Game Notes: Clemson vs. South Carolina

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Nov. 12, 2001

Game 10: Clemson at South Carolina

Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001 12:30 PM (EST) Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) Columbia, SC

In the Rankings Clemson – Unranked South Carolina – #22 AP, #22 USA Today/ESPN

Television: Jefferson PilotPlay By Play: Bill Rosinski* Color: Jim SzokeSideline: Warren Peper

Radio: Clemson Tiger Sports NetworkPlay By Play: Jim Phillips * Color: Mike EppleySideline: Rodney Williams

Series History: Clemson leads 59-35-4Tickets: Sold Out

www.ClemsonTigers.com

Oldest Rivalry in the South The Clemson vs. South Carolina game is the third longest active uninterrupted series in the South. This will be the 93rd consecutive year that Clemson and South Carolina have met on the gridiron, every year since 1909. There are just two rivalries that are longer nationally in terms of an uninterrupted series. Those are the Kansas vs. Nebraska rivalry (active since 1906) and the Minnesota vs. Wisconsin rivalry (active since 1907). The Kansas vs. Oklahoma rivalry, which ran consecutively from 1903-97, is the longest uninterrupted series in the history of the game. It ran 96 consecutive games.

This will be the 99th meeting between Clemson and South Carolina. The 98 games played so far rank as the 14th most games between two schools in college football history. The Kansas vs. Kansas State rivalry and the Mississippi vs. Mississippi State rivalry have also gone 98 games. Minnesota and Wisconsin have played the most with 110 games overall.

Longest Active Uninterrupted Series in College Football 95 Kansas vs. Nebraska 1906 94 Minnesota vs. Wisconsin 190792 Clemson vs. South Carolina 1909 91 Wake Forest vs. N.C. State 1910 90 Kansas vs. Kansas State 1911 89 North Carolina vs. Virginia 1910

Other Notes on the Series * This is the 99th game in the history of the series, Clemson has a 59-35-4 advantage in the series. Clemson has scored 1850 points and South Carolina has 1254. * Clemson has won four consecutive games against South Carolina, two at Clemson and two at South Carolina. * Clemson has beaten South Carolina more than any other team. In fact, 10 percent of all of Clemson’s wins in history are over South Carolina. Wake Forest is second on the list of Clemson victims with 51. * Clemson has won 10 of the last 13 games against South Carolina and the average score has been 28-18. * Clemson has a 13-7-1 (.643) lead in the series with South Carolina in games played in Death Valley. Clemson has a 27-16-2 (.622) advantage in games played in Williams Brice Stadium. As you can see, Clemson has nearly the same winning percentage at home as it has on the road. * There are many unusual notes and statistical oddities about the Clemson vs. South Carolina rivalry, but the one that sticks out currently is the success of the visiting team. The road team has won eight of the last 10 games between the two teams dating to 1990. Clemson broke the streak of seven straight wins by the road team in 1998 with a 28-19 Tiger victory in Clemson. Clemson also won at home last year, 16-14. * Clemson has had great success at South Carolina in recent years. In fact, Clemson has won six in a row at Williams Brice dating to a 45-0 victory in 1989. Clemson won in 1991 by a 41-24 count, took the 1993 game by a 16-13 score, then won in 1995, 38-17. Clemson won the 1997 game by a 47-21 score, then won in1999 by a 31-21 count. That is an average Clemson victory of 36 to 16 in the last six games in Columbia combined.

Clemson vs. South Carolina on Jefferson Pilot Television The Clemson vs. South Carolina contest will be televised by Jefferson Pilot and will have a 12:30 PM kickoff. That bodes well for the Tigers who seem to play well in afternoon games televised by Jefferson Pilot. Clemson has a 17-3 record in afternoon games televised by that network since 1995. During the same period of time, Clemson is 4-16 in games shown on ESPN or ESPN2.

South Carolina Enters Contest with the Better Record South Carolina enters Saturday’s game against Clemson with a 7-3 record, better than the 5-4 mark the Tigers have posted so far this season. This marks the first time since 1984 that South Carolina enters the contest with the better overall record. In 1984, South Carolina came to Clemson with a 9-1 mark, while Clemson was 7-3. The Gamecocks came away with a thrilling 22-21 victory. That was the only home loss for William “Refrigerator” Perry and Mike Eppley, among others in the senior class of 1984.

South Carolina has had a better record than Clemson nine times since 1960, the year the series began a home and home rivalry. South Carolina has a 5-4 advantage in contests in which it enters the game with a better record. The last time Clemson defeated South Carolina when the Gamecocks had a better record was 1980 when a 5-5 Clemson team defeated an 8-2 South Carolina team in Death Valley, 27-6. The last time Clemson defeated a South Carolina team with a better record in Columbia was 1971 when a 4-6 Clemson team defeated a 6-4 South Carolina team, 17-7.

The two schools have entered the game with the same record four times since 1960 and Clemson has a 3-1 record in those contest. Clemson is 19-8-1 against South Carolina since 1960 when the Tigers enter the rivalry game with a better record.

Overall, the team with the better record has a 23-13-1 record since 1960.

Clemson Has Four-Game Winning Streak vs. South Carolina Clemson has a four-game winning streak over South Carolina. Here is a review of each of those last four contests:

2000 at Clemson November 18, 2000, at Clemson, SC A sold-out crowd erupted in Death Valley as Aaron Hunt’s 25-yard field goal provided Clemson with a thrilling, comeback 16-14 victory over arch-rival South Carolina. Starting from their own 32, the Tigers trailed by one point with 59 second remaining. Rod Gardner caught a 50-yard pass from Woodrow Dantzler with just 10 seconds left to setup Hunt for the winning field goal. Clemson’s 19 seniors became just the third class since 1940 to post four consecutive victories over the Gamecocks.

Woodrow Dantzler played his first complete game since the Maryland contest. He finished with 265 yards of total offense – 185 passing and 80 rushing. Gardner was once again Dantzler’s favorite target. For the second consecutive year, Gardner sealed the Gamecock’s fate. In 1999, his 29-yard touchdown reception on a fourth-down play clinched a Clemson bowl bid. Gardner’s 4-catch, 107-yard effort gave him the Clemson record with nine 100-yard games in his career.

Clemson scored its only touchdown of the game on its first possession. Travis Zachery ran the ball seven times for 23 yards during a 16-play, 77-yard drive that Zachery finished with a one-yard scoring run. South Carolina answered quickly when Derek Watson broke a 61-yard touchdown run just over two minutes later. Aaron Hunt’s connected on a field goal with three seconds remaining in each half. The freshman gave Clemson a 10-7 advantage going into halftime.

The third period was scoreless. Alex Ardley provided two highlights for Clemson with a pair of interceptions. The Gamecocks drove to the Clemson 32 when Ardley recorded his second interception of the period. More than 10 minutes elapsed on the clock before Clemson earned a first down in the second half. Neither team scored in the third quarter.

Hunt’s longest field goal of the day came on a 31-yard connection with 14:05 remaining in the final period. South Carolina then began a, nine-minute drive that put the Gamecocks at the Clemson five. Trailing by six, South Carolina went for the touchdown on fourth down. Clemson took over after Darrel Crutchfield broke up an endzone pass intended for Jermale Kelly.

On South Carolina’s next possession, Petty threw two consecutive first down passes that put South Carolina in the Clemson redzone. Pass interference was called on the Tigers, and the Gamecocks received a first-and-goal at the two. Watson then fumbled the ball into the endzone when he collided with Keith Adams, but it was recovered in the endzone by tight end Thomas Hill. Jason Corse’s extra point game put South Carolina in front by a point, 14-13.

