Clemson - UCF Preview |
CLEMSON - The following is a refrain Clemson fans should get accustomed to
seeing and hearing: As the defensive line goes, so goes the rest of the defense. The Tigers' defense regularly was torched over the final five games of the 2000 season, including forgettable back-to-back embarrassments at the hands of Georgia Tech and Florida State in which Reggie Herring's unit gave up a combined total of 1,328 yards and 85 points. Much of the damage came via the pass, and the memory of Clemson's defensive backs desperately playing catch up is one the coaching staff would like to forget. But had the Tigers been able to pressure opposing quarterbacks with its defensive line, perhaps the results would have been different. As it was, the likes of George Godsey and Chris Weinke standing flat-footed in the pocket, waiting for what seemed like forever for a receiver to come open, is a sight Tommy Bowden and his staff hope they can remedy in 2001. The changes have been dramatic, if not necessary. Nick Eason, a defensive end a year ago, now finds himself a 285-pound speed rushing tackle. He's joined inside by defensive tackle Jovon Bush (6-5, 300), a senior with plenty of experience but about whom Bowden recently said, "His effectiveness hasn't matched his size." Bryant McNeal (6-5, 230) and Khaleed Vaughn ((6-4, 260) man the defensive ends. The revamped front four gets its first shot at redemption today, when the 2001 season opens against the University of Central Florida and its mammoth offensive line. "If (UCF's) offense can maintain long drives, at 300-some pounds you can fatigue a young, smaller defensive line," Bowden said. "That will be a factor if they can keep the ball." To keep it, the Golden Knights must throw effectively. Quarterback Ryan Schneider was ninth in the nation in pass efficiency a year ago, partly because of his pass protection. Central Florida averages 317 pounds across its offensive line, led by right tackle Steve Edwards (6-5, 350). Joining Edwards up front are right guard Garrett McCray (6-4, 315), center W Womerford (6-4, 320), left guard Taylor Robertson (6-6, 310) and left tackle Brian Huff (6-7, 290). The unit's strength is protecting the quarterback in the pocket, Bowden said. "That's all they do," he said. "We move the pocket with boots, waggles, nakeds, misdirections. They do all drop-back. So those 300-pound guys, their technique is pretty good. They wouldn't probably attempt to do what we do, but when they throw the ball they're good protectors. "I'm anxious to see how we rush the passer. That's going to be critical, getting pressure with a four-man rush. That makes the secondary's job that much easier." Clemson vs. UCF Pregame Notes Date: September 1, 2001 Site: Clemson Memorial Stadium Expected Attendance: 75,000 Tickets: Available at $25 for adults, $6 for students high school age and under Live TV: None Series Record: First meeting Clemson Rankings: 18th in USA Today, 19th in Associated Press Out-WR Kevin Youngblood, broken leg, out for season; Out-LB Altroy Bodrick, torn ACL, out for season Lineup News: Eric Meekins is expected to start at strong safety; Gary Byrd will start at left tackle on offense. Color and Pageantry: Clemson's annual Parade of Athletes will take place prior to the game. Athletes in all Clemson sports will enter the stadium prior to the game. Also, the 2000-01 IPTAY Athlete of the Year award will be presented. Rod Gardner, starting wide receiver for the Washington Redskins, is the recipient and is unable to attend. Clemson wide receiver Kevin Youngblood will accept on his behalf. Clemson's 1951 team will be honored at halftime. Other Notes: Clemson punter Wynn Kopp has been named to the preseason Ray Guy Award list. The award is presented at year's end to the top punter in the nation. Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler is one of 20 preseason candidates for the Johnny Unitas Award that honor is given to the top senior quarterback in the nation. Clemson now has six different players on preseason award lists (Travis Zachery-Doak Walker; Chad Carson-Butkus; Kyle Young-Lombardi; Will Merritt-Lombardi; Woodrow Dantzler, Unitas and Davey O'Brien; Wynn Kopp-Ray Guy).
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