0, Currie 2-5-0 ST – Robinson 12-38-0, Edwards 1-3-0, Jackson 1-1-0, Peterson 1-1-0, Rivers 6-(-12)-0 Passing (Com-Att-Yds-I-TD) CU – Dantzler 23-27-333-0-4 ST – Rivers 24-46-310-1-4, Peterson 1-2-21-1-1 Receiving (Rec-Yds-TD) CU – Hamilton 8-106-1, Zachery 5-81-1, Hall 3-39-1, Bailey 2-14-0, McKelvey 2-8-0, Currie 1-79-0, Jasmin 1-4-1, Jenkins 1-2-0 ST – Peterson 6-120-1, Cotchery 6-72-3, Wright 4-78-1, Edwards 3-28-0, Jackson 3-12-0, Robinson 2-9-0, Graham 1-12-0 Interceptions (No-Yds) CU – Hemby 1-19 Punt Returns (No-Yds) CU – Mance 6-54 Kickoff Returns (No-Yds) CU – Mance 2-38, Hamilton 1-12 ST – Reid 4-79, Golden 3-80 Clemson Defensive Leaders Tackles – Leake 14, Carson 11, Bush 8, Hafley 6, Meekins 6, Washington 5, Francis 5, Feaster 5. Sacks – Washington 2-15, Carson 1-7 Tackles for Loss – Washington 2-15, Carson 2-9, Bush 2-5

Interesting Matchup in Passing Game The top matchup of the Clemson vs. NC State game on Thursday night might be the NC State passing offense against the Clemson pass defense. NC State is ranked first in the ACC in passing efficiency offense with a 159.8 figure, while Clemson is second in the league in pass efficiency defense, giving up a 107.9 rating points.

NC State averages 263 yards per game through the air, while Clemson gives up just 164.1 yards per game best in the league. The Tigers are tied for the ACC lead in interceptions with 11, while NC State has thrown just six interceptions in eight games. Individually there is a matchup of sorts. Philip Rivers leads the nation in passing efficiency, while Clemson’s Brian Mance is 15th in the nation in interceptions, first in the ACC.

Clemson has won each of the last two meetings against the Pack, but not due to Rivers. The junior quarterback has thrown for 680 yards in two games against the Tigers.

Both Teams Have Just Four Days to Prepare Both teams enter this game after having played a game on Saturday, October 19. It is a quick turnaround for both teams. This is just the second time since 1933 that Clemson has played two games within five days.

The last time Clemson played two games within a five-day period was 1982. That year Clemson opened the season on a Monday night on ABC with a loss at Georgia (13-7), then played at home against Boston College and Doug Flutie the following Saturday, a game that ended in a 17-17 tie. That was quite a challenge as both teams ended the year in bowl games and were a combined 19-4-2. Clemson ran the table after that tie with Boston College and ended the season 9-1-1.

This is Clemson’s fourth game on the ESPN Thursday night package, but the first time the Tigers have had a quick turnaround. Clemson had previously always had the previous Saturday open. Clemson is 0-3 in its previous Thursday night appearances, including a loss at Florida State this year. Clemson has not won a game on Thursday since 1963 when it defeated South Carolina on Thanksgiving Day, a contest that was moved to that day due to the death of President John Kenendy.

Prior to 1982 you have to go all the way back to 1933 to find the last time Clemson played two games in five days. That year Clemson defeated The Citadel on November 25th, then lost to Furman five days later on November 30, 6-0.

The last time Clemson won a game on just four days rest was in 1929. Clemson defeated The Citadel 13-0 on November 23, then defeated Furman on November 28, 7-6.

Playing games in short time periods was commonplace in the early days of college football. In fact, Clemson played three games in seven days twice, once in 1907 and once in 1911. Clemson lost to Auburn on November 4, lost to Georgia on November 7 and to Davidson on November 9 in 1907. The Tigers defeated South Carolina on November 2, defeated The Citadel on November 4 and lost to Georgia on November 9 in 1911.

Overall, Clemson has a 10-12-4 record in its history with five days or fewer in between games.

O’Cain Faces Former Team Current Clemson quarterbacks coach Mike O’Cain will face a past employer this week. O’Cain, a 1977 Clemson graduate, served as head coach of NC State from 1993-99. He replaced Dick Sheridan at NC State in 1993 and took the Pack to an 8-4 record, including a Peach Bowl invitation. The next year he had the Wolfpack at 9-3 in the regular season, including a victory over Clemson in Death Valley, the first Clemson graduate to defeat the Tigers.

His 1998 season featured a win at Texas and a triumph over Florida State, just the second loss for Florida State in its ACC history dating to 1992. He took the Pack to another bowl game in 1998, his third as head coach of the Pack.

Last year he coached the Tiger quarterback in the 45-37 victory over NC State. Clemson had 567 yards total offense in that game, most ever in a road game, including a school record 517 yards from Woody Dantzler.

Ironically, one of O’Cain’s top games as a player at Clemson came against NC State. In 1976, he rushed for 140 yards against NC State, the Clemson quarterback rushing record for a game until 1994. As a Tiger he still ranks 14th in school history in passing efficiency.

Bowden and Amato Were on Same FSU Staff Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden and NC State Head Coach Chuck Amato were both on Bobby Bowden’s Florida State staff in 1982. That Florida State team finished 9-3, ranked 13th in the country and appeared in the Gator Bowl. Bowden was a part-time coach working with the receivers, while Amato was a fulltime coach in charge of the defensive line. Amato worked for Bobby Bowden from 1982-99 before becoming the head coach at NC State this year.

Both coaches have had success early in their respective head coaching careers. Bowden took Tulane to an undefeated 11-0 record in the regular season of 1998 and brought the Tigers to a top 15 final ranking in 2000 after an 8-0 start. Amato has taken NC State to a bowl game in each of his first two years and now has the Pack at 8-0 and ranked in the top 10 in the nation.

Clemson Has Played 12th Toughest Schedule Clemson has a 4-3 record against a schedule ranked as the 12th most difficult in the nation by the Jeff Sagarin computer poll, a rating published by USA Today. Sagarin is one of the computer rankings used by the BCS standings. The Tigers are ranked 35th overall in that ranking.

Clemson has losses to two top 15 teams so far this year, an undefeated Georgia team and a 5-2 Florida State team that lost by a point to number-one ranked Miami (FL). Florida State is ranked fourth in the Sagarin poll overall and has the second most difficult schedule ranking, the only team in the nation ranked in the top 10 in both areas. Clemson’s third loss is to a 6-2 Virginia team. Thus, the three teams who have beaten Clemson this year have a combined record of 18-4.

Clemson’s highest final schedule ranking in the history of the Sagarin poll is a #7 rating in 1999, Tommy Bowden first year as head coach. Clemson was 6-6 that year, but still had a final top 25 ranking (24th) according to Sagarin’s computer rankings. Clemson’s highest overall final ranking by Sagarin is #15 in 2000.

Nation’s Most Difficult Schedules, 2002

Team Rec. Rating 1. Southern Cal 5-279.84 2. Florida State 5-2 79.59 3. Stanford 2-4 78.07 4. Arkansas3-3 78.06 5. UCLA 4-3 77.71 6. North Carolina 2-5 77.34 7. TexasTech 5-3 76.97 8. NotreDame 7-0 76.52 9. Northwestern 2-6 75.48 10.Alabama 5-2 75.39 11. Florida 5-3 75.26 12. Clemson 4-3 75.22

Clemson Veterans vs. NC State *Airese Currie (WR)-Had just one reception, but it was for 79 yards, at NC State last season. *Ben Hall (TE)-Had three catches for 39 yards and his first career touchdown at NC State in 2001. *Derrick Hamilton (WR)-Had eight catches for 106 yards and a touchdown at NC State in 2001. At the time, it was a Clemson record for reception yards in a game by a freshman. It was later broken by Roscoe Crosby against Duke in 2001. *Aaron Hunt (PK)-Is 11-12 on extra points and 1-2 on field goals in two games against NC State. He scored 10 points last year on a field goal and 7-7 extra points. *Chad Jasmin (RB)-Did not carry the ball, but caught a four-yard scoring pass from Woodrow Dantzler at NC State in 2001. *Wynn Kopp (P)-Had a 45.0 average on two punts at NC State in 2001. *John Leake (LB)-Had 14 tackles in 76 snaps at N C State in 2001. *Brian Mance (CB)-Had three tackles, 6-54 on punt returns and 2-38 on kickoff returns at NC State in 2001. Had two tackles in the 2000 game at Clemson. *Bryant McNeal (DE)-Has five tackles in the last two games against NC State, including a three-yard sack in 2000 at Clemson. *Eric Meekins (SS)-Had six tackles and career best three passes broken up at NC State in 2001. *Bernard Rambert (RB)-Had 8-43 rushing at NC State in just 18 plays in 2001. *Jackie Robinson-Had 2-22 receiving against NC State in 2000. Missed last year’s game with a broken jaw. *Willie Simmons (QB)-Has never played in a game against NC State. *Rodney Thomas (LB)-Had three tackles in 59 plays at NC State in 2001. *Donnell Washington (DT)-Ha five tackles, all first hits, at NC State in 2001. He had 2-15 in sacks, his single game career high in sacks.

