All Access: Daily Dose

CLEMSON PRO DAY
Twenty-five NFL scouts were among the onlookers at Clemson’s Pro Day as Cullen Harper fired long, short and medium passes to Aaron Kelly, Tyler Grisham, Nelson Faerber and James Davis. Davis made a strong impression, too. Not only did he lower his 40-yard dash time from 4.49 seconds to 4.39 seconds, he looked good catching the ball out of the backfield, a major question mark for pro scouts. He is projected as a middle-round selection. Defensive tackle Dorell Scott has already set up or performed workouts with a number of NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys.

Mandel's Take: Davis would have been a sure-fire first day pick if he came out a year ago. However, he chose to stay in school and the Clemson offense turned shambolic in 2008, lowering Davis' draft stock. It doesn't matter if it's fair, it's the reality of the situation. This 40 time will certainly help him move up a bit, but he won't be a day one pick. The question surrounding Davis is--can he be elusive enough at the pro level, and is this speed a representation of how fast he is on the field? He will get his chance to prove the answers to those questions are "yes", and if he can, he'll get paid eventually. Davis could be extra motivated by being drafted later than he thinks he should have been. Scott will be an early day two pick for someone, and that team will be getting a tireless worker. The former Tiger had a knee ailment which effected his play in the first half of 2008, but played through it. Right now, he'd be a solid situational player in a 3-4 set-up. If he can improve his stamina and consistency, he'll be a bargain for the team that lands him. The Giants like players who have been well-coached in college, and the big man fits the bill in that department. Rev--would you like this guy at the nose for the Jets as a day two pick?

Mancini's Take: Yeah, why not. Scott's stock has risen to the point where he may be taken late in the second round. What this lineman offers, above everything else, is SIZE. He's 317 pounds and can move around pretty well. In fact, he's pretty solid at maintaining his balance and closing down run lanes. The underrated run stuffer also has a workout set up with the Jets. Davis, on the other hand, is a good cutback runner, but isn't known to have breakaway speed and has some serious issues with his pass blocking.

AYERS WORKS OUT AS OLB
Tennessee DE Robert Ayers went through some outside linebacker drills at the Volunteers' Pro Day. Ayers is almost certainly going to be a 4-3 base end in the pros, but showing versatility can't hurt. He also posted a 4.46 short shuttle and 7.07 in the three cone.

Mandel's Take: Throw out his first three seasons at Tennessee--Ayers didn't find his groove until his senior season, and boy did he find it. He had a tremendous season and an equally impressive post-season, rocking the Senior Bowl, impressing all who saw him. His speed and burst are what have teams excited about him and his versatility only adds to his draftability. True, he only had one season of real production in the SEC, but the kid is still developing as a player and once polished, could be a monster that devours quarterbacks. Rev--to me, this guy is a first-rounder. I only hope he doesn't go to Philly.

Mancini's Take: I'm with you on Ayers, Ross man. What stands out to me are his exceptional hand skills and lateral agility. There are teams picking before Philly that have already shown interest in the young lineman, including the Buffalo Bills. In addition, Ayers has also impressed in his interviews, which bodes very well for the former Volunteer.

NORTH DAKOTA ST ON THE MAP
Fast Times at North Dakota State? As we predicted yesterday, several Bisons' blazed the track for N.F.L. scouts--tailback Tyler Roehl, who scorched the University of Minnesota for 263 yards rushing in 2007, ran a 4.44 40 and did 30 reps at 225 pounds. Meanwhile, speedy wide receiver Kole Heckendorf ran a reported 4.34.

Mandel's Take: That's how they Roehl at NDSU. The powerful Roehl projects as the perfect small school H-back--determined and powerful, with decent hands and speed. Those 30 reps may have earned him a slot in the Draft and has, at the very least, put him on everyone's radar. Heckendorf's 40 time was impressive and at 6' 2" 190, he's got decent size to go along with it. The small schooler was very productive and fearless--it doesn't matter how small your school is when you're going across the middle He could be a very late pick or a welcome PFA. Rev--your team needs a speedster, doesn't it?

