By Kacey D. Richard

kdr011@latech.edu

 

After losing to Texas A&M last weekend (45-14) the Bulldogs are on the road again to take on Tommy Bowden and the Clemson Tigers at 6 p.m.

Tech has played Clemson twice prior to Saturday’s upcoming game. The first time they saw action was at the Humanitarian Bowl in 2001. Clemson defeated Tech 49-24, ending a five bowl-game losing streak, then in 2002 at Memorial Stadium (33-13).

Clemson (3-1) has had a winning season overall, defeating Florida Atlantic, Florida State and North Carolina. Their one loss went to ACC rival Boston College by one point (34-33).

The Tiger’s currently lead the ACC conference in points per game with 41.5 and rushing yards of 202.5. They are also in second standing for passing yards at 222.5 per game. Senior quarterback Will Proctor has thrown for 837 yards so far this season for six touchdowns and an efficiency rating of 143.4.

Proctor, leading Clemson’s passing game, has also recorded two interceptions and three sacks this season.

The Bulldog’s counter attack will be junior quarterback, Zac Champion, who so far has thrown for 663 yards and four touchdowns.

Sophomore running back, James Davis, with a rushing attack of 369 yards for nine touchdowns leads Clemson’s back field triple threat along with senior running back Reggie Merriweather and freshman C.J. Spiller.

Their offense, ranked No. 19 in the nation, picks up 425 yards per game.

The Bulldog’s half back duo, sophomore Patrick Jackson and junior Freddie Franklin, have a combined total of 72 carries for 321 yards and three touchdowns.

On the receiving side, senior Tiger, Chansi Stuckey has caught 21 passes for 231 yards in efforts for two touchdowns. His average is 11 yards per touch.

Tech receiving corps is led by Jonathan Holland with 13 receptions for 221 yards, yielding one touchdown. Sophomore wide out Josh Wheeler follows up in second with 139 yards on six catches. Wheeler has found his way to the end zone twice this year with the help of Champion.

Clemson’s defense is giving up only 234.75 yards per game, ranking them No. 12 nationally. This is made up of 156 yards through the air and the Tiger’s rush defense averaging 87.3 yards. Junior lineman Nick Watkins leads the defense with 24 tackles and 7 assists, followed by corner Duane Coleman with a total of 30 tackles.

Tech’s top tackler, linebacker Quin Harris, leads the Dog’s D with 29 tackles and recorded his first sack last week, hitting Aggie quarterback Stephen McGee in the backfield.

He is followed up by Antonio Baker with 22 tackles and D’Anthony Smith, who made the team’s sole interception made in the Nebraska game.