Clemson Completion Percentage at Record Rate Clemson is completing passes at a 61.2 percent rate, a record pace. The percentage is third best in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Clemson has completed 145 of 237 passes so far this season for a .612 rate. That is ahead of the .605 pace set by the 1997 Clemson team that was led by current Canadian Football league star Nealon Greene. The only other Clemson team to complete 60 percent over the course of the season is the 1989 Tiger team that was 117-195, exactly 60 percent. Current wide receivers coach Rick Stockstill was the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator that year.

Starting quarterback Willie Simmons has completed 58.8 percent of his passes so far this year on 130-221. He was 21-33 last week against Wake Forest, a 63.6 percent mark. He has thrown for 1404 yards and seven scores, an average of just over 200 yards per game.

Clemson’s reserves have had an impact on the percentage as Tony Elliott, Charlie Whitehurst and Jeff Scott are a combined 15-16 this season, including 12-13 by Whitehurst. The freshman completed his first 12 passes as a Clemson quarterback, the best streak ever by a Clemson quarterback at the beginning of his career.

Top Single Season Team Completion %

Year Comp-Att Pct 1. 2002 123-202 .6092. 1997 188-311 .605 3. 1989 117-195 .600 4. 1999 252-423 .596 5.2001 226-395 .572 6. 1995 122-215 .567 7. 1985 137-247 .555 8. 198298-178 .551

Clemson Converting Before Halftime Clemson has done a good job of scoring just prior to the half in 2002. So far this year Clemson has recorded a touchdown on its last possession of the half with 80 seconds or less remaining in six of the seven games. Three of the drives have been for over 60 yards and the Tigers have negotiated the distance in less than 90 seconds in each situation.

The streak started when Clemson scored at Georgia on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Willie Simmons to Kevin Youngblood with just eight seconds left. The Tigers failed to do it against Louisiana Tech, but have now done so the last four games. The streak continued last week when Tye Hill scored his first career touchdown on a 32-yard run with just a minute left in the first half. Brian Mance had set up the score with an interception.

Against Wake Forest the Tigers gained some momentum going into the locker room with a 65-yard drive that included five passes in five attempts for 64 yards by quarterback Willie Simmons. Yusef Kelly scored on a one-yard run with eight seconds left in the half.

Clemson’s Last Possession of the Half in 2002

Last Possession Drive Time LeftGeorgia TD, Simmons to Youngblood 21 Yds 9-64-1:16 :08 LouisianaTech Failed to score 3-20-1:07 Georgia Tech TD, SimmonstoWilliamson, 2 yards 4-5-:50 :38 Ball State TD, Hamilton 9 run3-21-1:03 1:20 Florida St. TD, Simmons to Hamilton, 9 yards6-86-1:25 :27 Virginia TD, Hill 32 run 1-32-:08 1:00 Wake ForestTD, Yusef Kelly 1 run 6-65-1:15 :08

Mance All-ACC Candidate at Cornerback Brian Mance recorded his fourth interception of the season and his 10th as a Clemson Tiger against Wake Forest. It was the second straight game that he recorded a theft. Mance is tied for ninth in Clemson history in career interceptions with his double figure career total. The all-time leader is all-time great Terry Kinard with 17. Kinard was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Mance also has one fumble recovery in his career, giving him 11 career takeaways, best among active Tigers and among the top 15 totals in Clemson history. He needs just two more takeaways to move into sixth place in Clemson history.

Mance has moved into the ACC lead in interceptions and passes defensed and he ranks 15th in the nation in interceptions with his four picks in just seven games. He is a big reason Clemson is tied for the ACC lead in interceptions with 11.

The senior had an outstanding game against Wake Forest with seven tackles, an interception and a caused fumble. The caused fumble really saved the day for the Tigers. A Wake Forest running back was streaking towards the Clemson endzone when Mance stripped the ball from behind. The momentum carried the ball into the endzone and it was batted through the endzone for a touchback with 1:15 left. Clemson ran out the clock and won the eight-point decision.

The senior from Alcolu, SC has now played 42 games at Clemson, 21 as a starter. He has missed just one game (UNC in 2001) in his career when his brother was killed in auto accident last year on his way home from the NC State game. Mance’s birthday is on Tuesday, October 22.

For the season, Mance has 40 tackles to rank fifth on the on the team. He has played more snaps than any other Tiger with 445 and he also leads the team in passes defensed with 10. Thirty-two of his 40 tackles have been individual hits.

Total Offense Not Indication of Winner The team that has won the total offense aspect of the game has won just three of the seven Clemson games so far this year. Each of the last three games the team that has won that aspect of the statistics has lost the game. Entering this year Tommy Bowden had a 23-4 record when winning the total offense margin, but this year Clemson is just 3-3 in that situation.

Clemson gained 441 yards against Florida State in just 61 plays, an average of 7.23 yards per play. That was the highest yards per play average in Clemson history in a game the Tigers lost. The previous record was a 6.78 figure in a 28-25 loss to Maryland in 1959. In that game Clemson had 434 yards in 64 plays. Clemson had won 33 games in a row when averaging at least 6.5 yards per play dating to the 1975 season when Clemson averaged 6.61 yards per play in a 25-21 loss to Duke.

Clemson followed that up with a 5.6 average at Virginia, yet lost the game. The Tigers had 25 first downs at Virginia and held the Cavaliers to 80 yards rushing 40 attempts. Additionally, Clemson had a pair of drives of at least 92 yards, the first time in history Clemson has had a pair of 90 yards in the same game. But, Virginia came away with the victory.

Against Wake Forest, Clemson gave up 523 yards to the Deacons, including 365 on the ground. The 523 yards are the most ever yielded by the Clemson defense in a Tiger victory. Clemson had 280 yards in the Wake Forest game, so Wake Forest had a +243 total offense margin in the contest, but Clemson won the game 31-23.

Turnovers have been the name of the game. Clemson had a -5 turnover margin in the two losses to Virginia and Florida State combined (committed six and forced one). Clemson had a +5 turnover margin against Wake Forest, a game it won. Wake Forest had entered the game with just five total turnovers all year, then committed five against Clemson, all in the second half.

Clemson did not commit a turnover on offense against the Deacs, the first time since the 2000 North Carolina game, 16 games ago, that Clemson had a game without a turnover. The five forced turnovers were the most forced by the Clemson defense since Clemson’s defense forced six in a win over Missouri in 2000, 22 games ago.

Clemson Second in ACC in Total Defense Clemson is most improved when it comes to defense. The Tigers are ranked second in the ACC in total defense, allowing just 316.6 yards per game, and that figure ranks 21st in the nation. Clemson has allowed just 164. yards per game passing, 12th best in the nation. Last year Clemson ranked 71st in the nation in total defense and 66th in pass defense.

Clemson allowed 395 yards a game last year, so it is easy to see the 316 figure for the first seven games this year is considerably better. Clemson has allowed just 4.6 yards per play, much improved from the 5.3 allowed per play a year ago.

Many of the times the opposition has scored it has been the result of difficult field position after a turnover or a long kick return. Over the first seven games the opposition has taken possession of the ball at their own 38 or worse 60 times. They have driven for a touchdown just seven times in those 60 possessions. Wake Forest had 11 possessions that started at their own 38 or worse and drove for a touchdown just once.

Clemson Defense Comparison

2001 Avg. 2002 First Downs/Game Allowed 21.918.0 Total Yards/Game Allowed 394.9 316.6 Rushing Yards/GameAllowed 154.3 152.4 Passing Yards/Game Allowed 240.6 164.1Yards/Play Allowed 5.3 4.6 Yards/Reception Allowed 13.4 10.0Yards/rush Allowed 3.8 3.7

Hamilton All-Purpose Performer The all-purpose running statistic was made for Derrick Hamilton. The sophomore from Dillon, SC has averaged 164.6 all-purpose running yards/game this year and has been especially effective in the last five games. He had 256 all-purpose yard against Georgia Tech on September 14, then followed that with 160 yards against Ball State. He added 248 yards at Florida State and followed that with a 206-yard game at Virginia. He had 104 yards against Wake Forest, giving him four straight games of at least 100 all-purpose yards.

