Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden on....
Overall Feeling Heading into ACC Opener Versus Georgia Tech: "We've had a pretty good look now with a quality opponent in Georgia
and with a different type of opponent in Louisiana Tech. I think
we're going into the game with a good foundation offensively and
defensively. Other than the injury factor, I feel pretty good.
Right now the biggest question mark is that Georgia Tech has not been
challenged and not had to show its hand. We've had two 60-minute
games and we've had to play every card. There might be some doubt
and indecision on our part because we know that they are holding
something back."
On the tailback situation with Bernard Rambert's injury:
"Going into the season, we planned on using Yusef (Kelly) more as he
learned more of his blocking assignments. If Bernard Rambert's
injury goes for an extended amount of time, then it would be
difficult for him to replace Kelly. Now with Chad Jasmin out, we're
looking at more playing time for Tye Hill and possibly Kyle Browning.
Cliff Harrell will be the I-formation fullback."
On the offensive line situation:
"We were getting real comfortable with them until Derrick Brantley
went down. In the last two years, we've had some unfortunate
injuries in which we've lost guys for the whole year. I haven't been
around this many season-ending injuries this early in the season. "Those guys on the line work in unison. All of a sudden when you
take one out, you've got to get a comfort zone again. We're losing
about 25 or 30 pounds with William Henry coming in, and less strength
than what Brantley has. William will do a good job, he played well
against Louisiana Tech when he was in there (37 plays). He's been
here for three years. I'm looking for him to go in and be real
productive. Cedric Johnson will start this weekend and regain his
position. Nick Black played real well last weekend, and now he will
rotate between both guard spots."
Overall feelings on the season so far:
"If you ever get to where you feel really sure defensively, it gives
you a lot of flexibility on offense. If the defense continues to
make progress, it gives you a couple of different directions you can
go offensively. The biggest disappointment now would be scoring in
the red zone. I think we'll need touchdowns instead of field goals.
I am glad Aaron Hunt was 4-4 this past Saturday, but I would rather
have three more touchdowns and three less field goalsl.
"There is still improvement we can make up front, and with Willie
(Simmons). Some things did improve last week though. I really like
some things that have happened with this team. If we continue to
make progress offensively, then we'll have good potential. We've
only had one 20-yard run and one 30-yard pass, and that's not very
good. And this is a designed big-play offense."
Tommy Bowden Press Conference
- Real | Windows Media
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