Wake Forest Would Have Beaten Clemson on Wednesday

Aug. 25, 2004

Clemson. SC – Clemson Holds Practice Clemson held another two and a half hour practice in full pads on Wednesday as the team prepares to take on Wake Forest a week from Saturday at 3:30 PM at Death Valley. Head Coach Tommy Bowden was disappointed with the team’s defense on Wednesday.

“Wake Forest would have killed us today,” said Bowden. “When we were in short yardage I don’t think the defense stopped the offense once. Not only would they (the offense) make the first down, they would get extra yardage. We have to correct that, especially against a team like Wake Forest. I am concerned about our short yardage defense.”

Bowden said his offensive line has been banged up at times throughout the preseason, but he is not concerned bout it being a major problem, even though his team is just 10 days away from its opener. “If we started today we would have Jesse Pickens and Marion Dukes at tackles, Tommy Sharpe at center with Cedric Johnson and Nathan Bennett and Roman Fry at the guards. Fry is capable of playing just about every position. In fact, I think he has played every position on the offensive line this week with the exception of center.

“Of all those positions, I would say the only offensive line position that is set for the opener is Tommy Sharpe at center.”

Dukes was back full go at practice Wednesday after missing the last two days with a rib injury. Eric Sampson (shoulder) and Anthony Waters (sprained ankle) missed practice, but should return soon. Vontrell Jamison was in a green jersey but did get some work. He had been out with a broken arm. Curtis Baham continues to miss parts of practice due to a shoulder injury.

The Tigers will continue practice on Thursday and Friday this week. Friday will be the traditional dress rehearsal, which Bowden refers to as the “Beanie Bowl.”