As you can see by the chart below, he has had two of the top eight all-purpose running games in Clemson history over the last three weeks.

For the year, Hamilton has 177 yards rushing, second on the Clemson team, has 278 yards receiving, third on the Clemson team, has 471 yards in kickoff returns and 226 yards on punt returns. He leads the Clemson team in both return areas. Last year Hamilton finished third in the nation in kickoff return average and was the ACC champion in that category. Thus, Hamilton has at last 175 yards in all four categories already this year.

His current average of 164.6 yards per game is 16 yards per game ahead of the Clemson record of 148.5 yards per game set by Tony Horne in 1997.

Hamilton has been very effective when it comes to rushing. He has 15 rushes on reverses from his H-receiver position and has 177 yards, an 11.8 yards per carry figure. No Clemson rusher has ever averaged over 10 yards per carry given a minimum of 15 rushes for the course of a season. Five of his 15 carries have been for at least 10 carries, including a 77-yarder against Georgia Tech.

Entering the NC State game Hamilton ranks 10th in the nation and first in the ACC in all-purpose yards per game. Horne ranked 14th in the nation in 1997, the highest final ranking for any Clemson player in history.

Top All-Purpose Running Games in Clemson History

Player Opponent Year RushRec KOR PR 274 Terrence Flagler Wake Forest1986 209 65 – – 267 Tony Horne Florida State 1997 – 131 109 27 263Raymond Priester Duke 1995 263 – – – 260 Cliff Austin Duke 1982 260- – – 256 Derrick Hamilton Georgia Tech 2002 97 22 41 96 254 DonKing Fordham 1952 234 – 20 – 252 Ken Callicutt South Carolina 1974197 55 – – 248 Derrick Hamilton Florida State 2002 23 69 104 52 246Buck George Presbyterian 1952 204 42 – – 242 Ronald WilliamsVirginia 1991 185 57 – –

Hunt Sets Clemson Record Aaron Hunt established a Clemson record for extra points in a career when he booted two against Virginia. The junior now has 112 in 116 chances in his career. He went ahead of the 107 career extra points by Bob Paulling, who played for the Tigers from 1979-83.

Hunt scored five points in that game and now has 199 for his career, good enough for seventh in Clemson history. He needs just one point to become just the seventh Clemson player in history to record 200 or more points, quite an accomplishment for someone in the middle of his junior year. The all-time leader is Nelson Welch with 301.

Hunt has now made 29-40 field goals, including 9-12 this year. He ranks 24th in the nation in field goals per game and is 58th in scoring.

Hunt made 4-4 field goals in the win over Louisiana Tech. He became the first Clemson player to record four field goals in a game since 1998 when David Richardson had four in the season opener. Hunt’s day included a 47-yard field goal, second longest boot of his career. Hunt had field goals of 47, 22, 37 and 38 yards, distances that total to 144 yards. That was the seventh most yards on made field goals in a single game in Clemson history.

Clemson all-time Scoring List

Name Pos Years TD PATFG Pts 1. Nelson Welch PK 1991-94 0 85-92 72-102 3012. Travis Zachery RB 1998-01 50 300 3. Obed Ariri PK 1977-80 099-103 63-97 288 4. Chris Gardocki PK 1988-90 0 72-72 63-89 261 5.David Treadwell PK 1985-87 0 92-93 47-66 233 6. Bob Paulling PK1979-83 0 107-109 23-41 209 7. Aaron Hunt PK 2000-02 0 112-11629-40 199 8. Lester Brown RB 1976-79 32 192 9. Fred Cone RB 1948-5031 3-4 189 10. Ray Matthews RB 1947-50 28 168 Terry Allen RB1987-89 28 168 Kenny Flowers FB 1983-86 28 168

Simmons On Record Rate for Completions Clemson quarterback Willie Simmons has averaged 18.6 completions per game, ahead of Woody Dantzler’s record of 16.9 completions per game set last year. Simmons has completed 130 of 221 passes so far this year for 1404 yards and six scores. He has a 58.8 completion percentage, a figure that would be fourth best in Clemson history given a minimum of 100 completions. The record is .631 by Brandon Streeter in 1999.

Simmons had made improvement each week during the 2002 season prior to the Virginia game. He completed 15-25 passes for 135 yards against the Cavaliers, his first decline from the previous week all season. He followed that with a solid 21-33 for 205 yards an no turnovers in the win over Wake Forest. He scored on a 13-yard run, his first career rushing touchdown.

The chart below shows that his passing efficiency improved every game from game’s 1-5, hitting a high of 163.8 at Florida State in the most recent game. He has completed at least 58 percent of his passes each of the last six games and at least 60 percent in four straight.

He had his best all-around game as a Clemson quarterback at Florida State. Playing in front of his mother and 50 other friends, the native of Quincy, FL completed 17-27 passes for 293 yards and two scores. The yardage total was a career high, as was his 11 yards per attempt. Simmons also had a career high 50 yards rushing in 13 attempts, giving him 343 yards of total offense, the eighth highest single total in Clemson history. Only Woodrow Dantzler, Bobby Gage and Brandon Streeter have had higher figures for a single game.

Simmons set a school record for pass completions and attempts by an individual in a Clemson victory when Clemson defeated Louisiana Tech in the second game of the season. He completed 25-43 passes in that game for 242 yards. The Clemson team threw 44 passes in the game and it was just the second time Clemson had thrown 40 or more passes in a game and gained victory in the process. Clemson was 1-16 prior to the Louisiana Tech game when throwing at least 40 passes. The only other victory came at Wake Forest in 1999.

Simmons 25 completions against Louisiana Tech rank in a tie for fourth in Clemson history for a single game. The record is 27 set by Brandon Streeter against NC State in 1998 and at Virginia Tech in 1999. Simmons 43 attempts was tied for fifth highest, most ever in a Clemson victory. It was the most pass attempts by an individual without an interception in school history.

Willie Simmons Weekly Stats in 2002

Com-Att Yds TD-Int EffPct Rush Yds Plays Tot OffGeorgia 17-37 165 1-1 86.9 .459 8 -29 25 136 Louisiana Tech 25-43242 0-0 105.4 .581 6 -8 49 234 Georgia Tech 18-31 176 2-1 120.6.581 8 8 39 184 Ball State 17-25 188 1-1 136.4 .680 3 13 28 201Florida State 17-27 293 2-2 163.8 .630 13 50 40 343 Virginia 15-25135 0-1 97.4 .600 6 2 31 137 Wake Forest 21-33 205 0-0 121.8 .636 912 42 217

Clemson Single Game Total Offense Bests

Rush Pass Player Site-OpponentYear 517 184 333 Woodrow Dantzler a-NC State (45-37) 2001435 185 252 Woodrow Dantzler a-Maryland (42-30) 1999 418 164 254Woodrow Dantzler a-Georgia Tech (47-44 OT) 2001 378 135 243 WoodrowDantzler H-Duke (59-31) 2001 374 141 233 Bobby Gage H-Auburn(34-18) 1947 374 220 154 Woodrow Dantzler A-Virginia (31-10) 2000366 23 343 Brandon Streeter H-Virginia (33-14) 1999 343 50 293Willie Simmons A-Florida State (31-48) 2002 337 51 286 NealonGreene a-Wake Forest (33-16) 1997 336 59 277 Woodrow DantzlerH-Florida State (27-41) 2001

Tigers Recover On-Side Kick Whenever the Bowden’s get together chances are there will be some trickery involved. Tommy Bowden might have pulled off the most surprising play in the four Bowden Bowls when he had his team on-side kick after the Tigers first score, Clemson’s first kickoff opportunity, in the first quarter. Stephen Furr and J.J. McKelvey had been practicing the play all week and they worked it to perfection, giving Clemson the ball after the Tigers had tied the game at seven.

“The thing about that is you can’t practice it in pregame,” said Bowden the next day. “Rodney Allison had noticed in his film study that the player on that side of the field was retreating early to get into blocking position, so we decided to try it.”

McKelvey recovered at the Florida State 49 and Clemson drove for another touchdown, giving Clemson a 14-7 lead, its first lead in Tallahassee at any point of a game since 1989.

What was especially noteworthy is that the on-side kick was the first recovered by a Clemson team since the 1979 season. The Tigers last recovered an on-side kick in the fourth period of the 1979 Peach Bowl against Baylor. Clemson did not score on its extra possession that day and lost 24-19.

