CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Dan Scott: Clemson - UCF Prediction


by - Correspondent -

OFFENSE

UCF: The Golden Knights return a quarterback (Ryan Schneider) who finished

ninth in the country in pass efficiency in 2000, and an offensive line which

averages 317 pounds, topped off by senior right tackle Steve Edwards

(6-foot-5, 350 pounds). The group can pass block, but running game is suspect.

CLEMSON: A veteran offensive line, two 1,000-yard rushers (tailback Travis

Zachery, quarterback Woody Dantzler) and a much-heralded rookie receiving

crop have Tiger fans excited about the coming season. In 2000 Dantzler just

missed becoming the first quarterback in NCAA history to throw for 2,000

yards (he finished with 1,872) and rush for another 1,000.

EDGE: Clemson.

DEFENSE

UCF: The team's leading tackler (121) from a year ago, senior middle

linebacker Tito Rodriguez, returns to lead the defense. But the Golden

Knights lost over 200 tackles with the graduation of Damian Demps and Tony

Hardman.

CLEMSON: The Tigers also return leading tackler Chad Carson (156), and star

safety John Leake has been the most impressive defensive player during

preseason. Depth is a major concern for Clemson, with two true freshman

filling key backup roles at defensive end and star safety.

EDGE: Clemson, barely.

SPECIAL TEAMS

UCF: Senior place kicker Javier Beorlegui hit 77 percent of his field goal

attempts a year ago, with a long of 48 yards. Beorlegui also averaged 40

yards per kick as the team's punter.

CLEMSON: Sophomore Aaron Hunt has been impressive during camp, but the only

real numbers to go on are last year's 10 field goals in 16 attempts. New

punter Wyn Kopp has two years of experience kicking in the Southeastern

Conference for Georgia, and has impressed coaches with his hang time.

EDGE: UCF

COACHING


UCF: Fourth-year head coach Mike Kruczek (20-13) has the Golden Knights

headed in the right direction, and is a disciple of Florida State coach Bobby

Bowden.

CLEMSON: Can you be more of a Bobby Bowden disciple than his son?

EDGE: Clemson

Don't expect this to be a cakewalk opener for Clemson. The 19-point spread

put down by oddsmakers is a bit much, especially if the Tigers' defensive

line can't pressure Schneider. If that's the case, expect a shootout.

THE PICK: Clemson 45-30

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