After missing the N.C. State pick last week (remember, I wanted the Tigers to

"show me," having previously never won an ESPN Thursday night game) the

"Please Dan pick the other team so Clemson will win" emails started rolling

in.

Well, trickling in, anyway. Two or three of them. But that's two or three too

many.

But, just as we're about to shelve the ol' Magic Helmet for a week, here come

the Temple Owls. That's worth at least one more shot before putting the MH on

waivers...

When Clemson Has The Ball

No James Davis in the backfield means increased playing time for fifth-year

senior Kyle Browning. He will split time with Reggie Merriweather in Clemson's

running game, a ground attack the coaching staff hopes can generate more

yardage than Miami did vs. the Owls a week ago. The Hurricanes rushed for just

34 yards on 33 carries and, though Miami won the game 34-3, the rest of

Clemson's offense feeds off its running game. So watch for the Tigers to

attack Temple between the tackles, then open up and let Charlie Whitehurst

throw the ball around.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

When Temple Has The Ball

The Clemson defense played its best game in weeks last time out vs. N.C.

State, confusing the Wolfpack offense and surprising their players with

improved team speed. Temple is expected to start a redshirt freshman

quarterback Saturday, and the last time that happened Boston College's Matt

Ryan picked the Tigers apart. Unfortunately for Temple, Ryan remains on the

Eagles' roster. Watch for Clemson to be more aggressive rushing the passer

this week.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

Special Teams

Even though Clemson has had a punt blocked in each of its last two games and

its kick return coverage has been lacking, this is the kind of game for

everyone to get well. Some national publications have Tigers kicker Jad Dean

listed as the best in the nation.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

Coaching

Tommy Bowden and staff had an excellent game plan vs. the Wolfpack, sold it to

the players and they performed. Both sides of the ball seem to be getting more

comfortable as time goes on. Meanwhile, at Temple, Bobby Wallace has already

resigned effective at the end of the season, becoming the latest in a long

line of clipped Owls.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

Bottom line here: Temple is terrible. Everyone knows it. The question is will

Clemson be focused enough to take care of business, or will they overlook the

Owls and take them too lightly? At this writing the line is Clemson by 36.

They may not cover the spread but they'll win going away.

And if the Tigers lose? I'll inquire about singing the national anthem before

the Florida State game.

THE PICK

Clemson 42, Temple 10

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