Tigers look to continue their perfect season

Oct. 11, 2000

Points should not be too hard to come for the fifth-ranked Clemson Tigers as they host the Maryland Terrapins in an ACC matchup.

The undefeated Tigers (6-0, 4-0) enter the game ranked second in Division I-A in offense with 514 yards per game. The Terrapins (2-3, 0-2), on the other hand, are last (114th) in Division I-A in total defense, allowing 490 yards per game.

The main reason for Clemson’s offensive success has been quarterback Woodrow Dantzler, who is enjoying a breakout season. The sophomore leads the conference with 732 rushing yards, and he is second in passing efficiency with a 152.99 rating.

“I won’t say I’m unstoppable. I will say in the open field – it’s not being arrogant – but I don’t feel I can be tackled one-on-one,” Dantzler said.

With Dantzler leading the way, the Tigers are off to their best start since 1987, when they also opened 6-0. Clemson has not won seven straight since its national championship season in 1981.

The Tigers, who had blowouts in their first five games, proved that they could win a close game with their 34-27 victory over North Carolina State on Saturday.

“This was good for us,” said Dantzler, who rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another. “We hadn’t had to play a fourth-quarter all year. Now we know how to do that.”

The Terrapins, meanwhile, are desperate for a win after losing their first two ACC games. Maryland dropped a 31-23 decision to Virginia last week, though it rallied to get back in the game after trailing 21-0.

The Terps could be playing without one of their top offensive weapons. Running back LaMont Jordan left Maryland’s 31-23 loss to Virginia on Saturday with a hip pointer. Jordan, who has been banged up all season, expects to play against Clemson.

Maryland will also be playing without two of their defensive starters, tackle Charles Hill and linebacker E.J. Henderson. Hill has a dislocated elbow and will be out for a month, while Henderson is nursing a knee injury that should keep him out of action for two weeks.