Purnell Previews Penn State

Clemson head coach talks about Tuesday's game at Penn State as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Listen to Audio (7:49)

Opening Comments on Penn State
Purnell: I'm pretty pleased with the progress of our team thus far, early in the season. I think the way the schedule has set up, it has progressively gotten tougher. Obviously it's going to get real tough here as we go on the road in the Big Ten. This is a big challenge. Anytime you go on the road in a major conference, certainly this is not different going up to Penn State, they are looking to use this a springboard for their season. And we are looking to get better. It kind of sets up for an interesting match up.

Penn State has capable big guys, do you get the sense that this will be the biggest challenge you've faced so far with your post players?
Purnell: It's going to be the biggest test to date for all of our guys. We are stepping up in class on the road in the Big Ten. They are a big physical team. They've got size up front. 6'10, 6'9 up front. I kind of look at Steve Allen/Akin together at the 5 spot. Our production there has been very good. (James) Mays has been good for us at the 4. I'm very pleased with our guys up to this point. But this will be a much more challenging situation.

Are you concerned about the free throw shooting at this point in the season? (Now 53% on the year after a 13-for-30 performance Saturday against Charleston Southern)
Purnell: It's a concern. But I'm not overly concerned. We just need to work at it. It's early. It's a work in progress and we are going to continue to work out. Hopefully, when it really does matter, we will be shooting well.