Mancini's Take: Yes, the Jets need speed at wideout, and they very well may address that deficiency in the first round. Heckendorf was remarkably consistent in college and started all 33 games. You have to love the durability. But they guy I want to focus on is Roehl, who can't help but remind you of Mike Alstott, one of my all-time favorites. The mauling bruiser has the strength to drive his way to positive yardage when he stays in between the tackles. His blocking technique needs a little work, but there's no reason why Roehl can't provide a Peyton Hillis-like performance in his rookie year, although Hillis is a better receiver out of the backfield.

BROWNS TO STAGE QB COMPETITION
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Cleveland Browns QBs Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will both compete for the starting job, according to head coach Eric Mangini. 'I talked to both of them about that and was very clear,' Mangini said. 'I said if they have any questions they can come and see me. In terms of the competition and their opportunities. That's what I told them. They understand that.' Mangini also said there is no timetable in determining the starter.

Mandel's Take: Perhaps the Browns are realizing that Brady Quinn isn't a starting NFL quarterback. Having a competition would make that decision for them, but it would also lessen any trade value Quinn might have. Which brings us to Anderson. If Cleveland does somehow think Quinn is the guy, this announcement could be a way to bolster Anderson's trade value. By saying they're both worthy of starter status, the hope is that someone else will buy into that and agree to a trade. If they simply said "Quinn is our guy...who wants our backup?" the Browns wouldn't get much for Anderson, would they? I guess what I'm saying is--don't be surprised if one of these guys, probably Anderson, is dealt on or around Draft day. Rev--are either of these guys going to take Cleveland to the next level?

Mancini's Take: What's the next level, Ross? 8-8? Before we put any of these two in the Super Bowl (Wow, I just made a funny!), Cleveland needs to shore up their receiving corps. Winslow is gone, Stallworth may be looking at some hard time in the slammer and Braylon Edwards is a mess with the way he's been dropping passes. I agree with you on your theory that Cleveland may just be looking to create a trade market for DA. That's the only logical reason why there could even possibly be a quarterback competition since Quinn proved to have a better handle of the offense in his brief time at the helm last year. Anderson has one sellable asset and that's his arm strength. He doesn't read defenses well enough and has absolutely no mobility.


CHAD HENNE WATCH
The Miami Herald, reports the Miami Dolphins want QB Chad Henne to be the starting quarterback in 2010. According to a source, the Dolphins plan to give Henne extensive playing time in the preseason while limiting QB Chad Pennington. However, Pennington will enter 2009 as the unquestioned starter.

Mandel's Take: Essentially, the writing was on the wall for this one. The Fish didn't extend Pennington past 2009 and have no plans to add another signal caller. The Dolphins say they plan to give Henne extensive playing time in pre-season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him get significant playing time in the regular season if the team struggles at all. They've put their cards on the table and will do everything they can give Henne a chance to succeed. If you're a Dolphin fan, you should be confident that your team has a plan...or you should be nervous that they're putting so much faith in an unproven commodity. Do you have faith in the braintrust, Rev?

Mancini's Take: The game plan from the beginning was to leave Pennington in there long enough for the offensive line to improve to the point where it would be safe to play Henne. The thing is, no one expected the ex-Jet to play as well as he did last season, and the team won with him at the controls. Although the original plan has been delayed, you can bet that the 'Phins still want the rocket-armed Michigan alum to blossom as the leader of their offense. The cards, Rosstradamus, are all pointing in Henne's direction.

MORE GAMES ON NFL AGENDA
The NFL Network reports Sports Illustrated's Peter King said during an interview that the NFL will expand to 17 or 18 games in 2011.

Mandel's Take: Money makes the league go 'round, doesn't it? This is a cash grab, plain and simple. Eliminating two pre-season games while adding two regular season games will increase TV revenue, of course, but it will effect other aspects of the league, most notably player salaries. Roger Goodell can pretend that the extra games don't necessarily mean players' salaries will increase similarly, but he knows better. The amount of games is the same, but making two of the games count requires big time players to play more snaps and the risk of injury therefore increases. Aren't there already enough injuries? Also, fringe players will have less time to make an impression with only two pre-season games. Rev--I know it's a business, but couldn't this hurt the game in the long run?

Mancini's Take: I disagree. If the NFL decides to cut one pre-season game and add a regular-season contest, there won't any damaging effects. There's more money, more real football and one less meaningless game that no one watches. Where's the downside, Ross? If you're worried about injuries, then why not expand the rosters and create more job opportunities. Spread the wealth Obama style. There's nothing wrong with that my friend.

