Thursday Thoughts


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Thursday Thoughts

As we sometimes do, I have compiled some Clemson related thoughts for this Thursday:

Safety Concerns

Robert SmithRobert Smith
Sr. Safety
#27 5-11, 211
St. George, SC

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's controversial suspension for the first half could have a big impact in Saturday's game at Georgia Tech.  The Yellow Jackets' offense stresses the safeties because they have to be very disciplined.  T.J. GreenT.J. Green
So. Safety
#15 6-3, 205
Sylacauga, AL

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is very inexperienced and I am certain Tech will try to exploit his lack of experience.

Smith is not the best athlete in the Clemson secondary but he is the most experienced and is the most disciplined.  Clemson will miss him in the first half and will need to limit Green's mistakes.

D-Line

One of the keys to stopping Georgia Tech's offense is to win the battle up front.  The last time Clemson was dominant up front on defense was 2010 when the Tigers held Tech to 13 points.

I feel very good about Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Sr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA

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, DeShawn WilliamsDeShawn Williams
Sr. Defensive Tackle
#99 6-1, 292
Central, SC

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, Josh WatsonJosh Watson
RS Sr. Defensive Tackle
#91 6-4, 292
Wilmington, DE

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, DJ Reader, Carlos WatkinsCarlos Watkins
RS So. Defensive Tackle
#94 6-3, 294
Mooresboro, NC

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, Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Sr. Defensive End
#3 6-2, 236
Adairsville, GA

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, Corey CrawfordCorey Crawford
Sr. Defensive End
#93 6-5, 276
Columbus, GA

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, Tavaris BarnesTavaris Barnes
RS Sr. Defensive End
#9 6-4, 273
Jacksonville, FL

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and Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
So. Defensive End
#90 6-3, 269
Central, SC

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.  I am hopeful the Tigers talent and depth will cause major disruptions and the Tigers will be able to get the Jackets behind the chains throughout the contest.

He's Back

We have been fortunate to have several "special" players at Clemson through the years and this year has been Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA

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's coming out party.  Watson's injury put a damper on the season, but I am extremely excited for his return this Saturday.  There is a buzz around the program again.  This week just feels a lot different knowing Watson will be back on the field again.

Third Down

Georgia Tech ranks number one in the nation in third-down conversions.  The Yellow Jackets convert 59.2 percent of their third downs.

Clemson's defense leads the nation in third-down conversions.  The Tigers allow the opponent to convert only 23 percent on third down.

Third down conversions and turnovers are the two keys in my mind Saturday.

Atmosphere

Among the unknowns Saturday is the atmosphere in Bobby Dodd Stadium.  Tech is 8-2 and ranked.  They are playing as well as they have in the past few seasons.  It is also senior day.  One would think this is a great opportunity to get excited about Georgia Tech football.  However we have seen a decline in recent seasons with the support of the program in Atlanta and the noon start may deter some from getting an early start.  Therefore, I have no idea what to expect of the game day atmosphere this weekend.

Clemson Hoops

Friday night Clemson opens the 2014-15 basketball season against Florida A&M.  This year's team is hoping to continue the momentum built from last season's run in the NIT.  This team will have to find a way to replace KJ McDaniels, but several key players return and the newcomers should get an early look starting Friday.  One newcomer that has gotten good reviews so far is Donte Grantham, a 6’8” forward with high skills.  Grantham has range and is considered an excellent passer.  I am looking forward to seeing him for the first time in the opener.

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Prayer List

The prayer list is a medium for our community to recognize those that are in need. If you would like to add someone to the list, please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com. Please let me know when it is appropriate to remove a person off the list.

Those who need our prayers include: Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got Igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S., Daniel Rosborough, the Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L., Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Perrin Seigler, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, the Nicolopulos family, "the Jacksonville, FL guys," Kim Sims, the Coyle family, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, the Thomas V. family, Emary Claire Young, Kitty Bowers, Julie Locke, the Scheider family, Lauren Kittles' family, Frank Gentry, Stacey McKeown, Dale Childs, Larry Lentz, Jr., Carl Sharperson, Scott Hannon, William Perry, Tyler Swaney, Lillian, Mark Feit, David Frame, the family of Matthew M. Watson, the Dowis family, Alan Putnam, the Olivers, Lee Tate, Ronnie Abrams, Eddie Greene, the Jackson family, Bill Vader, Jim Taylor, Tina DeWitt, Rock Horne, Bobby Wayne Thomas, Emma and Danielle Carothers, Robert Ditty, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith, Millie Heatley, Lynn Martin and family, Michael Pinson, Jake David family, Angie Crowley, Ira, Mike Tolson, Poly Wells, Dr. Muriel Bishop, Jack Cunningham, Emily Jefford Meister, Zachary Stoller, Aaron Clackum, Pat James, Cortney Moore, William Moore, Angelia and Savannah Anderson, William Ross, Scott Johns, Frank Carroll, Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson
Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA

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, Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Clay Childers, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders,  Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Amanda Peake, Danny Hammond, Chip Turner, Nick Collins, Allen Steen, the Sturkey family, the Lance family, Nick Chrisley's family, Allison Williams, Lt. Kyle Walker, Summer and Joel Johnson, Nicole O'Donnell, James O. Johnson, Joy Pruett and family, Bill Schmidt, Jack Bailey, Gardner Family, Charles Turner, Kathy Bartholomew, Ray Sanders, David and Robin Blocker, J.R. Ray, Kenneth Kowe, Lauren Sielicki, Jenna Phipps, Mark Lawrence, Jonathan and Jacki Sullins, Peter Laboy, Kat and Carlisle Jones, Elizabeth Galloway and family, Anita McDonald, Willard Harryman, Liz Surratt, Molly Senn, Jackie Shearer, Richard Sellers, Tim Drisdelle, Edward Easterling, Dawson Bourne, Susan and Mike Brown, Julie Goodman Marshall, Willard and Dorothy Harryman, Justin Jernigan, Jack  Cunningham,  Mia Daughtery, Tee Senn, Bob Garrett, Skylar, Joseph Thomas, Mrs. Nelis, Jeanne Thompson, Sean Rowell, George Parker, Levon KirklandLevon Kirkland
Linebacker
# 0, 0
,

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and family, Catherine Sewell, Randy Davenport, David Vaughn, Keith Dalton, B.T., Bill Hilbig, Rita Elrod Hammond and family, Jim McKeller, Tony Alewine, Sharon Storck, Dick Baird, Richard Bagnal, Dustin and Brittany Peurifoy, Jan Allan, Josh Cox, Tommy "Red" Harper, Gregg and Sylvia Lewis, Travis Hamrick, Kaki Harmon, Brandy Stephens, Jammie McKellar and babies, Karen Edwards, Jackson Lindsey, Cathy Hutson Gregg, Kristin Heckman, Jennifer Johnson, Jay Johnson, Lyndsie Johnson, Emily Davis, Hayes Davis, Judy Towe, Johnny Towe, Ken Brown, Elaine Brown, Rhonda Thompson, Tim Davis, Jacob Greinke, Jack Finley, Richard and Clara Crawford, Zach and Griffin Johnson, Israel, Frankie Allen, Bobby Allen, the Wessinger family, the Parsons family, Todd Price and family, Rosemary A Flynn, Dr. Mickey Shealy family, and our great country and the men and women in uniform that protect and serve it every day, plus their families.

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