Clemson vs. Wake Forest Postgame Coach and Player Quotes

Nov. 10, 2007

Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden

General thoughts on the game: “I think our defense really set the tone. They have a difficult offense to hem up for four quarters but I think Coach Koenning set the tempo for the game. Cullen also played well and we had some help from the special teams play on coverage and returns.”

On the defense: “We really played at a higher level defensively. This was up there with our Virginia Tech and Florida State performances. It also helped that we were able to take care of the ball offensively and minimize mistakes.”

On Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham: “These guys have both played a lot of football. Tyler played as a true freshman and Aaron has been playing for three years. They are both very hard workers and they have talent too. They are both really tough guys.”

On Phillip Merling: “Phillip, Ricky (Sapp) and Jamie (Cumbie) all got in there and got some pressure on the quarterback. We had some quickness over the guard. They had been lacking in the production numbers, but they all really played well today. We also played great defense on the outside and we had a couple of coverage sacks.”

On Cullen Harper: “He has some great targets and his protection has been great. Wake does a lot of movement and different things defensively, but our guys did a great job getting ready. Cullen has also been making some really good decisions and hasn’t turned the ball over.”

On maintaining intensity at practice: “I don’t think it’ll be a problem. BC is very talented, so I don’t think we should have any trouble getting up for them. “

On Boston College excitement: “Hold on to your ticket.”

Clemson Running Back CJ Spiller

On 90-yard kick-off return: “We gave them a little different look with James and I back there. I was able to get through the first group and then DeAndre McDaniel gave me a great block. It feels great to do that two weeks in a row. There have been times this year where the special teams have struggled, so it feels good to make a positive impact today.”

On offensive performance: “We came out from the start and put points on the board. It really felt good to score points early. Cullen (Harper) did a great job finding the open guy the entire game. You have to give the offensive line credit. They did a great job giving us time to make plays.”

Clemson Linebacker Courtney Vincent

“We practiced hard the entire week. Our coaches had us prepared for Wake Forest. They are the defending champions and we knew we would have to have a great effort to win. Our defensive line–(Phillip) Merling, (Ricky) Sapp, (Jamie) Cumbie, all made plays for us. Their quarterback never had time to get comfortable back there.”

“Next week is as big as it gets. We have everything in front of us. The key is to prepare like we did this week.”