Walk-on Elliott Making Big Contribution Walk-on senior Tony Elliott has made a big impact on the Clemson offense almost on a weekly basis. He has caught at least one pass in six of the first seven games, Virginia was the only team to shut him out. For the season, Elliott has eight catches for 143 yards, fourth on the team in yardage.

The engineering student with a 3.54 career GPA has made many big plays, and has four catches for at least 20 yards, third on the team. Elliott’s 17.9 yards per reception leads the team. He scored his first touchdown as a Tiger on a 44-yard touchdown reception against Georgia Tech, a key play in Clemson’s five-point victory.

Against Florida State he was at it again. A quarterback as a sophomore in high school at James Island High in Charleston, Elliott completed a 41-yard pass to McKelvey on an end-around play. It set up a Clemson field goal, giving Clemson a 17-14 lead at the time.

Elliott began his career at Air Force Prep School in Colorado, but transferred to Clemson in January of 1999. He has overcome much hardship. When he was nine years old his mother was killed in front of his eyes in an auto accident when their car was struck by a drunk driver. Elliott has another year of eligibility, but will graduate in December. He has not decided if he will return for another season.

Hall Over 100 Receiving Yards at Tight End Tight end Ben Hall’s had his top game as a Clemson player at Florida State with three catches for 69 yards. He did not score a touchdown, which he has done three times previously in his career, but the yardage total was a career high.

Hall now has eight catches for 112 yards this year, fourth on the team in receptions and fifth in yardage. The sophomore had eight catches for 79 yards and three scores all of last year. Hall is the first Clemson tight end to have over 100 yards receiving in a season since Pat Cyrgalis had 12-152 in 1999.

Clemson tight ends have been more involved in the offense since Brad Scott came to Clemson with Tommy Bowden in 1999. Clemson tight ends have caught eight touchdown passes the last four years (including one this year by Bobby Williamson). Clemson went nine years without a tight end catching a scoring pass between 1990-98.

Clemson does have a good tradition of tight ends. Bennie Cunningham was a two-time All-American in 1974-75 and was the only tight end named to the ACC’s 50-year Anniversary team. Jim Riggs was a two-time All-ACC player in 1985-86 and played in the Super Bowl with the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamont Hall is currently with the New Orleans Saints, his fifth year in the NFL after player for Clemson from 1994-97.

Defensive Linemen Getting Pressure One area of improvement for the Tigers and a reason Clemson has improved to become a top 25 defense is the pressure Clemson is getting on the quarterback from the starting front four. The group of Nick Eason, Donnell Washington, Khaleed Vaughn and Bryant McNeal has recorded 13 of Clemson’s 17 sacks through seven games. The foursome also has 46 quarterback pressures.

Last year Clemson had just 27 sacks and the starting front four linemen recorded just 15 sacks overall. The group was credited with 53 quarterback pressures for the 12 games in 2001. The pressure provided by the front four is a big reason the Tiger s are 12th in the nation in pass defense entering the Wake Forest game.

Running Game Key to Success under Bowden How important is the running game to Clemson under Tommy Bowden? The Tigers are 16-1 under Bowden when the Tigers rush for at least 200 yards. That stat was enhanced in the Ball State game when the Tigers gained 203 rushing in the victory over Ball State.Clemson has won 13 straight when rushing for at least 200 yards dating to the 1999 Georgia Tech game when the Tigers rushed for 231 yards, yet lost the contest, 45-42.

Clemson is 23-4 under Bowden when the Tigers win the rushing yardage stat. That includes a perfect 3-0 record this year. Clemson is also 14-3 under Bowden when it has a 100-yard rusher. Clemson is yet to have a 100-yard rusher this year, but has come close with Yusef Kelly gaining 97 and 99 yards rushing in two games this year.

200 of Each Means Clemson Victory Balance is obviously a hallmark of any successful offense. That has been the case for Clemson over the years and under Tommy Bowden. In its 1025-game history, Clemson has a 39-0-1 record when it has at least 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in the same game. The undefeated streak continued in Clemson’s most recent game when the Tigers had 209 passing and 203 rushing in the 30-7 win over Ball State.

That marked the 13th time in Tommy Bowden 41 games as Clemson coach that the Tigers had at least 200 of each. Clemson did it just 27 times in 985 games prior to his arrival. The only time Clemson did not win when it gained at least 200 of each was at Georgia Tech in 1976 when the two teams played to a 24-24 tie.

Clemson Trio of 6-4 Receivers Clemson receivers J.J. McKelvey, Kevin Youngblood and Derrick Hamilton are all at least 6-4 in height and they have used that advantage to rank in the top seven in the ACC in receptions per game. They have combined for 93 catches in seven games, over 13 per game.

It was Hamilton who had the big game against Virginia with 8-81. That gave Clemson three different receivers who have caught at least eight passes in a game this year. They combined for 17 catches against Wake Forest, six each by Hamilton and Youngblood and five catches for McKelvey.

Youngblood and McKelvey had career high performances of 10 catches in a game earlier this year. This is the first time in Clemson history that two players on the same team have had at least 10 receptions in a game. They are just the seventh and eighth players in Clemson history to catch 10 passes in a single game.

McKelvey had 10 catches for 123 yards and a score in the win over Ball State on the 21st of September. Youngblood had his breakout game against Louisiana Tech with 10 catches for 85 yards. Both are in the top 10 in the ACC in receptions per game. Youngblood is among the top 30 in the nation on a per game basis.

The list of other Clemson receivers who have accumulate at least 10 catches in a game includes current Washington Redskins firs-round pick Rod Gardner, who did it three times, Tony Horne, who was a Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams three years ago, Perry Tuttle, a first-round pick off of Clemson’s National Championship team of 1981, and Charlie Waters, one of the all-time greats in Dallas Cowboys history as a defensive back.

McKelvey added another 100-yard game at Florida State when he had 5-117 at Florida State. He was the first Tiger to have consecutive 100-yard receiving games since Rod Gardner did it in 2000. He had 70 receiving yards against Wake Forest and ranks seventh in the ACC in reception yards per game.

It is interesting to note that five of the 12 double figure reception games in Clemson history have come under Tommy Bowden.

Top Pass Reception Games in Clemson History

Yds Player Site-Opponent Year11 129 Phil Rogers A-North Carolina 1965 11 111 Rod GardnerH-Marshall 1999 10 123 J.J. McKelvey H-Ball State 2002 10 85 KevinYoungblood H-Louisiana Tech 2002 10 110 Tony Horne H-AppalachianState 1997 10 131 Tony Horne H-FloridaState 1997 10 148 Hank WalkerH-Auburn 1947 10 144 Charlie Waters H-Alabama 1969 10 124 PerryTuttle A-Wake Forest 1980 10 151 Perry Tuttle H-Maryland 1981 10122 Rod Gardner H-Duke 1999 10 137 Rod Gardner H-NC State 2000

Leake, Thomas Lead Tacklers Clemson senior Rodney Thomas and junior John Leake have been going back and forth as far as the Clemson team lead in tackles. They have also both been near the top of the ACC tackle stats all year. Leake had 14 tackles against Wake Forest and retook the lead with 86 tackles in his seven games. Thomas ranks second with 84. Leake has had double figure in six of the seven games this year, while Thomas has had double figures in five of the seven games. His five-game streak was snapped against Wake Forest. He had posted consecutive games of 16 tackles against Florida State and Virginia.Thomas now has 238 tackles for his Clemson career.

Kopp Shows Improvement Clemson senior punter Wynn Kopp was in danger of losing his job after struggling in consecutive games against Florida State and Virginia, two games Clemson lost. He fumbled a snap on the opening drive of the Florida State game that led directly to a Seminole touchdown, then averaged just 31 yards a punt on six punts at Virginia.

Tommy Bowden had open competition for the position the week of the Wake Forest game and the decision was not made until just before kickoff. Bowden went with the experience and started Kopp against Wake Forest. The native of Athens, GA responded with a fine all-around performance. He had a 48-yard punt on his first attempt of the game and went on to averaged 39.6. But, most importantly, he had a 36-yard net average, his best of the season. Three times in his eight punts he pinned Wake Forest inside its own 20, leading to good field position for the Tigers.

Kopp has been much more effective in Death Valley than on the road this year. In four games at home he has averaged 39.2 yards per punt and has an acceptable 35.4 net punting average. On the road he has a 35.6 average and a 28.4 net figure.

Returning Red-shirts Have Made a Difference Three players who have had a positive impact on Clemson’s 2002 season are Kevin Youngblood. All three red-shirted the 2001 season, but have come back strong this year.

