Exclusive For Game Day: Bowden Says Tigers Are Prepared For Colorado

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Tue Dec 27 13:10:10 GMT-04:00 2005

ORLANDO - Clemson head football coach Tommy Bowden feels like his team is as well prepared as it can be heading into this afternoon's Champs Sports Bowl clash with the University of Colorado.

How well the Tigers play? He hasn't a clue.

Speaking on the "Cruise Control with Dan Scott" program earlier today on 104.9 FM, The Drive in Clemson, Bowden said he expects his team to play well and finish the 2005 football season on a high note. But he stopped short of overconfidence.

"I think we've prepared for this game about as well as we can prepare," he said. "Now it comes down to effort and execution. The history of this particular team suggests it will come out and play hard. They've done that every game this season. But this is the first time we've had four or five weeks between games, too, so there's a little bit of the unknown there."

Bowden also said he expects no depth problems today, despite the fact that his active roster is reduced by four.

Tight end Bobby Williamson and defensive lineman Kwam Williams were suspended for the bowl game last week due to academic concerns. Backup offensive lineman Chris Capote was slightly injured in an automobile accident here in Orlando earlier this week and will not play.

And starting nose tackle Cory Groover is out based on what Bowden called a "coach's decision." Speculation is that Groover is being held out for some violation of team rules, though neither he nor Bowden would comment when pressed by reporters earlier in the week.

"As long as we don't have any more injuries at those spots, I think we'll be in good shape," said Bowden.

Clemson's depth has been boosted all season by the unusually high number of freshmen - both true and redshirt - that have seen significant playing time.

Kickoff today is set for 5:04 p.m. The game will be televised by ESPN, with Ron Franklin (play-by-play), Bob Davie (color) and Holly Rowe (sidelines) calling the action.

The Clemson radio broadcast with Pete Yanity, Will Merritt and Chad Carson can be heard in the Upstate on 104.9 FM, The Drive; on stations throughout the state of South Carolina via the Clemson Tiger Sports Network; and online at either www.wccpfm.com or Yahoo.com.

Check back with TigerNet following the game for complete coverage of the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl.