Bowden Remains Confident In Running Game

---

CLEMSON - While Cullen Harper has shined through three games, the Clemson running attack has been average at best.

Of course, part of that is the way defenses have played the Tigers in the first three weeks of the 2007 season. Given the opening to throw the ball, offensive coordinator Rob Spence has done just that. And with Harper completing over 72 percent of this throws - including those downfield that the fans love - head coach Tommy Bowden hasn't been pressed into the running game.

So asked Wednesday if he was looking at Saturday's matchup at N.C. State (Noon, LFN) as an opportunity to get the ground game in gear, he didn't appear concerned.

In fact, he didn't seem convinced there's even a problem.

"With Spiller and Davis I think I've got the feeling that any game it can get on track, based on last year," he said after practice. "But it depends on what they (Wolfpack) do. If I have to throw for 400 yards and rush for 50 to win, I'm not going to be disappointed.

"You're waiting any game for those guys to break loose, but a lot of it - again - depends on how defenses play you."

Elsewhere Wednesday:

- Much cheering and yelling from the practice fields could be heard all the way out in the parking lot near the end of practice. Usually that spells a big hit, and Wednesday was no exception:

Jamie Cumbie nailed Jacoby Ford.

"It was a good collision...Jacoby shouldn't be getting up, but he did. He got a little carried away. But (there) was good enthusiasm, which you (media) probably heard over here. It's good to have."

Asked what play was called when Cumbie made the hit, Bowden played it coy until someone said "screen."

"Smart guy. You guessed it," he said. "If Cumbie catches Jacoby 30 yards downfield we've got a problem.

"Or a story."

- Bowden's brother, Jeff, is due in for a visit next week. His other coaching brother, Terry, likely visits the week after that.

"I promise you when Terry gets here you'll have some stories," Bowden said with a laugh. "I can leave him to talk to ya'll."

Send Feedback to Dan Scott: Email | Comment

Trending on TigerNet

WATCH: Controversial non-home run call during Clemson-UGA game

Tigers sign sharpshooter out of transfer portal

4-star Peach State defender sets commitment date, Clemson in final visits

NCAA announces latest transfer, NIL rule changes ratified