Brian Mance brought the ensuing kickoff from the four to the 32. Following an incomplete pass and a sack, Dantzler threw up a pass for Gardner, who was streaking down the right sideline. Falling backwards, Gardner made the catch at the South Carolina eight. The Tigers sprinted to the line, and Dantzler spiked the ball with three seconds remaining. Hunt’s 25-yarder gave Clemson its ninth victory of the year – solidifying the most successful Tiger regular season since 1991. Reggie Herring’s defense turned in a solid effort, only allowing the pair of touchdowns. Alex Ardley and Keith Adams earned ACC Player-of-the-Week recognition. Chad Carson had a team-high 18 tackles. Adams and Robert Carswell followed closely with 16 and 11 tackles, respectively.

1999 at Columbia, SC Clemson 31, South Carolina 21 Behind outstanding individual performances by receiver Rod Gardner and linebacker Keith Adams, Clemson outlasted archrival South Carolina 31-21 before 83,523 fans in Columbia. The victory was Clemson’s sixth in a row in Columbia and third in a row overall over the Gamecocks, and clinched a bowl berth. Adams recorded a Tiger-record 27 tackles, including four-for-loss and three sacks. Gardner had six catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns, including a 29-yard scoring grab on fourth down in the fourth quarter to seal the win. That play put Gardner over the 1,000-yard mark in receiving, the first Tiger to do so.

Travis Zachery had his third 100-yard rushing game with 105 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Bernard Rambert added 54 yards on six carries. Woodrow Dantzler was 14-26 for 249 yards and two touchdowns as the Tigers out-gained South Carolina 425-252 in total offense. After Phil Petty completed seven of 10 passes for 112 yards in the first quarter, Clemson’s defense limited him to 8-22 for 55 yards over the final three quarters. He was also sacked six times for minus 54 yards.

South Carolina held the Tiger offense scoreless for the first 18 minutes. Meanwhile, the South Carolina offense was clicking. After Tony Lazzara missed a 22-yard field goal, South Carolina marched 70 yards in 10 plays, but had to settle for a 20-yard field goal by Steve Florio. South Carolina had to settle for field goals three times after driving into the “red zone”.

After sacking Dantzler on back-to-back plays and stopping him on a keeper, the Gamecocks drove 51 yards in nine plays capped by a 24-yard field goal by Florio with 14:41 left in the second quarter. Clemson finally got rolling on the ensuing drive. Dantzler connected with Matt Bailey for 20 yards while in the POD formation, and after Zachery rushed 18 yards to the Gamecock two, he scored on the next play.

Clemson upped its lead to 14-6 on its next possession when Dantzler hit Gardner on a slant-in. Gardner raced 24 yards untouched for six. Dantzler was 3-4 for 59 yards on the drive. But the Gamecocks came right back and cut the Tiger lead to 14-12 with 1:21 left before halftime, as they marched 71 yards in 13 plays capped by Andrew Pinnock’s four-yard run. Petty’s two-point pass was unsuccessful. Clemson struck first in the second half when Zachery scored from four yards, capping an eight-play, 63-yard drive. Zachery and Rambert combined for 51 yards on seven carries on the drive. Clemson looked to be in control of the game when the Tiger defense sacked Petty on four consecutive plays (over two possessions) at the end of the third quarter, but South Carolina did not die.

After Ryan Brewer returned a punt to the Tiger 31, South Carolina cut Clemson’s lead to 24-18 when Pinnock, who had 18 carries for 76 yards, scored from 14 yards. The two-point play was unsuccessful. Kenny Harney then picked off a pass deep in Tiger territory, but South Carolina could not punch it into the endzone and had to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Florio, making the score 24-21.

Clemson then drove 66 yards in five plays for the clinching score. Facing fourth-and-10 at the 29, Clemson went for the jugular. Dantzler lobbed a pass into the endzone and Gardner snared the ball for six with 6:41 left in the game.

1998 at Clemson Clemson 28, South Carolina 19 Clemson defeated archrival South Carolina for the first time on its own field since 1990 by a 28-19 score before 84,423 fans, at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers also broke the seven-year streak that saw the visiting team win the annual state championship game.

South Carolina took advantage of a Tiger defense that was without its leading tackler, Chris Jones, on its first possession of the game when Gamecock quarterback Anthony Wright scrambled around right end four yards for the score. Troy Hambrick’s 20-yard run to the Tiger 19 set up the score on the 14-play, 80-yard drive.

The Tigers responded with a 13-play, 72-yard, 6:15 drive capped by Brandon Streeter’s seven-yard shovel pass to Javis Austin for a touchdown. The Gamecocks threatened on their next possession by driving into Tiger territory, but red-shirt freshman safety Charles Hafley got his first career interception to stem the tide. Hafley, who also had a career-high eight tackles, a caused fumble and a touchdown-saving pass breakup, was named the ACC Rookie-of-the-Week for his efforts.

Austin scored his second touchdown when he ran four yards around right end with 6:28 left in the second quarter. Austin, who had nine carries for 50 yards and three catches for 32 yards, capped the 12-play, 58-yard drive that saw the Tigers convert all three third-down opportunities, including a Streeter to Rod Gardner hookup to give the Tigers first-and-goal.

On South Carolina’s second play of the second half, Tiger reserve outside linebacker Howard Bartley dropped into coverage and picked off Wright’s pass for his first career interception. Bartley then raced 48 yards to paydirt to give Clemson a 21-7 lead early in the third quarter.

The Gamecocks cut into the Tiger lead early in the fourth quarter on Steve Mixon’s one-yard plunge. But Courtney Leavitt missed the extra point and Clemson held on to a 21-13 lead.

The Tigers responded two possessions later with a six-play, 53-yard scoring drive. On third-and-nine, Streeter connected with Travis Zachery in the flat. Zachery, who had 53 rushing yards on 17 carries and three catches for 32 yards, avoided would-be tacklers and raced 26 yards for six.

South Carolina came right back with a scoring drive capped by a Petty to Mixon four-yard pass to cut the deficit to 28-19 with 7:01 remaining in the game. But Petty’s two-point try fell incomplete and kept the Tiger lead at two scores. Clemson kept the ball for the remaining time on its next drive to seal the game.

Clemson was led on defense by safety Robert Carswell with 11 tackles. Harold Means also had 10 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and two sacks. Adrian Dingle, who was playing in his last game as a Tiger, added 1.5 sacks to give him 10.5 on the season, then a Clemson single-season record. The Tiger defense had five sacks to South Carolina’s none.

1997 at Columbia, SC Clemson 47, South Carolina 21 Clemson scored 44 unanswered points, including a 27-0 run in the third period, and defeated archrival South Carolina 47-21 at Columbia, SC. Nealon Greene completed 12-15 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns and Tony Horne became the first player in Clemson history to score a touchdown on a punt return and a reception in the same game. The Tigers celebrated a 47-point performance, the most points scored by a Clemson team against South Carolina since 1900. After an opening field goal by Clemson, South Carolina retaliated with a pair of rushing touchdowns, two of just 10 rushing scores yielded by Reggie Herring’s sixth-ranked rushing defense all season. The Gamecocks were driving for a third score of the first half when one play turned the course of the game. Troy Hambrick threw a bad pitch and Clemson freshman Chad Speck pounced on his first career fumble recover.

With just 1:48 remaining in the half, Clemson’s productive two-minute offense drove for a score. Greene was involved in all six plays, including a pair of double-digit yardage runs. He found Brian Wofford for a seven-yard score 33 seconds before halftime.

