Dan Scott: UVA-Clemson Prediction

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Fri Sep 21 01:17:01 GMT-04:00 2001

Virginia (1-1) at Clemson (2-0)

OFFENSE

Clemson fans are waiting - somewhat impatiently in some circles - for this offense to become more than high-powered in name only. Virginia's rush defense was tough for three quarters against Wisconsin, and has been poor since. But Clemson's success could rest on Woody Dantzler's right arm. The Cavs, meanwhile, are still without leading rusher Antoine Womack.

ADVANTAGE: Clemson

DEFENSE

The Tigers have an opportunity to build confidence against what has been a very unspectacular Virginia offense to this point. As always, watch for the level of success from the defensive front four to gauge the team's play. Virginia has been decent in pass defense, but has given up the big play often enough to be worrisome.

ADVANTAGE: Clemson

SPECIAL TEAMS

Probably the most solid unit, top to bottom, Clemson has put on the field this season. Virginia remembers Joe Don Reames going the distance on a punt return last year, a play which turned around the game.

ADVANTAGE: Clemson

COACHING

Clemson has Tommy Bowden, 17-9 overall at the Tigers' helm. Virginia has Al Groh, 1-1 and suffering from athlete's tongue from constantly sticking his foot in his mouth.

ADVANTAGE: Clemson

How Clemson performs in this game could well determine the tone for the rest of the season. A good performance builds confidence heading into Georgia Tech next week. A lackluster effort could mean a long next two months.

THE PICK: Clemson in a repeat of 2000, 31-10.

Clemson vs. Virginia Pregame Notes

Date: September 22, 2001

Kickoff: 5:45 PM

Site: Clemson Memorial Stadium

Expected Attendance: 77,000

Tickets: Available at $25 for adults, $6 for students high school age and under

Live TV: ESPN-2 (Dr. Jerry Punch, Bill Curry, Beth Mowins)

Series Record: Clemson leads 34-5-1

Last Meeting: Clemson 31, Virginia 10 at Charlottesville, 2000

Clemson Rankings: 18th in USA Today, 19th in Associated Press

Clemson Personnel Update:

Out-WR Kevin Youngblood, broken leg

Out-LB Altroy Bodrick, torn ACL, out for season.

Out-Wide receiver Roscoe Crosby, sprained knee

Out-Running back Keith Kelly, sprained knee

Out-Marcus Houskin, suffered broken neck vs. Wofford

Will Play-Eric Meekins, ligament damage to a finger in practice.

Lineup News: Braxton K. Williams has moved from star safety to free safety since the Wofford game. He is listed second team behind Eric Meekins for the Virginia game. He has started at linebacker the

last two years vs. Virginia.

Other Notes: Clemson defensive tackle Nick Eason was named to the American Football Coaches Association Goodworks team last week. He is the second Tiger player in the last three years to be named to the

11-man Division I teamŠ.the Clemson vs. Duke game scheduled for September 15th has been moved to December 1 at Clemso. This will be Clemson's latest regular season game since 1956. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden awarded scholarships to three walk-ons this week -- wide receiver Joel Gardner, running back Tore White and offensive lineman Russell Stuermann were added to the scholarship list this week.

Color and Pageantry:

Patriotism will be omnipresent at Clemson's Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 22. The Tigers and Cavaliers will kick off the game at 5:45 PM, but pregame ceremonies will begin at 5:15 PM. Clemson was a military school until 1955 and the institution has a strong military heritage. Nearly 500 Clemson alumni gave their lives in various wars for the United States over the years. Four Clemson graduates who were prisoners of war and served

their country with distinction will be honored in pregame. Retired U. S. Army Colonel Ben Skardon, Class of 1938, is a survivor of the Bataan Death March. Colonel Skardon spent three years and four months as a Prisoner of War in the Philippines, Japan, and China. Former Army First Lieutenant Bill Funchess, Class of 1948, spent two years and 10 months as a prisoner of war in Korea. Retired Air Force Colonel Bill Austin, Class of 1959, spent five years and six months as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam. Retired Navy Commander Bob Fant, Class of 1960, spent four years and eight months as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam.

The pregame ceremonies also will include a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11. During Tiger Band's rendition of the The Star Spangled Banner, it will also be communicated in sign language. The halftime ceremonies will include the unfolding of a Garrison Flag, a 21-gun salute by the Pershing Rifles and the playing of TAPS. The Tiger Band will perform various patriotic hymns. The

200-member Clemson University Chorus will also perform during halftime.

Other signs of patriotism will be visible at Clemson on Saturday:

*Over 5,000 miniature American Flags will be distributed

*50,000 Tiger Paw Fans from The Palmetto Baptist Medical Center and the National Kidney Foundation will be distributed. The Fans will include an American Flag, the inscription "God Bless America, September 11, 2001", and a message on how fans can become an organ donor.

*Flags 5'X 8' will be on display as fans walk into the stadium.

*American Flags will be painted on Bowmen Field in front of the Military Heritage Plaza, Riggs Field and in the end zones of Memorial Stadium.

*50,000 paper American Flags will be distributed at the Ticket Office, concession stands and all gates.

*Static military displays will be on Bowman Field beginning at 2:30 PM.

*The American Red Cross will be accepting donations as fans enter Memorial Stadium when the Gates Open until 6:00 pm. (checks or cash only)

*All Clemson players will wear flags on their helmets.

*Over 1,000 junior ROTC Cadets will be seated together in the stadium.

Dan Scott covers Clemson University for the Seneca Daily Journal/Clemson Daily Messenger and the Florence Morning News. He also hosts SportsTalk from 10 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Friday, on WCCP-Fm, 104.9.

Related Articles