Scout.com: Bowden Teleconference Notes

Bowden Teleconference Notes

By Roy Philpott

CUTigers.com
Posted Oct 22, 2006

| More

Clemson head coach talks about the short week ahead as the Tigers prepare for Virginia Tech.

BOWDEN PLEASED WITH RESULTS: After a 24-point win over the No. 13 team in the country on national television, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden was obviously pleased with Saturday's results.

Aside from rushing for over 300 yards on one of the top rushing defenses in the country, the Clemson defense also held one of the top wide receivers in the country, Calvin Johnson, without a catch for the first time in his career.

"I'd say with them having two full weeks to prepare for us against a quality staff," he said. "Their head coach has coached in the pros. Right now their defensive coordinator is the hottest thing going. There's been a lot of defensive coordinators that have taken their shots at No. 21 but nobody has done what Vic did."

SPECIAL TEAMS IMPROVEMENT: One thing somewhat lost in Saturday's win was the improvement on special teams.

“Jad Dean was perfect on all four of extra points and also connected on a short field goal attempt in the third quarter.

"I think he is back," Bowden said of his special teams. "The height of his kicks. I'd say he's back in the groove. We felt like he was back in the groove.

Clemson was also steady in kickoff coverage for the first time in several weeks.

"Kickoff coverage ... they've performed pretty good," Bowden said.

STUCKEY INJURY UPDATE: After breaking his foot nearly three weeks ago, senior wide receiver Chansi Stuckey's goal is to play against Virginia Tech Thursday night.

"I believe the doctors and him have planned this is the get back week," said Bowden. "I'm thinking tonight he's going to try and start getting ready to play against Virginia Tech. But I think after tomorrow's practice we'll probably know (for sure).

NOBODY LIKE SPILLER: Bowden was asked Sunday if he's ever had a player like freshman RB C.J. Spiller before and he responded by saying, "No. He's made two phenomenal runs. Some of these cuts and some of those holes. He hits the ground making a room. There are guys that are just totally not touching him. He regains his speed so quickly."

QUICK HITS: After scoring two touchdowns Saturday night against Georgia Tech, RB James Davis is two touchdowns away from Travis Zachery's season single season touchdown record (18). ... Clemson is now ranked No. 10 by the AP and No. 11 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll. Bowden voted his team 10th ahead of California and Notre Dame in the USA TODAY/Coaches Poll. Bowden also said he expects more of QB Will Proctor after a 7-of-16 passing performance against the Yellow Jackets. ... "That was not one of his better performances at all," he said. OG Chris McDuffie saw action on 39 snaps and graded out at 82% after replacing Roman Fry.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We didn't pop the diet coke bottles after the game. They've still got a business-like approach. They know there is more out there they'd like to accomplish." - Tommy Bowden on the mood of the Clemson locker room after defeating Georgia Tech.

FRY, HUNTER INJURY UPDATES: No new information was released Sunday afternoon regarding the status of OG Roman Fry and TE Thomas Hunter, who were both injured in Saturday's game. There could be additional updates later Sunday evening according to Clemson SID Tim Bourret.

Related Stories

Davis Named National Player of the Week
-by CUTigers.com Oct 20, 2006

Tigers Move Up to No. 11
-by CUTigers.com Oct 22, 2006

ESPN GameDay Photo Gallery

-by CUTigers.com Oct 22, 2006

Story Tools
Top Stories

Search Stories

Discuss on Forums

Get CUTigers The Magazine!
Current Issue: Spring	The 48-page, glossy magazine includes top-notch features, analysis and fantastic photos. (Online subscribers: upgrade today!) Order Now! Newsstand Locations	Next Issue: Summer

Free Email Newsletter
Don't miss any news or features from CUTigers.com. Subscribe to our newsletter to have our newest articles emailed to you on a daily or weekly basis. Click here for a list of all Team Newsletters.
Daily Format	Weekly Digest

Current Issue:

Next Issue:

MAGAZINE COVERAGE

Places to go:

Things to do:

Things to buy:

Things to know:

MAGAZINE COVERAGE
Get the 2010 Recruiting Yearbook and a full year of CUTigers Magazine with an Annual Total Access Pass.