Wednesday practice report

CLEMSON - The Tigers close a solid Wednesday work-out before this Saturday's game versus Florida State.

Michael Palmer was “full go” at practice on Wednesday and Da’Quan Bowers didn’t practice again.

“I expect (Palmer) to play,” said Coach Dabo Swinney. “Any kind of setback can happen, but that’s for the doctors to determine. My expectation is that he’ll be ready.”

Doubtful to play on Saturday, Swinney likes the approach Bowers is taking to the injury.

“He’s out there blowing the whistle, calling sacks--having a good time. I love his attitude. He’s out there trying to coach,” Swinney said. “He looks good. He’s moving around well.”

He doesn’t believe the PCL/MCL sprain to Bowers’ right knee is going to be long term. Swinney said he’d rule Bowers out because he hasn’t practiced. Playing next week against N.C. State doesn’t appear to be out of the question, but Swinney won’t speculate either way.

“It’s one thing when you start digging in, putting that pressure, that change of direction and guys start leaning up on you,” Swinney said.

Tuesday’s practice was full of “little mistakes”.

“Today, we cleaned it all up,” Swinney said. “I thought the kids really competed well. We were dialed in pretty good. It was a good, crisp practice.”

During team drills, a touchdown pass looked to be questionable, according to the defense on the field, who called for review. Referees at practice reviewed the play in a few quick seconds and ruled it a touchdown, drawing lots of boos from the defense.

Swinney is confident with the remaining four games left on the schedule because of the work rate and excitement in practice.

“I can’t predict the scoreboards and all that. But I know this team has really good things in front of it,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s this year. We’re doing it right and these kids know how to practice. They’ve really made a lot of progress in that aspect of our preparation.”

Though Swinney was pleased with last week’s work on the practice field, he understands there’s going to be a “little more skip in their step.”

“This is a big-time divisional game. It’s kind of like the playoffs. There’s a lot riding on it,” he said.

Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden said Christian Ponder hasn’t taken any team repetitions at quarterback during practice on Monday and Tuesday. Bowden expects Ponder to play on Saturday, despite E.J. Manuel getting most of the team reps.

Bowden believes the Tigers are better anyone the Seminoles have seen through eight games this season--especially on defense.

“They have that homerun hitting ability that scares you to death. It’s like a ticking bomb out there on Saturday. You just know it’s going to go off at any time,” Bowden said.