Antwan Edwards, who had been moved to cornerback in week seven, dominated the third period. First, he intercepted Victor Penn’s sideline pass. Six plays later Nealon Greene connected with Tony Horne for a record tying eighth touchdown pass of the season. It as Greene’s 15th scoring pass of the season, a Clemson single-season mark.

The Clemson defense performed on cue. Tony Plantin, who had a season best seven tackles, combined with Adrian Dingle to sack Victor Penn. Punting from the shadow of their goal line, The Gamecocks booted to Tony Horne. The ACC’s top All-purpose player, made a few timely direction changes and darted 39-yards for a touchdown, Clemson’s first punt return for a score in six years.

The Clemson defense as not finished. On the very next South Carolina possession, Edwards was at it again. This time the ACC Defensive Player of the Week took the scoring load into his own hands and pranced 42-yards for a touchdown and a 33-14 Clemson lead.

After another 3-and-out by the Clemson defense, the Tigers offensive line and Raymond Priester took its turn at demonstrating its dominance. Seven rushing plays in the middle of the field set up the Gamecocks for another scoring pass, this time to Mal Lawyer, who was Greene’s third different touchdown teammate of the evening. The completion gave Clemson five touchdowns and 34 points in 15 minutes. The 27 points in the third period were the most productive frame by a Clemson team in nine years. The 27 points were scored in just 14 offensive plays, and it marked the first time in history that Clemson had two returns for touchdown in one quarter.

Clemson’s offense was not finished. On its first possession of the fourth period, Clemson drove 80 yards in 8 plays, all on the ground. Priester, who had 112 yards rushing on the day, provided much of the yardage on this 24-yard run. Freshman Javis Austin, who had a season high 90 yards for the evening, finished the drive with a 19-yard sprint up the middle behind outstanding blocks from a dominating offensive line. It gave Clemson touchdowns on six consecutive possessions.

Hunt Booted Game Winner Last Year Clemson placekicker Aaron Hunt’s will always hold a special place with Clemson fans. His 25-yard field goal with three seconds left gave the Tigers a 16-14 win over the Gamecocks last year at Clemson. It was the latest game winning kick for a Clemson player since 1987 when David Treadwell kicked a field goal with two seconds remaining to defeat Georgia in a game at Clemson.

Hunt kicked two field goals against Maryland last week and is now 8-10 this season. He booted a 48-yard field goal against North Carolina, the Tigers only points of the day. The 48-yard field goal would have been good from over 50 yards and it was the longest of Hunt’s career. In fact, it was the longest by a Clemson kicker 1997 when David Richardson kicked a 48-yard field goal in the Peach Bowl against Auburn.

Hunt has kicked the ball 40 times this year and it has gone through the uprights 38 times. The sophomore is 30-30 on extra points and 8-10 on field goals. He has four field goals of 43 yards or more after not making a field goal over 40 yards all of last year. Hunt made 45-47 extra points last year and is now 75-77 for his career. He has made 44 in a row over two years. His 45 made extra points last year set a Clemson record for a season. His attempt total tied the Clemson record. Hunt made 5 of his last 6 a year ago and is 8-10 this year, meaning he has made 13 of his last 16 over two years. He was 10-16 last year overall and is now 18-26 in two years.

Clemson Seniors Looking for Perfect 4-0 Record for Rival South Carolina Clemson’s 2001 senior class will attempt to join its former teammates in the class of 2000 as one of the select few in school history who have posted a 4-0 record against rival South Carolina. Clemson has won four straight over the Gamecocks, something the seniors from last year’s team hold in high regard.

Now the 2001 Tigers led by Woodrow Dantzler, Chad Carson and Charles Hafley have a chance to do the same thing. If the Tigers defeat South Carolina they would become just the fourth senior class since 1941 to defeat the Gamecocks four years in a row. Clemson has not defeated the Gamecocks five years in a row since the 1934-40 era when Clemson won seven straight. Clemson is just 1-5 against South Carolina when it is going for a fifth straight win in the series.

This year’s senior class has 18 members on the travel squad, including 10 seniors/graduates who started last week against Maryland. In addition to the 2000 seniors led by Rod Gardner, the seniors of 1991 and 1983 are the only other senior classes to sweep the Gamecocks since the 1941 season. Twelve of the 18 seniors this year are from the state of South Carolina so it would be especially noteworthy for them.

Clemson Senior Classes with 4-0 Record vs. South Carolina

Tigers from South Carolina The Clemson vs. South Carolina game is certainly special to all Clemson players, but it might have a longer family history with the players who are from the state. There are 38 players on the Clemson roster who are from the Palmetto State. This list does not include players being red-shirted and only includes the Clemson travel roster. Twelve of the 38 players from South Carolina are starters. Thirteen of the 38 are seniors.

Clemson Hopes to Add Another Tombstone Clemson will have a chance to add to its list of road wins over ranked teams this weekend at South Carolina. Lou Holtz’s team is ranked 22nd in both polls this week. Clemson has tombstones at the entrance to its practice field to commemorate the road wins over ranked teams.

Clemson already has a win over ninth ranked Georgia Tech on the road this year, a thrilling 47-44 overtime victory. Woodrow Dantzler scored the winning touchdown in overtime. That was Clemson’s first win over a ranked team on the road since 1997 and its highest ranked road win since 1981, the year Clemson won the National Championship. Clemson has 17 road wins over ranked teams in its history. Clemson’s highest ranked road win took place at North Carolina in 1981 when the Tigers defeated an eighth-ranked Tar Heel team. Clemson was ranked second in the nation heading into that game. In addition to the win at Tech this year, Clemson has two other road wins over top 10 teams, a 1983 win over 10th ranked North Carolina and a 1992 win at 10th ranked Virginia.

A win at South Carolina would be a landmark accomplishment for this Clemson team. The Tigers have earned two wins over ranked teams on the road in the same season just once before. The 1950 team won at 17th-ranked Wake Forest (13-12) and over #15 Miami (FL) in the Orange Bowl, 15-14. Bowl games are not usually counted on this list, but the Orange Bowl was Miami (FL) home stadium.

Facts on Clemson’s Youth Clemson has one its youngest teams in years. There is good leadership from the senior class of 18 players on the travel roster, but 34 of Clemson’s 44 players on the two-deep are slated to return next year. Out of the nine ACC schools, only Duke has more players expected to return with 35.

When it comes to defense, the youth notes continue. Nineteen of Clemson’s top 22 are expected to return next season. That can be confusing because starting defensive tackle Nick Eason is listed as a graduate student. Most graduate students are in their final year of eligibility, but not Nick. He graduated in three years and had a red-shirt year athletically, so he still has another year and is expected to return. Clemson and Duke are the only teams in the ACC with 19 of its top 22 players on defense expected to return next season.

Clemson has seven freshmen listed as first or second team on defense. Clemson and Wake Forest are the only ACC schools to have seven freshmen on their defensive 2-deep. These freshmen, five of which are first-year freshmen, see significant playing time. Donnell Washington is a defensive tackle who has seven tackles for loss this year, tied for second on the team. Moe Fountain has six and is tied for third on the club. Ryan Hemby has started two games at cornerback and has 10 tackles, while linebacker Eric Sampson had 14 tackles off the bench to key the defensive effort in the win over Wake Forest.

Hamilton Returns Kickoff 100 Yards for TD Freshman Derrick Hamilton returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Clemson’s 37-20 loss at Maryland. He became the first Tiger in almost 100 years to take a kickoff return goal line to goal line for a score. The only other 100-yard kickoff return for a score on record is a 100-yard return by John Maxwell against Cumberland College in 1903. That game was played on Nov. 26, 1903 and was played in Montgomery, AL in what was considered to be the “Championship of the South.” That turned out to be John Heisman’s last game as Clemson head coach.