Kelly is Clemson’s leading rusher this season with 393 net yards, an average of 56 yards per game. He has 10 of Clemson’s 35 rushes of 10 yards or more this season. He leads the team in touchdowns with eight and is second in scoring with 48 points. Kelly sat out last year to red-shirt and was not injured.

Youngblood is the team’s top receiver with 35 catches for 285 yards and a score. He is among the ACC’s top receivers with 5.0 catches per game. No Clemson receiver has led the league in that area since 1980 when Perry Tuttle paced the conference. Youngblood missed last year with a broken leg.

Bodrick has started all seven games so far this year at the roverback position, a hybrid free safety and linebacker. He has 36 tackles to eighth on the team and also has four tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. Bodrick missed all of last year with a torn ACL.

Field Position Has made a Difference Field position has been important for the Tigers this year, especially in the last three games. In fact, the team that has had the better average starting field position has won six of the seven games this year.

One of the reasons Clemson lost to Florida State and Virginia, despite winning the total offense war was field position. In the loss to Florida State the Seminoles average start was their own 43 yard-line, while Clemson’s average start was its own 30, a 13-yard difference. At Virginia the difference was 17 yards, as Clemson started at its own 22, but Virginia started on average at its own 39. Over the two game period the opposition started on average at its own 41, with Clemson starting at its 26.

Clemson improved in that area against Wake Forest with an average start of its own 35 to Wake Forest starting at its own 27. And, Clemson won the game, 31-23.

Sampson Interception Ends Georgia Tech Threat Clemson sophomore Eric Sampson intercepted a Georgia Tech pass at the Clemson 16 with just 1:12 left and returned the theft 35 yards to ice the 24-19 victory for the Tigers in Death Valley on September 14th. Clemson then ran out the remaining time to clinch the victory.

Sampson’s interception marked the first time since 1993 that a Clemson player came up with a turnover inside Clemson territory within the last two minutes with Clemson leading by seven points or less. In other words it was the first time in nine years that a defensive player made a game saving turnover with two minutes or less left.

The last time it happened was in 1993 at Duke when Dexter McCleon, now with the St. Louis Rams, intercepted a Duke pass at the Clemson eight-yard line with just three seconds remaining. Clemson held on for a 13-10 victory. That was actually the second straight week a defensive player made a game saving play late in the contest. The previous week, October 2, 1993, linebacker Tim Jones broke up an NC State pass in the endzone with :00 on the clock to give Clemson the victory. The Pack snapped the ball from the Clemson 12 on that down.

Clemson fans have suffered through some close last second losses in recent years. Seven times since 1997 the opposition has driven for a winning field goal or touchdown with inside two minutes left in the game. That included last year in the third game of the season when Virginia scored with just one second left to defeat the Tigers 26-24. It also had included the last two times Georgia Tech had come to Clemson. They scored a touchdown with a minute left to defeat Clemson 24-21 in 1998 and scored a touchdown with seven seconds left in 2000 to defeat a third ranked Clemson team, 31-28.

Sampson has started every game this year and has been a big contributor. He has 35 tackles, including a sack in his 438 snaps from scrimmage. He had nine of those tackles in the opener at Georgia, the second highest total for the Tigers in that game.

Eason-McNeal Top Tacklers Up Front Seniors Nick Eason and Bryant McNeal have had a lot to do with Clemson’s improvement up front on defense. They are side by side on the Clemson tackle chart as McNeal is sixth on the team in tackles with 40, while Eason is seventh with 38. McNeal has seven tackles for loss to lead the team, plus five sacks, one of the top totals in the ACC.

Eason has five tackles for loss, including four sacks.The graduate student had two sacks in the victory. He was a big reason Tech quarterback A.J. Suggs had -50 yards rushing in the game.It marked the first time in Eason’s career that he had two sacks in the same game. He now has 26 career tackles for loss, first among active Clemson players. Clemson’s defense had five sacks against Georgia Tech and continually forced pressure on A.J. Suggs. Clemson allowed just 303 yards of total offense and the Tigers now allow 281 yards per game for the season.

McNeal has been very consistent throughout his career. He has never missed a game and the NC State game will be his 44th in a row. He led the team in sacks last year with eight and now has 13 over two seasons.

Miller Becoming Rookie of the Year Candidate Freshman defensive back Justin Miller made his first career start against Wake Forest and had an outstanding contest. The first-year freshman had 10 tackles, an interception and a pass broken up to pace the Clemson secondary along with Brian Mance.

The tackle total was the most by a freshman cornerback since 1986 when James Lott had 10 in the 1986 Gator bowl win over Stanford. Miller’s interception in the third period helped change the momentum of the game. He had a touchdown saving pass broken up and defended Wake Forest stat Fabian Davis most of the game. Davis had just three catches the entire game.

Miller had a reception and an interception against Louisiana Tech, an example of his fine all-around abilities. The first-year player had a nine-yard reception in the first half and an interception in the endzone at a key juncture of the second half to thwart a Bulldog drive. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week for his performance against the Bulldogs.

It marked the first time since 1964 that a Clemson player had an interception and a reception in the same game. Pat Crain was the last to do it as he had a 15-yard interception return and a reception against Virginia on Halloween of 1964. It should be noted that players went both ways in those days, so Miller was the first to do it in the two-platoon era. Miller also had three tackles in the game and played 29 snaps. With the season ending injury to starter Toure Francis, Miller will get a lot of action this season.

Miller was named to the ESPN.com all-first year freshman team for September. He was joined in the secondary by J.J. Billingsley of Colorado, O.C. Collins of Memphis and Matt Fawley of Arizona State. Other ACC players named were D’Quell Jackson of Maryland (LB), Darryl Blackstock of Virginia (LB), Kwakou Robinson of Virginia (DL), T.A. McLendon of NC State (RB), and D’Brickashaw Ferguson of Virginia (OL).

Miller is second on the team in interceptions with three and has 48 return yards in the process. He has 29 tackles for the year, including a six on special teams, tied for second on the team. He has had at least one pass defensed in six straight games, including a touchdown saver against Virginia’s Billy McMullen in the fourth quarter on October 12.

Byrd Leads Offensive Line Gary Byrd is the leader of Clemson’s offensive line. With season ending injuries to veterans Derrick Brantley and Nick Black, the leadership burden is even heavier for Byrd. A graduate student from Stone Mountain, GA, Byrd has started two bowl games at Clemson, the 2001 Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech and the 2001 Humanitarian Bowl against Louisiana Tech. He is a veteran of over 1400 career plays and has been a common denominator on two of the most productive offenses in Clemson history. He suffered a sprained ankle and knee against Virginia, but returned for the Wake Forest game.

Byrd has played well so far this year. In the win over Louisiana Tech he had an 85 percent total performance grade, including an 80 percent technique grade from Clemson line coach Ron West. He led the Tigers in knockdown blocks in the game with 11 and was a big reason Clemson scored 33 points in the contest. He had six knockdowns in the season opener against Georgia. He had two fumble recoveries against Florida State to keep Clemson drives alive.

Byrd leads a young offensive line. Each of the other four offensive line starters are in their first year as starters. Byrd has 21 career starts and the other four offensive linemen have combed for 25. Byrd and Greg Walker are the only Tigers to start every game this year. Byrd, Walker, Henry and Johnson all played every snap against Wake Forest. Chester played all but six.

Clemson Offensive Line Experience

2002 Career Player YearGP-GS GP-GS Gary Byrd, OT Grad 5-5 30-19 Greg Walker,OG Jr. 5-5 29-5 Jermyn Chester, C Jr. 5-4 12-5 William Henry, OTGrad 4-3 9-3 Cedric Johnson, OG So. 4-4 15-4 Tommy Sharpe, C Jr.5-1 5-1 Mark Jetton, OG Fr. 1-0 1-0 Chip Myrick, OG Fr. 1-0 1-0Vontrell Jamison, OT So. 1-0 1-0 *Nick Black, OT Jr. 5-1 21-1*Derrick Brantley, OT Sr. 2-2 14-8

*Note: Lost for the season due to injury

Clemson Offense Averages 416 Yards, 30 Points Under Bowden Clemson has a 25-17 record under Tommy Bowden and a consistent balanced offense has been a big reason. Over the his four years he has been the head coach the Tigers have averaged 416.4 yards per game in total offense.

Clemson has gained an average of 183 rushing and 233 passing over the 42 games. In an average game under Bowden the Tigers have averaged 30 points a game and scored four touchdowns. On average, the Tigers run the ball 44 times and throw it 32 times under Bowden. Clemson has scored 166 touchdowns in the 42 games, nearly four per game. Twenty-four of the 41 games Clemson has had at least 400 yards of total offense.

Clemson Offense in the Tommy Bowden Era (Figures are for 41 games)

Per Game Points 1253 30.2 Touchdowns 164 4.0First Downs 914 22.4 Rushing Attempts 1788 43.5 Rushing Yards 7487182.8 Pass Attempts 1327 32.4 Pass Completions 758 18.7 PassingYards 9589 233.0 Completion % .571 .576 Plays 3115 75.9 TotalOffense 17,076 413.2 Record 25-16 .605

Bowden Offenses Among Best in Clemson History Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden came to Clemson with the reputation of producing big numbers on offense. His Tulane team of 1998 averaged over 500 yards of total offense per game and was the only squad in the nation to average at least 300 yards passing and 200 rushing.

His offensive numbers have not been quite as striking at Clemson, but they have been noteworthy. Here is a list of the Bowden offensive stats as they relate to Clemson history in his three years at Clemson: *3 of the top 4 completion totals in Clemson history *The top 3 passing yardage single season figures *The top three seasons in terms of passing yards/game *3 of the top four completion percentage figures *2 of the top 3 yards per play figures, and top two since 1950 *3 of the top 5 total offense per game figures *3 of the top 4 first downs/game figures * 2 of the top 7 scoring teams in school history

John Lovett New Clemson Defensive Coordinator John Lovett, defensive coordinator at Auburn for the last three seasons, was named Defensive Coordinator at Clemson last spring. Lovett has been an assistant coach at the college level for 23 years, including 13 seasons as a defensive coordinator. He has experience working with all levels of the defense, but has spent most of his seasons in the game coaching the secondary and outside linebacker position. Lovett is coaching the secondary at Clemson. Jack Hines, who coached the secondary at Clemson the last three years, has moved to the linebackers.

Lovett helped Auburn to bowl games each of the last two years. His 2000 defense ranked 14th in the nation in total defense and 15th in rushing defense, helping the Tigers to a 9-4 record and a berth in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan. Auburn won the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference that season.

In 2001, his defense had a lot to do with Auburn’s berth in the Peach Bowl. One of Auburn’s victories was a 23-20 triumph over then #1 ranked Florida. Lovett’s defense held Florida to 20 points, -36 yards rushing and 328 yards of total offense, season lows in all three categories for Steve Spurrier’s team that finished the season ranked third in the nation. The Tigers also forced five turnovers in the game, including four interceptions of passes thrown by Heisman Trophy finalist Rex Grossman. Lovett’s defense also held Georgia’s high-powered attack to but 17 points in a 24-17 Auburn triumph.

The 51-year-old coach, who was born in Nyack, NY, worked under Tommy Tuberville, the last seven years, four at Mississippi (1995-98) and three at Auburn (1999-01). He coached the secondary all four years he was at Mississippi, including the 1997 season when the Rebels had an 8-4 record, including a victory in the Ford Motor City Bowl.

Prior to coming to Mississippi in 1995, Lovett worked as defensive coordinator at the University of Maine for two stints. He first went to Orono in 1985 and served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach from 1985-88. He also served as defensive coordinator for the Black Bears in 1994. The 1987 team won the conference championship and qualified for the Division I-AA playoffs

Clemson Has More ACC Wins than Any Other School Clemson was a charter member of the ACC in 1953 and the Tigers began their 50th ACC season on a high note with a 24-19 victory. Clemson has a record of 195-106-6 in conference play for its previous 49 seasons plus four games, a winning percentage of .646. Clemson’s 195 victories are first among all conference teams in league games, 14 more than second place North Carolina, who has won 55 percent of its league games. Maryland is third with 169, while NC State is fourth at 168. Clemson has a winning record against every other ACC team since the league began with the exception of Florida State.

Clemson also leads the ACC in conference championships with 13. Florida State and Maryland are tied for second with nine (this includes co-championships). NC State and Duke are tied for fourth with seven wins apiece. Every current league member has won the league title at least once.

Crosby Withdraws from Clemson Plans to Return in January Clemson sophomore Roscoe Crosby will withdraw from Clemson on Friday, then plans to return to school in January and play for the Tigers in 2003. Crosby made the announcement after Clemson’s practice on Thursday.

The native of Union, SC had Tommy John Surgery on June 25, 2002 in Birmingham, AL and was in the process of red-shirting the football season athletically. He had been attending classes this semester, but will withdraw on Friday. He then will go to Arizona to continue his professional baseball career with the Kansas City Royals. Crosby will then attend classes at Clemson during the spring semester and then play professional baseball for the Royals this summer prior to returning to Clemson in August in time for the beginning of varsity football practice.

“This is what I have to do to continue my professional baseball career,” said Crosby. “I don’t want to go into the summer baseball season without having played any baseball for such a long period of time. “I still want to play football at Clemson and this allows me to do that. I plan to return in the spring to take the necessary academic courses and then return for the 2003 football season.”

Crosby said this has been a difficult fall. “It has been very frustrating. Sometimes I can’t even watch the games because I want to be out there so much. The guys have been great. When I see them on campus or in class they still make me feel part of the team. But, because I am not practicing or playing it is frustrating. “I am looking forward to coming back. The first time I run down the hill it will feel like my first time my freshman year. I am not ready to give up football.”

Crosby said that he has received outstanding cooperation from the Royals and Clemson. “Both sides have been very supportive and understanding. I am thankful that I play for the Kansas City Royals organization. The Clemson coaches have helped me any way they can. Both sides have allowed me to pursue both sports. They know I am still serious about that.”

Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden said, “I am 100 percent supportive of Roscoe’s decision and look forward to his return for the 2003 season.”

Crosby set a Clemson record for receptions and reception yards by a first-year freshman in 2001 with 27 catches for 465 yards. A USA Today first-team All-American in football and baseball, Crosby was injured much of the first half of last year with a sprained knee and a broken nose.

He had 23 of his 27 catches over the last six games of the season, including 6-139 and two scores against Duke and 4-69 in the bowl victory over Louisiana Tech. His 139 receiving yards were the most ever for a Clemson freshman and he was named ACC Rookie of the Week for that performance.

Losing First Game Not Always a Bad Sign Clemson lost its season opener at Georgia on August 31, but losing the opener is not always a bad sign for the Tigers. In fact, the last five times Clemson has lost its season opener, the Tigers have gone on to a bowl game or won at least nine games. Clemson has won two in a row since losing the season opener.

In 1999, Tommy Bowden first year, Clemson lost the opener to Marshall, but finished with a 6-6 record and a Peach Bowl bid. That Clemson team played the 10th toughest schedule in the nation that year and four of the six losses were to teams who finished the year ranked in the top 15 in the nation.

Clemson lost the season opener to North Carolina in 1996, 45-0, but came back to finish 7-4 in the regular season and played in the Peach Bowl. Clemson lost the opener at home in 1986 to Virginia Tech, then lost just one more game the rest of the year on the way to a Gator Bowl bid and a top 20 season.

The Tigers lost the opener of 1982 at Georgia, 13-7, then went the rest of the year without a loss, finishing 9-1-1. Clemson was on probation that year and could not go to a bowl. The 1977 team lost the opener to 10th ranked Maryland, then finished 8-4 with its first bowl bid in 18 years.

Clemson has Eight Graduates on Roster The 2002 Clemson team has already broken a school record and the kickoff of the season opener has not even taken place. This year’s team has eight graduates on its roster, a record for a Clemson team. The list includes three players who will travel to roster with two full seasons yet to play.

Clemson starting quarterback Willie Simmons, starting defensive end Khaleed Vaughn and reserve tackle William Henry are listed as graduates on the roster, but still have this year and 2003 in terms of eligibility. Simmons received his degree last May, accomplishing his course requirements in just three years and three summer schools. That is the earliest a Clemson scholarship football player has ever graduated. Vaughn and Henry both graduated this past August 10th and still have two years to play.

The list of graduates on the 2002 Clemson team includes starting wide receiver Altroy Bodrick, starting defensive tackle Nick Eason and starting offensive tackle Gary Byrd. Nathan Gillespie is a reserve offensive lineman who also has his Clemson diploma. Eason graduated in August of 2001, so he also had his degree with two years to play.

The previous high for graduates on a Clemson football team was seven set just last year. By the end of the 2002 academic year 18 of the 22 seniors on the 2001 football team already had their degree. Two of those players are in school this year and plan to graduate by May of 2003.

