OFFENSE

Can you do more with less? Tommy Bowden hopes so. After watching his offense

grind to a halt in the last two weeks, Clemson's head coach decided to

simplify his offensive game plan in hopes that the offense will better

execute if there is less to think about. But even with the simplification,

has Clemson decided what kind of team it wants to be? A running team? A

passing team? Lately the Tigers have been neither. Meanwhile, Duke's offense

has shown signs of life under head coach Carl Franks. Alex Wade is fourth in

the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing yardage per game (86.1), and

quarterback Adam Smith is throwing for nearly 200 yards per game and has a

better touchdown-to-interception ratio (7-4) than Clemson's Willie Simmons

(6-7). The Blue Devils lead the ACC in time of possession (32:27) and are the

second-least penalized team in the ACC (45.7)

ADVANTAGE - Duke

DEFENSE

Clemson has given up over 600 yards rushing in the past two games combined,

so expect Duke to attack the Tigers' front four. Fortunately, Clemson's

defensive backs have been outstanding of late, especially senior Brian Mance

and true freshman Justin Miller. The Tigers are second in the ACC and 23rd in

the nation in total defense (323.1). Duke gives up 366.6 yards per game,

241.6 of it through the air. Does Willie Simmons (or Charlie Whitehurst?)

finally snap out of his slump?

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

SPECIAL TEAMS

In Duke, Clemson finds a team over which it holds a statistical advantage in

every kicking category save two. The Tigers lead in punt return yardage

(10.7-6.0), kick return yardage (22.7-17.2), kick coverage (22.6-24.1) and

field goals (Clemson 9-12, Duke 13-22). The Blue Devils hold the advantage in

punt return yardage allowed (10.3-10.4) and - no surprise here - punting

average (38.3, 32.3 net to 35.6, 29.3).

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

COACHING

Tommy Bowden should win this category hands down, but Duke's Carl Franks

suddenly has been getting quite a bit of favorable press nationally because

of the Blue Devils' improvement. Plus, Bowden will find himself under the

microscope more and more until the Tigers begin to win consistently, and that

won't happen until his offense finds itself.

ADVANTAGE - Even

BOTTOM LINE

Clemson has to win this game. No other choice. If it doesn't, look out.

THE PICK

Clemson 28, Duke 20

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