Tigers Back In Control Of Own Destiny |
By BEN WHITEHEAD Correspondent CLEMSON - It seems fitting that the day that Clemson receives control of its own destiny in the ACC Atlantic Division Title hunt would be the same day that you set your clocks back one hour so the Tigers can enjoy the day a little longer than normal. Tommy Bowden and the Clemson Tigers did what they needed to do yesterday afternoon, and that was beat Duke in Durham. Little did Bowden know that later that night his father's team would beat Boston College, meaning that Tommy and his Tigers would have something they have not had in quite some time. That is the ability to control their own destiny. "Having destiny in your own hands is preferred," said Bowden during his Sunday teleconference. "Now, nobody has to hope that someone beats someone else to accomplish your goals." And that is exactly what this Tiger team needs. There won't be anymore "win and wait" in 2007. From here on out, it's win and go to Jacksonville for the 2007 ACC Championship Game. There are now two steps left to achieve that goal. Beat Wake Forest and beat Boston College. If the Tigers can do so, they will represent the ACC Atlantic Division in Jacksonville on December 1st. However, Bowden knows that his team cannot look past the Demon Deacons, who visit Death Valley for the first time since 2004 due to scheduling issues when the ACC expanded to 12 teams. The Tigers and Deacons have split the last four meetings which includes an overtime victory for Clemson in the last game played at Death Valley. But he has no doubt that his players will be focused and ready to go. "We?re coming home to a sellout game. That will help motivate our players. And the fact that the reigning ACC Champs are coming to our house and our destiny in our hands...that should give a big jolt to our players." All seemed lost four weeks ago after the Tigers had been defeated for the second straight week and stood at 4-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play. But Bowden recognized that the 2007 college football season had already been crazy and could continue to do so. "I told the team to keep playing hard because there is always the possibility that something could happen." Now, at 7-2 (4-2 ACC) with the three biggest games of the season left on the schedule, there is only one task to be done. Finish the job.
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