Tigers Kick Problems Continue

by Will Vandervort - Correspondent - Fri Oct 13 09:38:07 GMT-04:00 2006

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Clemson's special teams showed some improvement and some more problems in Thursday night's 63-9 victory over the Temple Owls.

Kicker Jad Dean made all nine of his extra points, but the kick coverage team allowed the Owls to gain 240 yards on nine returns, making return man Travis Shelton look like a Heisman Trophy candidate.

"It felt really good," Shelton said. "I've been gone from the game for a minute and it felt good being out there again."

Until the opening kick, Shelton had not touched the football in a game in more than two years. The first time he touched it, he raced up the middle of the field for 53 yards, setting up the Owls' first points - a 27-yard field goal by Jake Brownell.

"That kickoff team man. Everything else looked good tonight," said Clemson senior corner Duane Coleman. "Once we get that kickoff team situated, I think we will be alright."

But Clemson wasn't alright. Neither Coleman nor Dean could explain why problems still arise. Temple was averaging just 18 yards a return coming into the game, but finished the evening with a 26.7 mark.

"It's not for a lack of effort," Dean said. "The guys are flying down the field, working hard all week in practice and watching film. I'm not sure what the problem is. We are just going to have to work real hard on it this week and get ready for Georgia Tech."

Though Dean wasn't totally pleased with his kicking Thursday, he was happy to have a perfect night on extra points. He was nine of nine on extra points, with all but one going straight through.

"That was the most extra points I have ever kicked," he said. "My leg is a little tired, but that is a good problem to have."

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said Dean's second extra point, which was deflected, but still went over the crossbar, was due to a breakdown in protection and a low snap.

"Cole (Chason) did a good job getting that setup, but that was a protection problem," he said. "Jad looked better tonight."

Nice guys. Before Thursday's game, Temple head coach Al Golden present Clemson coach Tommy Bowden with a check for $1,500 for the Fahmarr McElrathbey. The $1,500 came from the per diem of the Temple players.

Fahmarr McCElrathbey is the younger brother of Clemson defensive back Ray Ray McCElrathbey. McElrathbey was granted custody of his 11-year-old brother before the season started, rescuing him from his mother's addiction to crack cocaine and his father's gambling addiction. Last month the NCAA granted Clemson University a waiver allowing the establishment of a trust fund to benefit Fahmarr in terms of providing basic needs in terms of food, clothing and other areas.

In good company. Defensive end Gaines Adams first quarter sack of quarterback Vaughn Charlton marked the fifth straight game in which he has had at least one sack, tying a Clemson record.

Former Tigers Keith Adams, Leroy Hill and Chester McGlockton hold the record with the Clemson senior.

Adams sack also moved him into a tie for third place on the all-time sack list, sharing the position with Adams and former linebacker Adrian Dingle.

Do you see my shoe? Temple offensive tackle Elliot Seifert played one play without his left shoe after it came off on the previous play. The shoe sat at the Temple 30-yard line near the end of the first quarter while the Owls ran for no gain up the middle.

What a roll. Clemson scored on 11 consecutive possessions dating back to last week's 24-point fourth quarter against Wake Forest. The No. 12 Tigers (6-1) scored on their first eight possession's Thursday and their last three possessions in the win at Wake.

The streak ended when Demerick Chancellor fumbled on the Tigers second offensive possession of the third quarter.

200-yard club. Clemson rushed for 337 yards Thursday and passed for 222, giving them the second straight 200 rushing and 200 passing performance. The Tigers are 46-0-1 all-time when they reach that feat.

Courtesy of Daily Journal