Things I Want To See Saturday


by - Radio Host -

Things I Want to See Saturday

I love Clemson football almost as much as I do anything on this earth. So here are some of the things I want to see Saturday:

Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
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vs Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is 4-1 against Clemson. The Tigers have had a hard time slowing down Johnson's offense over the past five seasons. Clemson has lost three regular season games against Tech under Johnson with two being in Atlanta. Tech beat Clemson in Tampa at the ACC championship game in 2009 and the Yellow Jackets are 1-1 against the Tigers in Death Valley under Johnson.

Clemson's defense has had a hard time against this offense for several reasons. The Yellow Jackets have hit big plays in the running game and with a few passes in the last five meetings. Clemson has not tackled very well in the match ups. Tech has converted at a high rate on third and fourth downs against Clemson under Johnson so far. Finally, Tech has done a great job of blocking Clemson at the second and third levels. Clemson's linebackers and defensive backs have had a hard time getting off blocks by releasing offensive linemen and skill players at Tech.

This is new Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables' shot at Johnson and this offense. I think most Clemson fans understand Venables' hands are tied because of personnel but this game could really help Venables' reputation around Tigertown. If he could slow down this offense, he would be the first Clemson defensive coordinator to do so.

Sammy's Return

Clemson's offense is off to a hot start through five games despite the team's best player missing three of the first five games. I missed Sammy when he was suspended for the first two games. I loved watching him contribute against Furman and Florida State and once again really missed him last week when he was ill against Boston College.

In the two games he has played, Watkins has been good but he has not been Superman. Like many of you, I am waiting to see Watkins bust out like he did against Auburn, Florida State or Maryland last season. His big game is coming. I am hoping it is this Saturday at 3:30.

A Home Game

Clemson has played seven of its last nine games away from Death Valley. During that stretch the Tigers have played in the state capitals of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia (twice). The Tigers have played in the banking capital of the South and two of the nation's largest markets in Miami and Boston.

It will be nice to see the Tigers return home for only the third time since Chandler CatanzaroChandler Catanzaro
RS Jr. Punter / Kicker
#39 6-2, 195
Greenville, SC

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beat Wake Forest to clinch the Atlantic Division with a walk-off field goal.

This will be the first time Clemson has played a home conference game since the Wake Forest game last season. The Tigers have a nine game home winning streak entering Saturday's game.

A Big Game Atmosphere

Home games are great and I enjoyed the Ball State and Furman games this year but there is nothing like a big game in Death Valley. I can't wait for that "Big Game" feeling that should be present this week.

When Clemson beat Wake Forest to clinch the Atlantic Division last year, it had a big game feel but I really think you have to go back to the Florida State game on September 24th last season to remember a true atmosphere in that stadium. It has been over a year since we had a huge game here.

Georgia Tech has struggled and is only 2-3 at this point and 1-2 in the ACC. But Clemson and Georgia Tech is a rivalry and despite the Yellow Jackets slow start, I think Clemson will once again get Tech's best shot.

Dabo challenged the fans for a reason. He knows we have a big one Saturday.

Nuk's Streak

What Nuke Hopkins has done this season is incredible. His numbers are fantastic but they don't tell the entire story. How many catches has Nuk had that resulted in a touchdown or a first down? How many have been tightroping the sidelines? How many have bailed out the offense? How many have helped eased the absence of Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
So. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL

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? This season has been great for Nuk in terms of numbers but the way he has done it has been more impressive.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency


Prayer List

We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:

If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.

If you would like to add someone to the list please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com

*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list.

Those who need our prayers include:Finn Brookover, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Daniel Rosborough, The Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs,Perrin Seigler, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, the Nicolopulos family, "the Jacksonville, FL guys", Kim Sims, the Coyle family, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, the Thomas. V Family, Emary Claire Young, Kitty Bowers,Julie Locke, the Scheider family, Lauren Kittles' family, Frank Gentry, Joyce Bussey, Stacey McKeown, Dale Childs, Larry Lentz, Jr, Carl Sharperson, Scott Hannon, William Perry, Tyler Swaney, Lillian, Mark Feit, David Frame, Chad Berry, the family of Matthew M. Watson, the Dowis family, Shervin Messer, Alan Putnam, the Olivers, Lee Tate, Ronnie Abrams, Eddie Greene, the Jackson family, Bill Vader, Jim Taylor, Tina DeWitt, Rock Horne, Christopher Tuten, Bobby Wayne Thomas, Emma and Danielle Carothers, Robert Ditty, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith, Dot Cartee, Ayden Mills, Millie Heatley, Lynn Martin and family, Michael Pinson, Jake David family, Angie Crowley, Ira, Mike Tolson, Poly Wells, Dr. Muriel Bishop, Jack Cunningham, Emily Jefford Meister, Zachary Stoller, Aaron Clackum, Pat James, Cortney Moore, William Moore, Angelia and Savannah Anderson, William Ross, Meredith Legg, Scott Johns, Frank Carroll, Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson
Defensive Tackle
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA

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, Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Clay Childers, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Billy McLeroy, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders, Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Travis Patterson, Nick Chrisley, Bud Long, Arthur R. Cressman Sr, Jennifer Chancy, Eden Chandler, Amanda Peake, Danny Hammond, Chip Turner.

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