Photo Credit: College Press Box, Collegiate Images

On Location: RB Notes From Indy - II

RB Knowshown Moreno, Georgia:
Workouts: Will work out.
Training: Michael Johnson Performance

RB LeSean McCoy, Pitt:
Workouts: Has been sick and lost 10 pounds but still may try and go.

RB Michael Goodson, Texas A & M:
Workouts: Will work out.

RB James Davis, Clemson:
Workouts: Will work out.

FB Jason Cook, Ole Miss:
Workouts: Will only do bench due to knee.
Spoken with Rams, Browns, Falcons, Bengals.
Pro Day: March 26.

As reported by Justin VanFulpen

Gator Bowl: Clemson vs. Nebraska

By JOSH BUCHANAN
January 1, 2009 * 1:00 PM * CBS

Clemson and Nebraska enter the Gator Bowl in an unexpected match-up as most felt Clemson would be in a BCS bowl before the season started. Clemson finished 7-5 overall and 4-4 in league play while Nebraska comes in 8-4 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12. After rollercoaster regular seasons, both schools need strong finishes to boost their programs heading into next season. Clemson enters this game unranked in both polls but is 19th in the Sagarin Rankings, while Nebraska is unranked and ranked 29th in the Sagarin.

When the Cornhuskers Have the Ball

The Cornhusker offense has been solid, led by senior QB Joe Ganz (3,332 yards, 23-10 ratio) and HM All-Big 12 RB Roy Helu (804 yards, seven touchdowns). While the offense has been fairly well-balanced, they are still a run first team anchored by 2nd team All-Big 12 RG Matt Slauson (6-5, 320) and HM All-Big 12 C Jacob Hickman (6-4, 290). Perhaps the biggest playmaker is senior WR Nate Swift (909 yards, nine touchdowns) who led the team in receiving. Senior WR Todd Peterson (690 yards, three touchdowns) was the #2 receiver and gave Ganz another solid target. Don’t be surprised to see Ganz, Slauson, Swift, Peterson, and backup RB Marlon Lucky (550 yards, seven touchdowns) in NFL training camps next fall. The Tiger defense has been a strong point giving up just 16.6 points, and less than 295 total yards per game. With two safeties likely to get drafted and two junior corners who have inquired about their draft status, it is no wonder that they have given up just 167.2 ypg passing this season. 1st team All-ACC SS Michael Hamlin (91 tackles, 6 INT, 7 PBU) brings great leadership and ball skills to the secondary. He is joined by FS Chris Clemons (2 INT, 3 PBU) and a pair of shutdown junior cover corners in Chris Chancellor (32 tackles, 4 INT, 3 PBU) and Crezdon Butler (40 tackles, 3 INT, 3 PBU). The defensive front has been a disappointment due to injuries to DE Ricky Sapp (25 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks) who is out for the bowl game, DT Rashaad Jackson (8 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks), and Jamie Cumbie. Their linebackers are young but could have a couple of potential stars in junior WLB Kavell Conner (91 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and freshman MLB Brandon Maye (66 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks). Conner led the team in tackles and Maye has been mentioned as one of the top freshmen in the nation.

When Clemson Has the Ball

Clemson’s rushing attack is led by thunder and lightning. Second team All-ACC running back C.J. Spiller finished with 612 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in 11 games and James Davis (725 yards, 11 touchdowns) enters the postseason with a solid, but somewhat disappointing season compared to pre-season projections. Quarterback Cullen Harper has been bothered by injuries all season and finished with just 2,395 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His top target, 2nd team All-ACC wide out Aaron Kelly (61 catches, 648 yards, three touchdowns), didn’t quite live up to his preseason billing, but still had a solid season for the Tigers. Speedy slot wideout Jacoby Ford (50 catches, 598 yards, three scores) provides Harper with a secondary threat as he is able to take it to the house at any time. The offensive line is anchored by 2nd team All-ACC center Thomas Austin who, like Ford and Spiller, has sent his name to the NFL Advisory Board to inquire about his draft prospects. For the Nebraska defense, the strength is on the line where the Huskers boast three All-Big 12 performers in NT Ndamukong Suh (68 tackles, 15 TFL, 5.5 sacks), DE Zach Potter (43 tackles, 14 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 6 hurries), and DT Ty Steinkuhler (6 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 3 hurries). One of the underrated performers is sophomore DE Pierre Allen (50 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks), who played just 10 games. The linebackers are considered the weak link on paper and must step up in order to help keep Spiller and Davis in check. Honorable Mention All-Big 12 SS Larry Asante (64 tackles, 1 INT, 4 PBU) headlines a secondary that finished #2 in the Big 12 (235.7) in pass defense in a year where the Cornhuskers finished in the middle of the pack in almost every other category.