Hamilton really raced 103 yards, as he fielded the ball three yards deep in the endzone, raced up the Clemson sideline, then ran to the other side of the field and raced the remaining 50 yards down the Maryland sideline. It was just the eighth kickoff return for a touchdown in Clemson history, the first since 1990.

Ironically, the last time Clemson had a player return a kickoff for a touchdown was against Maryland. In 1990, in a game played at Baltimore Memorial Stadium, Doug Thomas ran 98 yards for a score on a kickoff return in an 18-17 win over the Terps. Clemson once went 25 years without a kickoff return for a touchdown. Clemson did not have a kickoff return for a touchdown between Hal Davis’s 98-yard return against Georgia in 1962 and Joe Henderson’s 95-yard return for a score against Georgia Tech in 1987. Henderson’s return for a score broke a streak of 999 consecutive punt or kickoff returns without a touchdown, a 17-year streak.

Getting back to Hamilton, he finished the day with 153 yards on two official kickoff returns. The 71.5 yards per return set a Clemson record. He broke Henderson’s record of 60 yards per return against Tech in 1987. His 153 yards in kickoff returns rank fifth best in school history for a single game. David Thomas had a record 174 yards on five returns at Georgia Tech in 1972.

Hamilton certainly contributed to Clemson’s record 218 kickoff return yards at Maryland. The previous best was just 188 yards on nine returns at Tulane in 1946.

Hamilton’s kickoff return is listed as a tie for third in school history for the longest play of any kind. There are two plays longer in the record books. Prior to the 1970s, plays could be recorded longer than 100 yards, based on where the ball was fielded in the endzone. In 1968, Richie Luzzi returned a missed field goal against Georgia 108 yards for a score. Two years later, Don Kelley was credited with a 102-yard interception return. Those would both be scored as 100-yard returns by today’s standards.

Hamilton Second in Nation Among Freshmen Receivers Clemson freshman Derrick Hamilton ranks second among all freshmen receivers nationally in receptions per game with 47 in nine games for a 5.22 catches per game figure. He actually leads all freshmen in total receptions, but he trails Kelley Washington of Tennessee on a per game basis. Washington has 46 receptions in eight games, 5.75 per game. Washington is 33rd in the nation, while Hamilton is 44th.

Hamilton is trying to become the first freshman to lead Clemson in receptions since 1991 when Terry Smith had 34-480 yards. Hamilton has broken those previous freshman marks by a wide margin and now has 47 receptions for 570 yards. He ranks third in the ACC in catches per game and is seventh in reception yardage per game.

Hamilton is now looking to challenge the school record for all-purpose running by a freshman. He currently has 898 all-purpose yards to lead the team. Thanks to his 205-yard game at Maryland, he now needs just 228 all-purpose yards to break Terry Allen’s freshman record of 1126 set in 1987.

Dantzler Ranked Among Winningest Clemson QBs Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler could become just the sixth “20-game winner” in Clemson history if the Tigers win their final two regular season games, plus a bowl contest. Dantzler has a 17-10 record as a starting quarterback over the last three years, currently tied for eighth with All-American Bobby Gage, who led the Tigers from 1946-48.

Dantzler would tie Harvey White, an All-ACC performer from 1957-59 if he can lead the Tigers to victory over South Carolina. DeChane Cameron is next on the list with 19. The only 20-game winners in Clemson history are Rodney Williams (32), Nealon Greene (24), Homer Jordan (22), Mike Eppley (21) and Steve Fuller (21).

Dantzler has actually been a starter in 18 Clemson victories the last three years. However, one of his starts (vs. Duke in 1999) was as a wide receiver and he does not get credit as the starting quarterback in that game.

Clemson’s career leader in victories for a starting quarterback is Rodney Williams, who started 32 Clemson wins between 1985-88. That is a mark that could stand for a while since someone would have to average eight wins a year as a starter for four seasons just to tie Williams. Williams is tied with Chris Weinke of Florida State for the ACC record. The NCAA leader is Peyton Manning, who started 39 victories at Tennessee.

Clemson’s Winningest Starting Quarterbacks Rodney Williams (1985-88) 32-10-2 Nealon Greene (1994-97) 24-16 Homer Jordan (1979-82) 22-6-1 Mike Eppley (1980-84) 21-5-1 Steve Fuller (1975-78) 21-11-3 DeChane Cameron (1988-91) 19-4-1 Harvey White (1957-59) 18-7 Bobby Gage (1946-48) 17-7 Woodrow Dantzler (1998-01) 17-10

Dantzler Named Semifinalist for Davey O’Brien Award Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler is one one of 12 semifinalists for the 2001 Davey O’Brien Award. The Award, which is chosen by national sportswriters and commentators, goes to the best quarterback in college football. The announcement of the 12 semifinalists was made Nov. 7.

Three finalists will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 27 by the National College Football Awards Association. It is the second straight year that Dantzler has been named a semifinalist for the award. The winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 9:00 PM in Orlando, FL. The winner and the two other finalists will be honored at the 25th annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner Feb. 18, 2002 in Fort Worth, TX.

Dantzler has been one of the top all-around quarterbacks in college football the last three years. This year he has 768 yards rushing and 1,913 passing. He has completed 161 of 262 passes for 11 touchdowns. He is seventh in the nation in total offense, 47th in rushing and 42nd in passing efficiency.

Dantzler has had at least 300 yards total offense in five of the last seven games, including a school record 517 yards at N.C. State on Oct. 13. He also had six touchdowns in that game, four passing and two rushing, tying the ACC record for touchdown responsibility in a game.

Two weeks ago, Dantzler was named one of 10′”leading candidates” for the Walter Camp Award. That honor is presented to he top player in college football.

Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalists Player School Class David Carr Fresno State Sr. Eric Crouch Nebraska Sr. Woodrow Dantzler Clemson Gr. Brandon Doman Brigham Young Sr. Ken Dorsey Miami (FL) Jr. Jason Gesser Washington St. Jr. Rex Grossman Florida So. Joey Harrington Oregon Sr. Eli Manning Mississippi So. Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech Jr. Kurt Kittner Illinois Sr. Chris Simms Texas Jr.

Clemson Special Teams Have Been Special, Kopp Punting Improved Clemson is now 28th in the nation in net punting with an average of 37.63 yards per punt. That is third best in the ACC, trailing just Maryland and Georgia Tech. Junior Wynn Kopp is the prime reason for that fine state. The Georgia transfer has a gross average of just 39.7, but he has allowed just 71 punt return yards on his 35 punts this year. Only 11 of his 35 boots have been returned for just 6.45 yards a return.

Six of the nine games he has had a net punting average of 39.7 or better. His 37.6 net punting average is best by a Clemson punter since Chris McInally had a 38.3 net punting average for the 1995 season. All punters are compared to Clemson great Chris Gardocki, who now is in his 11th year in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. Gardocki’s final season at Clemson, 1990, he had 39.3 net punting average for the season.

Clemson has allowed the fewest punt return yards in the ACC this year with 71. Georgia Tech is second with 94 punt return yards allowed.

Clemson Coverage Has Been Sound Clemson has been outstanding in kick coverage this year. When it comes to punt returns, the Tigers have allowed just 71 punt return yards all year on 35 total punt attempts. Only 11 of the 35 punts have been returned. When it comes to kickoff returns, Clemson is second in the conference behind Florida State in kick coverage, allowing just 20.5 yards a return. The Seminoles are second at 20.39. Clemson has balanced special teams unit. Senior walk-on Tore White leads the team in special teams tackles with eight, while Joel Gardner and Braxton K. Williams have seven apiece. Last Saturday at Maryland Gardner threw a key block on Derrick Hamilton 100-yard kickoff return for a score, then recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff.

Clemson Strong in Return Game Clemson is also outstanding when it comes to punt and kickoff returns this year. The Tigers rank ninth in the nation in kickoff returns. Brian Mance is 37th with a 24.5-yard average, but teammate Derrick Hamilton has a 34-yard average on nine returns. He needs four more returns this year to qualify for the national stats. He is coming off a 153-yard kickoff return game, fifth best in Clemson history. Hamilton would rank second in the nation if he had enough attempts to qualify. Mance is also 23rd in the nation in punt returns with an 11.86 average.

Dantzler Needs 122 Yards Rushing for 5,000/2,500 Club Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler needs just 122 yards rushing to become just the third player in college football history to reach 5,000 yards passing and 2,500 yards rushing (regular season games only). Dantzler went over the 5,000 yard passing mark against Florida State last week and now 5,187 in regular season games. He has 2,378 yards rushing for his career and thus needs just 122 to reach the 2,500-yard rushing mark.

The only other quarterbacks in college football history with at least 5,000 yards passing and 2,500 rushing are current Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle-El and former Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Brian Mitchell. Randle-El has 6,954 passing and 3,645 rushing for his career at Indiana. Mitchell had 5,447 yards passing and 3,335 yards rushing in his career that spanned 1986-89.

Dantzler now ranks 16th in NCAA history in rushing yards by a quarterback. He needs just 24 yards rushing against South Carolina to move past Bill Deery of William & Mary (1972-74) for 15th on the all-time list. Dantzler is third among active Division I players in quarterback rushing. Randle-El has 3,645, and Nebraska’s Eric Crouch has 3,272.

Dantzler Seeking 2,000/1,000 Season Woodrow Dantzler has gained 767 net yards on the ground for an average of 85.22 yards per game. He is on pace for 937 yards rushing in the regular season. He has 1,913 yards passing, 212.6 yards per game and is on pace for 2,338 yards for the season. No player in NCAA history has had 1,000 yards rushing and 2,000 yards passing in the same season. Dantzler is the only player this year with a shot at the incredible accomplishment.

He had 947 rushing and 1,691 passing last season during the regular season. If he is to achieve the distinction he will have to do it in the regular season as NCAA records do not count bowl games. The closest to achieve the milestone is Brian Mitchell of Lousiana-Lafayette, who had 1,311 rushing and 1,966 passing in 1989.

Young Named National Football Foundation Scholar Clemson center Kyle Young has been named one of 16 recipients of a postgraduate scholarship as selected by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. The announcement was made Nov. 1 by Chairman of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Jon F. Hanson.

The Clemson graduate and starting center for the Tigers the last three seasons is the first Clemson football player to receive a scholarship from the National Football Foundation since 1978 when Steve Fuller was so honored.

Young is actually just the fifth Clemson football player to receive the honor overall. In addition to Fuller, the others are Jimmy Bell, a quarterback in 1964, Jimmy Addison, a quarterback in 1967, and Ben Anderson, a defensive back in 1972.

Young graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clemson last May and is taking graduate courses this year, his final year of eligibility. He had a 3.98 career GPA and had A’s in every course but one over his four undergraduate years. He has been a first-team Academic All-American each of the last two years and hopes to be a three-time selection this year. The Academic All-America team won’t be announced until Dec. 3. He is also the President of Clemson’s LIFE LINE organization, the football team’s leadership group.

On the field, Young has led the Clemson offensive line in knockdown blocks this year with 90. He is a big reason Clemson has averaged over 400 yards per game in total offense and has had a positive effect on the play of Woodrow Dantzler, who ranks fifth in the nation in total offense heading into this weekend’s game with Florida State. Young was a second-team All-American on the field last year in addition to his first-team Academic All-America status.

“This is a great honor for Kyle and our football program,” said Head Coach Tommy Bowden. “Clemson has meant so much to Kyle and his family and I know this scholarship award is very meaningful to him. Having grown up in Clemson, he has been following or a part of Clemson football all his life. He is a role model for future Clemson football players and all student-athletes who are at Clemson now or will be in the future.”

Since 1959, when the first class was selected, 602 scholar-athletes have been awarded this high honor based on superior academic performance, outstanding football ability, strong leadership, and citizenship.

Each scholar-athlete will be awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and will be honored at the Foundation’s 44th Annual Awards Dinner held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, NY, Dec. 11, 2001.

Young will be joined at the Awards Dinner in New York by Terry Kinard, the former Clemson All-American who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on the same night. Clemson is the only school in the nation with a Hall of Fame inductee and a National Football Foundation Scholarship Award winner this year.

National Football Foundation Scholars for 2001 Division I-A Selections Andre Davis-Virginia Tech-WR-Property Management-Niskayuna, NY Vernon Fox-Fresno State-SS – Sociology-LasVegas, NV Joaquin Gonzalez-Miami (FL)-OL-Marketing-Miami, FL Christopher Hope-Florida State-FS-Communications-Rock Hill, SC Jeff Kelly-Southern Mississippi–QB-Business Administration-Hattiesburg, MS Patrick Ramsey-Tulane-QB-Accounting & Finance-Simsboro, LA Tracey Wistrom-Nebraska-TE-Mathematics-Webb City, MO Kyle Young-Clemson-C-Secondary Education-Clemson, SC

Clemson 3-1 on the Road Clemson has better stats on the road as oppose to home this year. Clemson is 2-3 at home and 3-1 on the road. The Tigers are 0-3 at home in ACC contests, 3-1 on the road in league play. Clemson has one more home game left, against Duke on Dec. 1. You can see by the chart below that Clemson has been more productive on offense on the road this year. Clemson has averaged 449.5 yards a game on the road and just 376 at home.

Clemson at Record Rate for First Downs Clemson has been racking up the first downs this year, at a record rate in fact. Clemson has 213 first downs so far this year, an average of 23.7 per game. Clemson had 26 first downs in the 41-27 loss to Florida State. It marked the fifth time this year that Clemson had accumulated at least 25 first downs in a single game. The high was 29 in the win over Wofford and the loss to Virginia. Clemson’s offense has been strong this year, among the best in school history if the season ended today. Clemson’s 408.7 yards per game would be third best in school history if the season ended today. Here is a list of how this team stacks up on a per game basis with great Clemson offenses of the past.

Category 2001 Figure Would Rank Record (Year) First Downs/Game23.7 1st 22.75 (2000) Completions/Game 19.67 2nd 21.0 (1999) PassAttempts/G 34.0 2nd 35.3 (1999) Passing Yds/G 236.1 2nd 251.6(1999) Completion % .578 4th .605 (1997) Plays/Game 77.0 3rd 78.8(1978) Total Offense/Game 408.7 3rd 436.8 (2000) 3rd Down Conv. %.482 2nd .516 (1978)

Mance Picked off Two Passes vs. Seminoles Starting cornerback Brian Mance had two interceptions in Clemson’s loss to Florida State. It marked the second time in the junior’s career that he has had two interceptions in the same game. He also did it against Missouri in Death Valley in 2000. Mance actually had a record tying three takeaways in that game.