Clemson Graduates on 2002 Team

Pos Graduation Degree Jackie RobinsonWR Dec. 2001 Health Science Khaleed Vaughn DEAug. 2002 Marketing Willie Simmons QBMay 2002 Marketing William Henry OTAug. 2002 Sociology Altroy Bodrick ROVAug. 2002 Rec. Park Adm. Gary Byrd OT Aug. 2002Rec. Park Adm. Nick Eason DT Aug.2001 Sociology Nathan Gillespie OG Dec. 2001 Marketing

Clemson Has 82.4 Graduation Rate for 1996 Entering Class Clemson has eight graduates on its current roster, one of the top totals in the nation. The list of signees who entered Clemson in 1996 also had an outstanding graduation rate. Of the 17 Tigers who entered as scholarship players that fall, 14 have graduated, an 82.4 percent graduation rate. When the NCAA releases its graduation rates for that class next fall, Clemson should be among the national leaders. The class includes a perfect 9-9 in terms of graduates among African American signees for that year. No one in the nation can top that 100 percent rate.

Members of that class who have their Clemson degrees are Terry Bryant, Rod Gardner, Jason Holloman, Freddie James, Mal Lawyer, John McDermott, Harold Means, Theo Mougros, Ryan Romano, Sean Sullivan, Justin Watts, Terry Witherspoon and Brian Wofford.

It is interesting to note that the study does not include athletes who enter in January. Two other first-year players who started their Clemson careers in January of 1996 who graduated are Jason Gamble and Mike Seth. They are not included in the figures.

Tiger Teammates Clemson has 15 different sets of football players who went to the same high school or junior college. The list includes three schools that have sent Clemson three players apiece. Orangeburg-Wilkinson, the high school that sent 2001 senior Woody Dantzler to Clemson, still has three representatives on the current Clemson team in Ryan Hemby, Kevin Johnson and Jackie Robinson.

Fork Union Prep in Virginia has sent Clemson Eric Coleman, Maurice Fountain and Gaines Adams. Fountain was a high school teammate of wide receiver Kelvin Grant. The only brother combination on the list is the Vaughn brothers, Khaleed and Nigel, who both played at North Atlanta High in Atlanta, GA.

Clemson players who played together in high school or prep school:

City State Players C.A. JohnsonColumbia SC Eugene Koon, ToddMcClinton Camden Camden SC Maurice Fountain, Kelvin Grant EasleyEasley SC EricMeekins, Josh Smith Fairfield Central Fairfield SC CharlesBennett, Altroy BodrickFork Union Prep Fork Union VA Eric Coleman,MauriceFountain, Gaines Adams JamesIsland Charleston SC Ryan Charpia, Tony Elliott Lexington LexingtonSC Fletcher Anderson, PhillipDieckmann Manning Manning SC Brian Mance, Travis Pugh NorthAtlanta Atlanta SC Khaleed Vaughn,Nigel Vaughn Orangeburg-Wilkinson Orangeburg SC Ryan Hemby, KevinJohnson, Jackie RobinsonRichland Northeast Columbia SC Airese Currie,Toure Francis Shanks Quincy FL Charles Harper,WillieSimmons, Ronnie ThomasSummerville Summerville SC Dustin Fry, Bernard RambertSW Miss. CC Summit MS Brandon Jamison, Kelvin Morris UnionUnion SC KyleBrowning, Roscoe Crosby

18 Tigers on NFL Rosters Clemson had 18 former players on NFL rosters entering play on September 8th, the opening day of the NFL season. The list includes four players who are now in double digits in the league in terms of years of service. Woody Dantzler, who is on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, is the only member of the 2001 Clemson team to make a roster.

The list of veterans includes Chris Gardocki, who is in his 12th year in the NFL as a punter. The former pro bowl punter is with the Cleveland Browns. Gardocki holds the career punting average record for both the Browns (44.1) and the Indianapolis Colts (44.8). Chester McGlockton (Denver Broncos) and Levon Kirkland (Philadelphia Eagles) are both in their 11th seasons in the NFL. Kirkland made his 124th consecutive NFL start for the Eagles on Sunday against Tennessee. James Trapp, who is in the Clemson Hall of Fame for his track accomplishments from 1989-93, is in his 10th year in the NFL and is with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers all have two players apiece from Clemson on their respective roster. Twelve of the 18 players are defensive players, including four defensive linemen.

Two former Tigers stood out in week one. Rod Gardner had seven receptions for 131 yards and a score to help Washington to victory in Steve Spurrier’s first game as head coach. Adrian Dingle had two sacks to help the San Diego Chargers to a victory over Cincinnati.

Former Clemson Players on NFL Rosters

Pos Hgt Wgt CU Yrs NFLExp NFL Team Keith Adams LB 5-11 230 98-00 2nd DallasCowboys Lorenzo Bromell DE 6-6 275 96-97 5th Minnesota VikingsBrentson Buckner DE 6-2 305 90-93 9th Carolina Panthers &JimBundren OT 6-5 305 94-97 4th Miami Dolphins Robert CarswellDB 5-11 215 97-00 2nd San Diego Chargers #Woody Dantzler QB 5-11205 98-01 R Dallas Cowboys Brian Dawkins DB 5-11 200 92-95 7thPhiladelphia Eagles Adrian Dingle DE 6-3 272 95-98 4th San DiegoChargers Antwan Edwards DB 6-1 205 95-98 4th Green Bay PackersRod GardnerWR 6-3 218 97-00 2nd Washington Redskins Chris Gardocki P 6-1 20088-90 12th Cleveland Browns Lamont Hall TE 6-4 260 94-97 4th NewOrleans Levon Kirkland LB 6-1 270 88-91 11th Philadelphia EaglesDexter McCleon DB 5-10 195 93-96 6th St. Louis Rams ChesterMcGlockton DT 6-4 329 89-91 11th Denver Broncos Trevor Pryce DT 6-5295 1996 6th Denver Broncos Anthony Simmons LB 6-0 230 95-97 5thSeattle Seahawks James Trapp DB 6-2 190 89-92 10th Baltimore Ravens# Practice Squad & Injured reserve

Clemson Assistant Coaches Have Bowl Experience Clemson’s nine current assistant coaches and head coach Tommy Bowden have coached in a combined 81 bowl games. Of the current staff, Rick Stockstill has coached in the most bowl games with the Tigers, as the 2001 Humanitarian Bowl was his 10th as a Clemson assistant. Brad Scott leads the way in total bowl games coached with 15 between his time at Clemson, Florida State and South Carolina.

Two Clemson assistants have served as head coaches in bowl games. Scott led South Carolina to its first bowl win in history when he defeated West Virginia in the 1994 Carquest Bowl. Mike O’Cain, hired as Clemson’s quarterbacks coach in December of 2000, served as NC State’s head coach in three bowl games.

As you can see by the list below, eight of the 10 coaches on this staff have been together all three years of the Bowden era. Mike O’Cain has coached in two of the three bowl games. John Lovett is the only newcomer to the staff this year.

Position Player CU Bowl OverallTommy BowdenHead Coach 1 3 11 Rodney AllisonDefensive Ends 3 3 8 Burton Burns RunningBacks 3 3 4 JackHines Linebackers 1 3 8 John Lovett DefensiveBacks 0 0 5 MikeO’Cain Quarterbacks 0 2 @10 Brad Scott Tight Ends0 3 *15 ThielenSmith Defensive Line 2 3 5 Rick StockstillWide Receivers 3 10 10 Ron West Offensive Line 2 3 5 Totals15 30 81

*Includes one bowl (win) as head coach of South Carolina @Includes three games as head coach at NC State Overall is total as a coach only

Some Tigers using New Helmet The latest in equipment use in football at all levels is the Revolution Helmet manufactured by Riddell. Many Clemson players have switched to the new helmet for this season and Clemson equipment personnel estimate 30 players are using it this year. Many of the players are first-year freshmen.

Among the veterans using the helmet are starting outside linebacker Khaleed Vaughn, starting middle linebacker and top returning tackler John Leake, and running backs Yusef Kelley, Chad Jasmin and Tye Hill. Linebacker David Dunham was troubled by a concussion early in preseason and switched to the Revolution. He has not had problems since.

The helmet is the result of five years of research conducted by the NFL, who concluded that 70 percent of concussions result from hits to the side of the head. The sides of the new helmet extend farther down toward the chin, creating a firm shell along the jaw line.

Clemson Faces Tough Schedule in 2002 In many ways this will be Clemson’s most difficult schedule. The 2002 Tigers have nine games against teams who had winning records last year and eight of the 2002 opponents played in bowl games last year.

Nationally, Clemson is tied for third in number of games against teams who had winning records in 2001 and tied for fourth in number of 2001 bowl opponents on the 2002 schedule.

Clemson has had some difficult schedules under Tommy Bowden. The 1999 schedule is listed as the 10th toughest in the nation according to the 2002 NCAA Record Book. In 2001, Clemson had five wins over teams with winning records, one off the Clemson single season record.

Most Difficult Schedules of 2002

Based on 2002 Opponents Who Played in 2001 Bowls

Team 2002 Games 2001 Bowl Opp 1.Florida State 13 9 Notre Dame 12 9 Virginia 13 9 4. Clemson 12 8Duke 12 8 Iowa State 13 8 Missouri 12 8 Texas 12 8 Wake Forest 12 8

Based on 2002 Opponents who had 2001 Winning Record

Team 2002 Games Winning Opp 1. FloridaState 13 10 Virginia 13 10 3. Clemson 12 9 Alabama 12 9 Duke 12 9Florida 12 9

Clemson Home Games Draw 6.7 Times the Population You could make the statement Clemson is the most rabid football town in Division I. The data used compares average stadium attendance to city population. Last year Clemson ranked 15th in the nation in attendance average with an 80,152 figure. The town of Clemson has a population of just 11,939. That means Clemson’s average football attendance in 2001 was 6.7 times the population of the city.

A look to the 2001 attendance figures and the most recent city population totals shows that only six Division I schools had a higher average attendance than the city population.

School City 2001 Attend PopRatio 1. Clemson Clemson, SC 80,152 11,939 6.71 2. PennState State College, PA 107,576 38,420 2.80 3. Auburn Auburn, AL85,449 42,987 1.99 4. Virginia Charlottesville, VA 56,283 40,0021.41 5. Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 50,762 39,573 1.28 6. IowaIowa City, IA 64,665 62,220 1.04

ACC Announces 50th Anniversary All-Time Football Team Clemson Leads All Schools With Nine Selections Nine former Clemson football players have been named to the 50th Anniversary All-ACC team, the conference announced in July. Clemson’s nine selections are the most among ACC schools. Players who have been named to the team are Joe Bostic, Jerry Butler, Bennie Cunningham, Jeff Davis, Steve Fuller, Terry Kinard, William Perry, Michael Dean Perry and Anthony Simmons.

All nine players were All-Americans at Clemson. Five of them earned such honors on more than one occasion. The honorees have won 10 ACC titles collectively, with three of the players earning a National Championship ring in 1981. Eight of the nine players were named to Clemson’s All-Centennial team in 1996. Butler, Davis, Fuller and Kinard are also honored in Clemson’s Ring of Honor.

Each of the honorees has played in the NFL at some point after their Clemson careers. Anthony Simmons, the youngest Clemson player honored by the ACC, is currently a starting linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. The group collectively has played 76 years in the NFL and combined to win five Super Bowl Championship rings. Joe Bostic was a four-year starter and two-time All-American between 1975-78 on Clemson’s offensive line. He is also in Clemson’s Hall of Fame. In 1999, A panel of Clemson historians ranked him as the 11th best player in Clemson history. Bostic went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Cardinals organization.

Jerry Butler earned first-team Associated Press All-American honors in 1978 and was ranked as the 4th best player in school history in 1999. He was famous for a diving backward touchdown catch that helped beat rival South Carolina in 1977. Butler, also a member of Clemson’s Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor, played nine seasons for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.

Bennie Cunningham, Clemson’s most decorated tight end, was a two-time All-American. He was a consensus first-team All-American as a junior in 1974 and a first-team choice by the Sporting News in 1975. He was also ranked among Clemson’s greatest players in 1999. Cunningham won two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers between 1976-85.

Jeff Davis was an All-American in 1981, the year Clemson won the National Championship. Davis is the third leading tackler in Clemson history. “The Judge” is a member of Clemson’s All-Centennial team, Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the state of South Carolina Hall of Fame in 2001. He played for six seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Steve Fuller was a third-team All-American on the field in 1978 as well as a two-time Academic All-American. He was also the ACC Player-of-the-Year in 1977 and 1978, the only two-time selection in Clemson history. He was ranked as a top 5 player by Clemson historians in 1999, and is in the Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor. Fuller won a Super Bowl ring with the Chicago Bears in 1985.

Terry Kinard, perhaps Clemson’s most decorated athlete, was a two-time first-team AP All-American in 1981-82. He was a starting safety on Clemson’s 1981 National Championship team. He was named the 1982 National Player-of-the-Year by CBS. Kinard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last fall and the state of South Carolina Hall of Fame in 2002. He is still Clemson’s career leader in interceptions with 17, now a 20-year-old record. He won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants and played eight seasons in the NFL.

William Perry was a three-time All-American at middle guard for Clemson, a first in school history. He still ranks among Clemson’s career leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Also a member of the 1981 team, Perry was named to the All-Centennial team and will be inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame this fall. “The Refrigerator” won a Super Bowl ring in 1985 with the Chicago Bears.

Michael Dean Perry, Clemson’s career leader in both sacks and tackles for loss, was a first-team All-American in 1987 when he was an Outland Trophy finalist. A member of the All-Centennial team, Perry was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 2000. He went on to considerable success in the NFL as he played in six Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-Pro with the Cleveland Browns.

Anthony Simmons was Clemson’s second three-time All-American. He likely would have been just the second player in NCAA history to achieve such honors four times had he not left for the NFL after his junior year. He is second on Clemson’s career tackles list, an impressive feat to accomplish in only three years. Simmons is currently a starting linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks

Tommy Bowden Coaches Show The Tommy Bowden Coaches Show will be televised across the state of South Carolina every Sunday.

Here is the Schedule:

WASV (62), Greenville/Spartanburg, 12 Noon Sunday WOLO (25), Columbia, 12:00 Noon, Sunday WTAT (24), Charleston, 11:00 AM, Sunday WBEK (16), Augusta, GA, 11:00 AM, Sunday WFXB (43), Myrtle Beach, 11:30 AM, Sunday Fox Sports Net South, 1:30 PM, Friday Comcast/Charter Comm SE, 7:30 PM, Thursday Sunshine Network, 2:30 Pm Thursday WHHI (3), Hilton Head, 10:00 PM Wednesday Comporium Cable, Rock Hill, SC– Ch 21, 6:30 PM, 11:30 PM Wednesday Ch 21, 6:30 PM, 11:30 PM, Friday Ch. 2, 11:30 AM, Saturday Triangle Television, Durham, NC 9:30 PM Wednesday 1:30 AM, Thursday 8:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM, Saturday

Clemson Graduate Designed 50-Year Anniversary Logo What started out as an internet search for fresh ideas has turned into a ticket to some of the ACC’s most exciting upcoming 50th Anniversary events, not to mention a place in the conference’s history books for Clemson graduate T.J. Harley.

Harley needed some ideas back in the summer of 2001 for some t-shirt designs he was planning for Clemson’s 20th anniversary celebration of the school’s 1981 football national championship. At the time, Harley was working as a student at one of Clemson’s downtown t-shirt stores, Tigertown Graphics.

The search took him to TheACC.com for what he thought would be a search for some different logo ideas. Harley had no idea the ACC was looking for some ideas of its own. In May of 2001, the ACC announced a contest that gave current students, faculty, and staff members at all nine member institutions the opportunity to submit ideas for the conference’s 50th anniversary logo.

“Some of the most creative minds in the country reside on our campuses, and we’d love to have their quality of work represent our conference in this important celebration,” stated ACC Commissioner John Swofford at the time of the contest’s announcement.

For Harley the contest meant another opportunity to display his talents, but there was one problem, his discovery of the contest was almost too late. “I noticed that the contest deadline was the next day so I immediately stopped working on the Clemson shirt and spent the next couple hours working on a design for the ACC,” Harley recalled. Those couple of hours turned out to produce the ACC’s 50th Anniversary logo.

The logo will represent the conference’s expansive marketing efforts to promote the ACC’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Founded in 1953, the ACC is celebrating its 50th year this year and will the year with a Gala at the Greensboro Coliseum in March. For his efforts, Harley will receive two tickets to the Gala as well as tickets to the 2003 ACC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

The vast nature of the 50th Anniversary celebration will expose Harley’s work through several mediums, including newspaper, television, internet, souvenir and apparel items. The exposure won’t stop there though. As part of the celebration, the ACC has a historical book and video in the works. Harley’s design potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. The recent graphic communications graduate has secured a job with Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), which is based in Atlanta.