Final Analysis

Something has to give in this game as Nebraska enters averaging 36.2 ppg while Clemson leads the ACC in scoring defense (16.6). Nebraska also boasts a solid run defense (125.8) and while you would think Clemson would expose it on paper, the Tigers only put up 120.5 ypg this year. Since the firing of Tommy Bowden, Dabo Swinney has led the Tigers to a 4-2 record, including three straight wins and a romping of rival South Carolina. Nebraska won their last three games after a loss to Oklahoma on November 1st. With two hot teams, this is an intriguing Gator Bowl that you just shouldn’t miss.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-4, 5-3)
Pass: Joe Ganz – 3,332 yards, 23 TDs
Run: Roy Helu Jr. – 804 yards, 7 TDs
Catch: Nate Swift – 909 yards, 9 TDs

Clemson Tigers (7-5, 4-4)
Pass: Cullen Harper – 2,395 yards, 11 TDs
Run: James Davis – 725 yards, 11 TDs
Catch: Aaron Kelly – 648 yards, 3 TDs

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Player Anatomy: RB James Davis, Clemson

By MATT MILLER

Character/Leadership Ability: Davis returned to Clemson for his senior season after nearly entering the 2008 NFL draft. He’s a team player, who does not mind sharing carries, which has hurt his individual numbers. He has also stayed out of trouble off the field.

Competitive Nature/Work Ethic: He works hard on his game and gets along great with his teammates. Typically, Davis is always the first one to congratulate another player on a big play. He will be a four-year letter winner when his career at Clemson is over.

Football Intelligence: The senior understands the game very well and uses his knowledge of the game to better himself on the field and get the most out of his abilities. He understands pass blocking very well, something many college backs cannot say.

Size: Davis has a compact and powerful build. He has worked on bulking up both his upper and lower body.

Athletic Ability: The Atlanta native is a good natural athlete, who is smooth in his movements with the ball in his hands. Davis shows good burst while not having great top-end speed.

Toughness/Durability: He hasn’t had major injury concerns in his college career. He is a very durable and tough runner, although he is rarely asked to carry the load because of sharing carries.

Ball Protection: Davis secures the ball well upon contact, with powerful arms that allow him to prevent the ball from being stripped.

Elusiveness/Feet: Cuts very well and has good agility. Davis will never be confused for a scat back, but he does have the ability to make a defender miss thanks to his stellar body control.

Pass Catching: A glaring weakness in Davis' game is his ability as a pass catcher or lack thereof. He does not run routes well and looks stiff at times when doing so. He uses his body to catch the ball too often.

Pass Blocking: A very good and intelligent pass blocker, Davis does an excellent job reading the blitz and always knows his assignment.

Power: Has very good power in one-on-one situations. He can bowl over a single defender with ease, but has shown some trouble with pushing the pile this season. The senior could be very effective in short yardage situations if he better utilizes his powerful leg drive.

Speed: Davis does not possess top-end, straight-line speed, which limits his ability to hit the home run ball. He shows excellent quickness in his first few steps and has a great burst at the line.

Vision: Davis' vision is his best asset. He recognizes holes quickly and hits them fast. At times this season he has been hesitant at the line of scrimmage when there is no obvious hole. He should use his power and jam into the pile more often rather than waiting for a hole to open.

Davis enters his final home game as a Tiger looking for his first 100-yard game in two months. The senior’s 1,000-yard season streak will stop at two, but he still leads Clemson with 634 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The Tigers play host to in-state rival South Carolina Saturday at 12:00 on ESPN2.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

CFI RANKINGS: #12 CLEMSON TIGERS

2007 RECORD: 9-4; ACC: 5-3
Won Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. Auburn 23-20 (OT)
LOCATION: Clemson, South Carolina
STADIUM: Clemson Memorial Stadium (93,553)
HEAD COACH: Tommy Bowden
OVERALL: 87-46 (11 seasons)
AT CLEMSON: 69-42 (9 seasons)

This is the year…the Tigers will win the ACC championship, their first since Florida St. joined the conference…some even believe they can make a run at the national championship. Have you heard this before? Yes, the Tigers have been an underachieving bunch, but this is their best team in the Bowden era, make no mistake about that. This season is all about winning a conference title—nothing less will satisfy the rabid Clemson fans.

WHEN THE TIGERS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Rob Spence (11th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Barry Richardson, Chris McDuffie, Christian Capote

Clemson has skill position players galore. With Darren McFadden and Felix Jones now playing on Sundays, the best running back tandem on Saturdays can be found in the state of South Carolina, at least when Clemson is at home. James Davis is an effective runner who has a nose for the end zone and C.J. Spiller could be the most explosive back in the nation, capable of scoring any time he touches the football. When they decide the opposition has had enough of “Thunder and Lightning”, the Tigers can turn to senior QB Cullen Harper, an accurate passer who makes good decisions and can stretch the field. At his disposal, he has a number one target in Aaron Kelly, a solid possession receiver in Tyler Grisham and a big play guy in Jacoby Ford. The one potential pitfall, and it’s a biggie—they must replace four of starters along the offensive line.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) RB C.J. Spiller (JR), 2) RB James Davis (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Vic Koenning (4th Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Phillip Merling, Nick Watkins, Tramaine Billie, Courtney Vincent

The strength of the Tigers defense is their secondary, where there are high expectations for senior SS Michael Hamlin and junior CB Chris Chancellor, a pair of top caliber athletes. They are also solid up front with Ricky Sapp, who is set to follow in the footsteps of Gaines Adams and Phillip Merling as an All-ACC end. Dorrell Scott is a solid defensive tackle, but they will miss Rashaad Jackson who recently had knee surgery and will be out until mid-season at least. The wild card is true freshman DE Da’Quan Bowers, who many believe could be the best defensive newcomer in the nation. Another youngster with a chance to play early and often is LB Stanley Hunter, who could break the starting rotation at the MIKE position. Linebacker is a position where they need several players to step up. They should be able to get to the quarterback and stop the pass, but must prove they can stop the run if they are going to be an elite squad.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) SS Michael Hamlin (SR), 2) DE Ricky Sapp (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

Are they for real? We may find out very soon, as they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in a neutral site game in week one. That game could be a precursor for the season to come—either fulfilling potential, or potential disappointment. They could be favored in all of their conference games, but none of their road trips in ACC country is a gimmie. They visit Wake Forest, Boston College, Florida St. and Virginia—all four went bowling in 2007. They should be extra wary of their trip to Winston Salem as the Deacs are dangerous and a possible ACC Atlantic spoiler.

PIVOTAL POINT

The Offensive Line: It appears that (LG) Jamarcus Grant, (RG) Barry Humphries, (LT) Corey Lambert and (RT) Chris Hairston will join returning (C) Thomas Austin along the offensive line. How they go…the Tigers will go. No matter what, with Harper at the helm throwing to Kelly and Ford and handing off to Davis and Spiller, these Tigers will put up points. However, to reach their full potential, the offensive line will have to open holes for their explosive backs and protect their pocket passing quarterback. If they win the battle on the line of scrimmage, they will win the ACC.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

There is too much talent for the Tigers not to be the team to beat in the Atlantic Coast Conference. There is no reason why this isn’t Tommy Bowden’s year—they will have the most talent on the field in every game they play this season leading up to the bowl game, including a potential trip to the ACC Championship. Exhale Clemson fans, put your worries and trepidations aside and enjoy the ride all the way to BCS land.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

CFI: ACC ATLANIC ELIMINATION GAME

BY ARTHUR DiCESARE
ACC ATLANTIC INSIDER

Clemson's winning streak has helped it get back into the race in the ACC's Atlantic Division. The 20th-ranked Tigers host the Demon Deacons on Saturday, with the loser likely to have its chance of playing in the ACC championship game come to an end.

With a win over Wake this weekend Clemson would set up a match-up at home against Boston College in a game that would decide which team will represent the Atlantic division in the conference championship game. Clemson who has cruised in the last three weeks with wins over Central Michigan, Maryland, and Duke will take on a Wake Forest team that has lost their three games by a combined 14 points.

In last years meeting James Davis and C.J. Spiller combined for almost 200 yards rushing in a 27-17 win, that should be more difficult this year due to the fact that Wake has only allowed three 100 yard-rushers in nine games. Instead look for Clemson who leads the conference in passing efficiency and is third in yards to attack Wake’s defense that gives up 225 yards a game through the air. Junior quarterback Cullen Harper who is quietly having a tremendous year, passing for 23 touchdowns and throwing only four interceptions with a completion percentage of over 65 percent. will be the key in the game. Three of Cullen’s picks this year have come in Clemson’s two loses, and despite Clemson’s Thunder and Lightning back field, Harper would defiantly have to be the team’s offensive MVP.

Wake who has lost four straight games against Clemson have a lot to play for including pride and possibly a better positing for their bowl game bid. Again the ACC, which has been very unpredictable, has another big game that is hard to pick – one may want to go with Clemson because of their offense and the home field advantage. On the other hand Clemson, who has been so disappointing the last couple of years, makes one wonder if they are ever going to be ready to take that next step to becoming a championship team. With all that said, look for Wake to pull the upset on the road and keep their slim ACC championship hopes alive while ending Clemson’s dreams of winning their first ACC Championship since 1991. Wake 28- Clemson 24.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

STARS OF TOMORROW

BY RICK SERRITELLA
NFL DRAFT BIBLE

His numbers haven’t been pretty, but true freshman quarterback Ryan Mallet deserves credit for showing tremendous poise and leading Michigan to back-to-back victories over Notre Dame and Penn State. While it has been Notre Dame freshman quarterback Jimmy Claussen garnering all the attention, Mallet has been the one translating the hype into success.

There may not be a better backfield tandem in the nation than Darren McFadden and Felix Jones of Arkansas but the duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller certainly give them a run for their money. Dubbed “Thunder & Lightning”, Davis provides the between-the-tackles yardage, while Spiller has the potential to take it the distance at any moment. On Saturday, they combined for 368 total yards, as the upstart Tigers improved to 4-0.

If you haven’t heard about Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, you will soon. Standing in at 6’4 and 238-pounds, the sophomore has the size, acceleration and instincts to become an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. A punishing hitter, Herzlich has followed up his impressive freshman campaign with an outstanding start to the 2007 season.

THUNDER & LIGHTNING ATOP THE ACC

BY ARTHUR DiCESARE
ACC INSIDER

The Clemson Tigers at 4-0 and #13 are finally proving they belong after several years with high expectations and no results. Tommy Bowden has always had top-notch talent at Clemson since he arrived in the winter of 1999, is now seeing a team that can not only win the ACC Atlantic but can also make it to their first BCS bowl under his reign. It also helps Bowden’s at the time UN-ranked Tigers beat his father’s number 19th ranked Seminoles in the first game of the season, vaulting Clemson into the polls.

The two key components to the Tigers success this year has been the play of their two-headed backfield consisting of junior James Davis AKA Thunder and sophomore C.J. Spiller AKA Lightning. The two backs have combined for almost 700 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving while scoring eight touchdowns in four games. Spiller who is a native of Lake Butler, Florida almost transferred to the National Champion Gators after his freshman season, when the tailback was the ACC Newcomer of the Year. But it was Davis who was a big influence in calling Spiller during the off-season and talking to him and letting him know how special they could be together…knowing it would benefit the both of them.

Good thing. With Davis and Spiller in Clemson’s backfield, Bowden has the best one-two punch in the country. Davis is more of a north south runner who carries the ball in between the tackles and gets the hard fought yards. But don’t sleep on Davis, he has the ability to take the ball to the house anywhere on the field.

Spiller on the other hand is a very versatile back who is better suited in space as opposed to in between the tackles. He has raw sprinter-type speed with great quickness and a bevy of moves. He doesn’t get the same amount of carries as Davis does but when he does tends to use off tackle runs and sweeps. Spiller is most dangerous in the passing game where a two to three yard screen can quickly turn into an 80-yard gain in a matter of seconds.

Clemson has also found different ways of using each back in creative offensive formations. They have lined both at quarterback and wide receiver. When they on the field at the same time, they have been great decoys for fakes and misdirection plays allowing others on the Clemson offense to flourish. If Clemson can stay the course, they should be hosting the game to decide the ACC Atlantic Division on November 17t when Boston College visits Death Valley.