Mance also had four tackles in the game against the Seminoles. It was his first game in Death Valley since his brother, Kenny, was tragically killed in an auto accident when he fell asleep at the wheel just two miles from his home in the early morning hours of Oct. 14. Mance was back in the lineup at Wake Forest on Oct. 27 and helped the Tigers to victory.

Mance is a valuable member of the Clemson lineup. He has 36 tackles and four passes broken up plus the two interceptions in eight games, all as a starter in the secondary. He also is Clemson’s top kick returner.

Mance was not the only Clemson cornerback who has had to deal with tragedy this year. The early morning hours prior to the Wake Forest game of Oct. 27, starting cornerback Kevin Johnson was called home due to a stroke suffered by his father. He died the next day. Johnson missed the Wake Forest game, but returned for the Florida State game on Nov. 3. The junior from Orangeburg, SC contributed six tackles and two passes broken up against the Seminoles.

Clemson Getting Contributions from Freshmen Clemson has had a lot of rookies contribute to its season on both side of the ball this year. On the defensive side, six first-year freshmen have seen action and two red-shirt freshmen have been major contributors. The first-year freshmen who have seen action are Eric Sampson (LB), Travis Pugh (S), Eric Coleman (DT) and Tavaughn Monts (CB). Red-shirt freshmen Ryan Hemby (CB) and Donnell Washington (DT) have also played well. Sampson came off the bench for an injured John Leake at Wake Forest and contributed 14 tackles on six first hits and eight assists in 69 snaps of play. Leake played the first nine plays before suffering a sprained ankle that shelved him for the game. Sampson had played just 54 plays from scrimmage over the first six games and had eight total tackles. He also had two quarterback pressures in the impressive performance. His 14 tackles were the most by a first-year freshman since Anthony Simmons had 19 in a victory at South Carolina in 1995. Freshman Donnell Washington has seven tackles for loss and 32 total tackles to lead all freshmen this year. He had another solid game from the defensive tackle position in the win at Wake Forest. The 320-pounder had four tackles, including a tackle for loss, as he helped stop Wake Forest’s strong running game. The Deacs entered the contest sixth in the nation in rushing.

He had just one pressure at Wake Forest, but it was huge. He got to Wake Forest quarterback James MacPherson just as he released the ball, forcing the ball to flutter into the arms of Chad Carson. It put a stop to momentum the Deacs had gained after a Clemson fumble. Clemson had just a seven-point lead at the time.

Offensively, four freshmen receivers have combined for 81 catches for 1,109 yards and five touchdowns. That is already the most catches and receiving yards for a Clemson freshman class in history. Leading the way is Derrick Hamilton, who has 47-570, both all-time Clemson freshman records. Airese Currie, a first-year freshman, has added 14-250, while Roscoe Crosby has 13-215. Crosby has been injured much of the year, but has had nine catches the last three weeks. He caught his first career touchdown pass at Maryland. Tight end Ben Hall has 7-74 and two touchdowns.

Clemson Attendance Near Record Rate Clemson has averaged 81,486 fans per game for five contests at Death Valley so far this year. If the season ended today, that would be the second-highest average season attendance in Clemson history. The record is 81,750 set during the 1988 season. Clemson still has one home game left against Duke on Dec. 1.

That 1988 season is the only season Clemson has averaged 80,000 fans for a complete season. Clemson must draw 72,571 fans for the Duke game to finish the year with an average of 80,000 or better. Clemson has averaged over 78,000 each of the first two years of the Bowden era.

Clemson to Face Third Straight Top-25 Team To say Clemson is in the tough part of its schedule is an understatement. Clemson is in the process of facing three straight games against top 25 teams. Florida State was ranked 14th in the nation in both polls heading into its Nov. 3 game at Death Valley. Maryland was 13th in AP and 11th in USA Today heading into the Nov.10 week. South Carolina is 22nd in both polls this week.

We don’t have to go back very far to find the last time Clemson played three straight top-25 opponents, but it is a rare occurrence. Clemson played against a fourth-ranked Florida State, 25th-ranked South Carolina and sixth ranked Virginia Tech in consecutive games to end last season. However, that is the only previous time that Clemson has played a ranked team in three straight games. It almost happened in 1966. Clemson played a ninth-ranked Georgia Tech, fourth-ranked Alabama and fifth-ranked Southern Cal during a four-week segment in the 1966 season. What was Coach Frank Howard thinking when he made that schedule?

Clemson has played well against ranked teams over the years. The Tigers already own a win over then ninth-ranked Georgia Tech on the road this year. Clemson has defeated at least one top-25 team all but one season (1995) since 1986.

Carson Records 23 Tackles vs. Wake Forest, Moves to Fifth on Tackle List Chad Carson had the top tackle game of his career and the third best single game in Clemson history in the victory over Wake Forest on Oct. 27. Carson had 15 first hits and eight assists in helping the Tigers hold down Wake Forest’s outstanding rushing defense. The Demon Deacons entered the game averaging 235 yards per game on the ground, sixth best in the nation.

But, Carson and his teammates held Wake Forest to 193 on the day and 344 yards of total offense. It was the second lowest total offensive figure this year for Wake Forest. Carson had a lot to do with the run defense and he also contributed to the pass defense by intercepting a pass, his first career interception in 42 games as a Tiger.

Carson’s tackle total was third best in Clemson history. The only higher are the 27 by former teammate Keith Adams against South Carolina in 1999 and by Jeff Davis against North Carolina in 1980. That is pretty good company for Carson as both players were not only All-Americans, but also won ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Carson now has 419 tackles for his career, fifth best in school history. He moved ahead of Robert Carswell, Adams and Randy Scott in his big game at Wake Forest. Carson now trails only Bubba Brown, Anthony Simmons, Davis and Ed McDaniel. Simmons and McDaniel are still in the NFL, while Davis played five years with the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Clemson Career Tackle Leaders 1. Bubba Brown, LB 1976-79 (515) 2. Anthony Simmons, LB 1995-97 (486) 3. Jeff Davis, LB 1978-81 (469) 4. Ed McDaniel, LB 1988-91 (489) 5. Chad Carson, LB 1998-01 (419) 6. Randy Scott, LB 1975-78 (382) 7. Keith Adams, LB 1998-00 (379) 8. Robert Carswell, FS 1997-00 (374) 9. Tim Jones, LB 1991-94 (338) 10. Henry Walls, LB 1983-85 (316)

Clemson Single Game Tackle Bests 1. Keith Adams 1999 vs. South Carolina (27) 2. Jeff Davis 1980 vs. North Carolina (24) 3. Chad Carson 2001 vs. Wake Forest (23) 4. Chad Carson 2000 vs. Georgia Tech (22) Jeff Davis 1980 vs. Maryland (22) Bubba Brown 1978 vs. Ohio State (22) Bubba Brown 1979 vs. N.C. State (22) 8. Henry Walls 1985 vs. Georgia Tech (21) Willie Anderson 1974 vs. South Carolina (21)

Clemson Offense Averages 418 Yards Under Bowden Clemson has a 20-12 record under Tommy Bowden and a consistent balanced offense has been a big reason. Over the nearly three years he has been the head coach the Tigers have averaged 417.7 yards per game in total offense. Clemson has gained 186 rushing and 232 passing over the 31 games. In an average game under Bowden the Tigers have averaged 30.2 points a game and scored four touchdowns. On average, the Tigers run the ball 45 times and throw it 32 times. Clemson has scored 124 touchdowns in the 31 games, exactly four per game. Eighteen of the 31 games Clemson has had at least 400 yards of total offense.

Hafley Sets Clemson Single Game Record…Again Clemson graduate defensive back Charles Hafley set a school record for tackles in a game by a defensive back in the Tigers 38-3 loss to North Carolina on Oct. 20 at Death Valley. Hafley was credited with 19 tackles in the contest on 11 first hits and eight assists. He topped that figure just a couple of weeks later with 20 tackles against Maryland. Hafley now ranks second on the Clemson team and is among the ACC leaders in tackles with 102 through nine games, an average of 11.3 per game. The North Carolina game was his fifth double figure tackle game this season and 11th of his career at Maryland. A year ago, Hafley had 106 tackles, most ever by a strong safety and third best in Clemson history for a defensive back. He will obviously shatter that mark and could break former teammate Robert Carswell record for a DB (129).

Zachery Ranked Third in Career Scoring Record Clemson running back Travis Zachery is closing in on a number of milestones. The senior all-purpose running back has scored 46 touchdowns in his Clemson career, already a school record. He has 38 rushing and eight receiving and obviously needs four touchdowns to become the first Clemson player to reach 50 touchdowns.

Those touchdowns translate into scoring. He now has 276 points in his Clemson career and needs 26 to break Nelson Welch’s career record of 301. Welch was a placekicker for the Tigers from 1991-94. He booted a school record 72 field goals and added 85 extra points for his 301 total.

As you can see by the chart below, Zachery is already third on the Clemson scoring list. He recently passes Chris Gardocki, who had 261 points. Gardocki will be inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 1.

Zachery had his streak of 13 consecutive games with at least one touchdown rushing or receiving, snapped when he failed to score against North Carolina. That is the Clemson record for consecutive games with at least one score. He shattered the mark, as the previous best was a streak of nine straight games by Lester Brown, 1978-79. Zachery has 45 regular season touchdowns in his career. Only two ACC players in history have reached 50 touchdowns in regular season play. Five more TDs in the last five regular season games would give Zachery an even 50. The others to do it are Ted Brown, who had 51 for N.C. State between 1975-78, and Leon Johnson, who had 50 at North Carolina between 1993-96.

Zachery Approaching 3,000/1,000 Club Clemson senior running back Travis Zachery is among the best all-around ball carriers in the nation. That is one reason he was listed among the preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award. So far this year Zachery has 442 yards rushing and 319 yards receiving, giving him 761 yards from scrimmage. He has had five touchdowns rushing and got his second receiving at N.C. State for seven total touchdowns.

Zachery now has 2,924 yards rushing in his career and 966 receiving. No Clemson player in history has had at least 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 receiving. It is quite a difficult accomplishment, something only three players in ACC history have accomplished. The others to do it are Leon Johnson, a former running back from North Carolina (1993-96), Warrick Dunn of Florida State (1993-96), and Terry Kirby of Virginia (1989-92). Zachery needs 76 yards rushing and 34 receiving to pull off the 3,000/1,000 double.

Zachery scored three touchdowns at Tech and one more at N.C. State, giving him 46 for his career, already a Clemson record. He has scored 40 touchdowns in his last 32 games. His three scores at Tech gave him eight for his career against the Yellow Jackets, including six at Grant Field in Atlanta. Zachery is from nearby Marietta, GA. Zachery enters the South Carolina game with 2,924 career rushing yards, second best in school history. He moved ahead of Kenny Flowers on the all-time list in the win over N.C. State. Now, only Raymond Priester has more rushing yards than Zachery.

Zachery went over the 4,000-yard mark in all-purpose running in the loss to North Carolina. He now has 4,166 for his career, just the second Clemson runner to reach 4,000 yards. Raymond Priester is the career leader in all-purpose running with 4282.

Dantzler Stats Better on the Road Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler has been a player who does not let the visiting crowd bother him, in fact it must motivate him because his stats on the opponent’s home field are considerably better than they are at home.

Over the last three years, seasons Dantzler has been the starter, or a factor in the Clemson lineup, Dantzler has averaged 297.2 yards of total offense per game in 13 contests on the road and has averaged just 221 yards per game in 16 games played in Death Valley.

Dantzler has averaged a 100-yard rushing, 300-yard total offense game on the road for those 13 games in the opponent’s home facility. His passing efficiency is 140.2 on the road and 128.2 in Death Valley. He has averaged 2.15 touchdowns rushing and passing on the road and 1.75 in Death Valley since 1999. Four of Dantzler’s top five total offense games have come on the road.

Dantzler Dazzling at N.C. State Clemson quarterback’s performance in the Tigers 45-37 victory in Raleigh is hard to put into words. It was the greatest combination of rushing and passing for a Clemson football player in history and ranks among the best in college football history.

How can we make such a statement? A look to the NCAA record book tells us that only one player in one game has ever had at least 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in the same game. Washington’s Marques Tuiasosopo had 302 yards passing and 207 rushing against Stanford on Oct. 30,1999, the only player in history to achieve the 300/200 in the same game.

At State, Dantzler passed for 333 and 184 net yards rushing. Had it not been for two sacks in the second quarter, one of 13 yards and another of 11, Dantzler would have joined Tuiasosopo in that exclusive club. As it was, Dantzler’s performance was the fifth best in ACC history in terms of total offense, and a Clemson record. The ACC mark is 554 yards of total offense by Rusty LaRue for Wake Forest against N.C. State in 1995. LaRue threw 78 passes in that game.

Dantzler did more than just pick up yardage, he led the Tigers to six touchdowns. He ran for two and passed for four, and the six touchdowns combined broke the Clemson single game record that had stood since 1947. Dantzler tied the Clemson single game record for touchdown passes in a single game, a mark he now co-owns with his backup, Willie Simmons.

It was Dantzler’s top passing game as a Tiger, and in many ways the best by any Clemson quarterback. The graduate student from Orangeburg, SC completed 23-27 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns. His passing efficiency rating of 237.6 was a Clemson record for a minimum of 20 attempts. His stats included a 79-yard pass to freshman Airese Currie, the longest pass play for the Tigers in five years.

Dantzler achieved the 517 yards of total offense one game and two weeks after gaining 418 yards in Clemson’s thrilling 47-44 win over a ninth ranked Georgia Tech team in Atlanta. Obviously it is the top total offense figure for consecutive games in Clemson history.

Here is a list of Clemson Records Dantzler Set in the win at N.C. State * Single game passing efficiency (Min 20 attempts)-237.58 * Single game total offense-517 yards (333 passing, 184 rushing) * Single game touchdown responsibility-6 * Tied single game touchdown passes-4 * Single game completion percentage (min 20 attempts)-.851 * Career total offense-6,874 * Career total offense vs. same team-1,127 vs. N.C. State

Dantzler Now Owns 31 Clemson Records Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler became the first quarterback in ACC history to pass for 4000 yards and rush for 2000 when he had his 517 yard total offense game at N.C. State.

Including bowl games, Dantzler has 2467 rushing and 5372 passing in his four-year career. So far this season, Dantzler has 767 yards rushing and 1913 passing for 2680 total, an average of 297 yards per game in total offense. He needs just 220 yards of total offense at South Carolina to break his own single season mark. He already has the single game and career mark.

The graduate student has connected on 61.5 percent of his passes this year, a record pace, and is now at 57.9 percent for his career, also best in school history.

Dantzler on Clemson career Records Lists * 1st, quarterback rushing (2,467) has record * 1st, completion percentage (.577) has record * 1st in touchdown responsibility (57) has record * 1st in total offense (7,839) has record * 1st in total plays (1,261) has record * 2nd in passing efficiency (129.3) 131.30 rating points * 2nd in completions (418) 41 completions * 2nd in passing yards (5,372) 350 yards * 3rd in touchdown passes (31) 5 TD passes

Clemson Records Held by Dantzler (31) Single Game (8) * Touchdown Responsibility-6 vs. N.C. State, 2001 * Total Offense-517 vs. N.C. State, 2001 * Completion % (Min 20 attempts)-.851 vs. N.C. State, 2001 * Completion % (Min 15 attempts)-.941 vs. The Citadel 2000 * Yards rushing by a quarterback-220 vs. Virginia, 2000 * Passing Efficiency (Min 15 attempts)-247.2 vs. The Citadel, 2000 * Passing Efficiency (Min 20 attempts)-237.6 vs. N.C. State, 2001 * Touchdown Passes-#4 vs. N.C. State, 2001

Season (13) * Total offense-2,899, (2000) * Quarterback rushing-1,028, (2000) * 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback-4 (2000) * Touchdowns rushing and passing-24 (2000) * 200-yard total offense games-9 (2000) * 300-yard total offense games-5 (2001) * Consecutive 200-yard total offense games-7 (2000) * Consecutive games throwing a TD pass-6 (2000) * 100-yard rushing, 300-yard total offense games-4 (2000) * Most yards rushing in series of 3 games-520 (2000) * Most yards rushing in series of 4 games-623 (2000) * Most total offense/game in season-241.6 (2000) * Most total offense plays in season-434 (2000)

Career (10) * Completion percentage in career-.577 * Total offense-7,839 * Yards rushing by a quarterback in a career-2,467 * 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback-9 * Most total offense/game in career-217.8 * Most 300-yard total offense games in career-11 * Most 100-yard rushing, 300-yard total offense games in a career-9 * Most touchdowns rushing and passing in a career-57 * Most total offense plays in a career (1,261) * #Most 200-yard passing games (10) #tied record

Dantzler Named National Player of the Week Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler was named National Player of the Week by USAToday.com for his performance against Georgia Tech.

Dantzler gained 418 yards of total offense in Clemson’s 47-44 victory at Atlanta, 164 rushing and 254 passing. He ran for two scores and threw for two. His 11-yard touchdown run on a quarterback draw on the last play of overtime gave the Tigers the victory.

Dantzler trumped that accomplishment with a 517-yard effort against N.C. State. He was named National player of the week by ESPN.com. He was also named the top player in the country for the first half of the season by CBS.Sportline.com and ESPN.com.

Dantzler’s performance against Georgia Tech marked the first time a Clemson player had won the National Player of the Week from USA Today.com. Dantzler was also the ACC Player of the Week according to the site, the third time in three years he has won that honor. He won it again for the N.C. State game, giving him four player of the week selections. He was the ACC Player of the Week according to the site in 1999 for his 435-yard performance against Maryland, and in 2000 when he led the Tigers to a 62-9 win over Missouri.

Dantzler was named National Player of the Week in 2000 by CNNSI.com for his performance at Virginia. He had 220 yards rushing, an all-time ACC record for a quarterback, and 154 passing in Clemson’s 31-10 win over the Cavs.

Dantzler is the first Tiger in history to be named a National Player of the Week three times. A Clemson player has been named National Player of the week 10 times in history, including Dantzler’s performance last week. Here is a listing:

Clemson Gained 500 Yards In Consecutive Road Wins Clemson had at least 500 yards in consecutive road wins over Georgia Tech and N.C. State. A 500-yard total offense game is certainly an accomplishment anywhere, but especially on the road. Clemson gained 502 yards at Georgia Tech and 567 at N.C. State in gaining consecutive victories. It marks the first time in Clemson history that the Tigers have had at least 500 yards in consecutive road games. The 567 yards gained at N.C. State were the most recorded on the road since 1903 when John Heisman coached Clemson to a 73-0 victory with 615 yards, all on the ground.

Clemson had one of its top offensive games in the Tommy Bowden era in the 47-44 win over Georgia Tech on Sept. 29. The Tigers gained 502 yards of total offense, third highest figure under Bowden and second best in an ACC game.

It marked just the second time in Clemson history that the Tigers had at least 500 yards of total offense against a top 25 team. The only other occasion came in 1983 when Clemson had 544 yards against an 11th-ranked Maryland team in a 52-27 Clemson victory.

It was a balanced attack for the Tigers, perhaps the most balanced in Clemson history for a 500-yard performance. Clemson had 248 rushing and 254 passing in the contest. It marked just the fourth game in Clemson history that Clemson had at least 240 yards rushing and passing in the same game.

Clemson has now had four 500-yard total offense games under Tommy Bowden. Clemson is now 40-0-1 in its history when gaining at least 500 yards of total offense. The only non-victory came in 1991 when Clemson gained 511 yards in a 20-20 tie with Virginia.

Bush Leads Defensive Line Senior defensive tackle Jovon Bush had his most productive day as a Tiger in the win at N.C. State. The native of Hardeeville, SC is in his senior year, but it is his first year as a starter. He has made the most of it and that included the game in Raleigh. Bush had eight tackles in the game, most by a Clemson down lineman this year. His total included two tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures. He ranked third on the Clemson defense in tackles for the day in his 62 plays on defense.

Bush now has 48 tackles for the season, more than any other defensive tackle. He also has 12 quarterback pressures in his 513 snaps on the field. Bush had 20 tackles as a reserve each of the last two years, meaning he has taken just five games to exceed his previous high tackle total for a season.

Offensive Line Playing Well One of the reasons for Clemson’s success against Georgia Tech and N.C. State was the play of its offensive line. The veteran group includes three players who are graduates (Kyle Young and T.J. Watkins) and two red-shirt juniors (Gary Byrd and Akil Smith). They combined to help the Tigers gain 502 yards of total offense and scored seven touchdowns and 47 points in the victory. It was the most points Clemson has scored against Georgia Tech since a 73-0 Tiger victory in 1903. John Heisman was Clemson’s coach in that game.

The starting offensive line combined for 68 knockdown blocks in the game, high total for the season. In fact, the total against Georgia Tech was 20 more than the previous best of 48 knockdowns for the starting offensive line against Central Florida.

Four different starters had double figures in knockdown blocks in the game. T.J. Watkins led the way with 19, while Akil Smith had 17, more ever for a Clemson tackle. Center Kyle Young had 14 and Gary Byrd added 11. Smith was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for the first time in his career. Will Merritt was the only Tiger who failed to reach double figures, but he had seven.

Clemson’s starting offensive line came back to get 58 knockdown blocks in the win at N.C. State. Kyle Young led the way with 19, while Will Merritt added 13 and Gary Byrd had 11.

Heading into the Maryland game Kyle Young led the team in knockdown blocks with 108, near his record of 120 set last year. T.J. Watkins was second with 92, while Merritt was 75. Gary Byrd had picked up 72, while Akil Smith hds 60. Smith led the team in intimidation blocks with 16.

Clemson’s Highest Ranked Wins The win for over ninth-ranked Georgia Tech was the highest ranked Clemson win regardless of site since 1981 when Clemson defeated fourth-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, a 22-15 victory that gave Clemson the National Championship.

Regardless of site, Clemson now has nine wins over top 10 teams in its history, three in Death Valley. Clemson has now had 21 wins over top 25 teams since 1986 and has had at least one ranked win in 14 of the last 15 seasons (including this season). The Tigers defeated Virginia, 33-14, in 1999 when the Cavs were ranked 19th (USA Today), then downed a 25th ranked South Carolina team last year.

The win over Tech now assures that Tommy Bowden will have at least one ranked win in each of his first three years with the Tigers. The win over Tech was the fifth highest ranked win in school history.