Monday November 09, 2009

Florida State Review

Florida State Review
Saturday night was not perfect but memorable. The weather, the tailgating, the atmosphere, the prospects, the game and the celebration made this game one to remember. It was not a masterpiece but it will remain on the wall for some time.

The country got an extended look at C.J. Spiller and my only regret is that he was not healthy enough to pull away like he normally does. Nevertheless, he was incredible. Incredible enough to break his own school record for all-purpose yards with 312.

Saturday’s win marked the first time in school history that Clemson beat Miami and Florida State in the same year. Interestingly enough, it took Spiller’s 310-yard school record to beat the Hurricanes and another record breaking 312-yard effort against the Noles.

Spiller is kind of like Seinfeld or the Sopranos. Just when you think you have seen the best show, he comes out with something even more enjoyable. Skeptics pointed out that Spiller needed more rushing yards if he wanted to remain a candidate for the Heisman and he responded with a career high 165-yard effort.

In all, he had 29 touches for 312 yards and two touchdowns. In the process, Spiller and Jacoby Ford broke the NCAA record for the most all-purpose yards by teammates.

I agree with Dabo. He is the best football player in the country.

The Tigers rushed for 241 yards against the Seminoles thanks to Spiller and Andre Ellington who had 55 yards on his six carries. I thought Ellington’s 43-yard run was perhaps the biggest play of the game. It came with Clemson up 27-24 but his explosive run was the key play to the drive that put the Tigers up two scores. Ellington had another huge play on third down when his only reception turned into a first down after he broke a tackle of All-ACC linebacker Dekota Watson.

I thought Kyle Parker may have played his best game this season. The freshman was 18 of 30 for 242 yards and four touchdowns. His only blemishes were the one interception and a fumble. Parker made plays with his feet and bought extra time in the pocket. Had it not been for the one penalty, Parker would have thrown for five touchdowns. I thought his decision making process was excellent for just his ninth start of his career.

Clemson’s tight ends had another terrific night. If the tight end was not covered up on the penalty in the third quarter, Clemson would have had a touchdown pass to all three tight ends. It was Dwayne Allen’s touchdown on another tight end screen that helped the Tigers regain momentum.

Jacoby Ford had five catches for 53 yards but it was Xavier Dye who had perhaps his best game. The junior wide out had three big catches for 68 yards including a 43-yard touchdown.

Also it is difficult to score 40 points and 483 yards without good offensive line play. In the fourth quarter the Tiger offensive line took the game over. In the final 12:08 of the game Clemson ran 16 plays and the only pass attempt was the two-yard touchdown to Barry. Clemson ran the ball on 15 of the last 16 plays it had the ball.

The defense struggled early and on some third downs in the second half but the Tigers held FSU to only seven points after the first quarter. The defense also set up the offense with terrific field position throughout the contest.

In my opinion, defensive back coach Charlie Harbison does not get enough credit. His secondary has played outstanding this season and this was a complete effort Saturday night. When Chris Chancellor went down it was Byron Maxwell, Coty Sensabaugh and Xavier Brewer there to pick up the slack. Christian Ponder had thrown only three interceptions the entire season before Saturday night but the Tigers picked off four in Death Valley. In fact, three of the four picks were by non-starters (Rashard Hall, Maxwell and Sensabaugh).

Kevin Steele made very good adjustments and the Tigers were able to get a little more pressure on Ponder in the second half. That pressure helped lead to the four picks including the final of the five turnovers where DeAndre McDaniel separated Ponder’s shoulder.

Everyone saw the place kicking nightmare so there is not more I could add about that situation. Hopefully this will get straightened out before the trip to Raleigh.

Saturday could have been one of those games where some Clemson teams would have folded its tent. Da’Quan Bowers was out and the defense allowed big plays in the first quarter. The Tigers trailed 17-6 and every time something good would happen Clemson would make a major mistake. But this team showed some fortitude. They did not back down. Instead they stood up and make Saturday night one to remember.

There is still a lot of football to be played and this team still has work to do but I am extremely encouraged by what I have seen the last four weeks. It is funny how no one questions Billy Napier’s youth after the Tigers broke a school record by scoring at least 38 points four consecutive games.

This team has what good teams have and that is parts that fit. When Bowers went down Andre Branch and Malliciah Goodman step up. When Michael Palmer went down Dwayne Allen and Durrell Barry picked it the slack. Chris Chancellor injures his knee and Sensabaugh and Maxwell come in a make a play. Spiller needs a breather so Ellington breaks off a 43-yard key run.

Florida State is not the same program they were and this was not the biggest win ever. But it was a win in front of a bunch of top prospects that could provide long term results. It was also a win the fan base needed. It was a win at night and a brilliant fourth quarter effort. It was not a masterpiece but it still looks just as nice beside the masterpieces.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee.