Notebook: No Audibles for Whitehurst |
CLEMSON - Charlie Whitehurst has done everything the Clemson coaching staff
had hoped - and more - since taking over the starting quarterback duties two games ago. He has shown patience in the pocket, he has made the correct reads, he has delivered the ball accurately, and most importantly he has engineered two consecutive victories which elevated the Tigers' status to that of bowl eligible. One thing he's not doing, however, is calling his own plays. There are virtually no audibles being called by the redshirt freshman, a move the coaching staff made because of his inexperience. "There is no leeway. We make all the calls," head coach Tommy Bowden said. "After a couple of years maybe he will make some obvious decisions. We do a little of that now, but most are still made from sidelines." HENDERSON HONORED Maryland senior All-American linebacker E.J. Henderson was named a finalist this week for both the Butkus and Lombardi Awards. The Butkus Award, named after legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, recognizes the player who is considered the top collegiate linebacker while the Lombardi Award, named after coaching legend Vince Lombardi, honors the top lineman or linebacker in Division I-A college football. Henderson is the lone returnee from last year's list of Butkus Finalists and this is his first time as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. STREAK ON THE LINE Though Maryland is the favorite heading into today's game at Death Valley, there is one bit of history working against the Terps. Clemson has won the last eight games between the two played in the Valley. Maryland's last win here was 17 years ago, 35-31 in 1985. SHORT STUFF CLEMSON Junior PK Aaron Hunt is sixth on Clemson's all-time scoring list with 215 points ... the Tigers are second in the ACC and 28th nationally in total defense (329.7) ... Clemson leads the ACC with 16 interceptions ... freshman Justin Miller and senior Brian Mance are tied for the lead in the ACC in interceptions (0.50) ... in his first two college starts, freshman QB Charlie Whitehurst has completed 64 percent of his passes for 694 yards, no interceptions and eight touchdowns for a passing efficiency rating of 181.52. MARYLAND Over the last seven games, QB Scott McBrien has completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,372 yards and eight touchdowns, raising his passing efficiency rating on the season from 92.1 to 145.5 ... McBrien leads the ACC in yards per completion (16.2) ... Steve Suter leads the ACC and is 18th nationally in punt returns (14.2) and has tied an NCAA single season record with his four punt returns ... in the seven game winning streak, the Terp defense is yielding only 11.1 points and 335.1 total yards per game ... senior Chris Downs is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and leads the team in rushing (894 yards) and touchdowns (13) and is tied for second in the ACC in rushing yards per game (89.4) ... Maryland is fifth in the ACC in total offense (387.2), but leads leads the ACC in yards per play (6.1). Clemson to Honor Military on Saturday Clemson, SC--Clemson will honor its military history on Saturday prior to and during the Clemson vs. Maryland football game at Death Valley. The university was a military college (known as Clemson College in those days) from its opening in 1889 to 1955. The following is a list of activities planned for Saturday's Military Appreciation day: * The Clemson Scroll of Honor will be displayed on Pawvision, listing 459 known Clemson alumni who have given their lives in service during World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Afghanistan, and peacetime operations. * "Dotting the 'i'" will be the family of Daniel G. McCollum, Clemson University class of 1996. McCollum's wife (Jennifer) and son (Daniel) are joined by his parents and brother at Saturday's game. * A game ball, American Flag (33' x 66'), and Tiger Paw flag (10' x 15') will be parachuted into the stadium during pregame ceremonies by a Green Beret Parachute team from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. * Military hymns will be played at halftime, as we ask veterans from each branch to stand and be recognized during their hymn. * A Garrison flag will be unfurled at halftime. * The Upstate United Pipe Band will perform "Amazing Grace" after a 21-gun salute at halftime. * Names of Clemson ROTC Scholarship cadets will be listed on Pawvision. * The are static military displays on Bowman Field in front of Tillman Hall. * All Clemson players have an American flag displayed on the back of their helmets. * Approximately 500 Junior ROTC cadets will be seated together in the stadium. * Over 10,000 Clemson alumni have served in military action.
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