Branch, Thompson on Pony Express Award Watch List

by CU Athletic Communications - Wed Jun 08 17:38:27 GMT-04:00 2011

Clemson, SC -

Senior defensive linemen Andre BranchAndre Branch
Defensive End
#40 6-5, 260
Richmond, VA
View Full Profile and Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson
Defensive Tackle
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA
View Full Profile were named one of 48 tandems on the 2011 Pony Express Award Watch List, announced Tuesday. The award, the brainchild of SMU’s legendary Pony Express backfield of Craig James and Eric Dickerson, will look at two and three-player tandems from across the nation, ultimately honoring the combination whose work ethic, desire , on and off-field leadership, and playmaking ability best fuels its team.

Branch, a defensive end from Richmond, VA, has 112 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks in 34 career games (13 starts). He has made at least one tackle in 27 straight games. In 2010, he totaled 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 16 quarterback pressures, and seven pass breakups in starting all 13 games.

Thompson, a defensive tackle from Thomasville, GA, has 131 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 39 career games (25 starts). In 2010, he registered 56 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and 15 quarterback pressures.

Both Tigers were big reasons Clemson was 13th in the nation in scoring defense (18.8) and 19th in the country in total defense (320.3) in 2010.

2011 Clemson Football Season Tickets On Sale to Public

Football season tickets for the 2011 Clemson football season are now on sale to the public. Clemson's home schedule includes Troy (September 3 - Hall of Fame Day), Wofford (September 10 - Military Appreciation Day/Youth Day), defending National Champion Auburn (September 17 - Solid Orange Day), Florida State (September 24 - IPTAY Day/Family Day), Boston College (October 8 - Homecoming), North Carolina (October 22 - 1981 National Championship Reunion) and Wake Forest (November 12 - Senior Day).

Season tickets are priced at $309 and are available online at ClemsonTigers.com and by phone at 1-800-CLEMSON. Purchasing the season ticket package gives you a $25 discount compared to buying individual tickets and guarantees you a reserved seat for all seven home games.