Tigers' O-line fuels recent surge
CLEMSON -- Overshadowed by C.J. Spiller and Kyle Parker is the role played by the Tigers' line in the offensive surge.
Through the first five games, Clemson averaged 24 points per game and scored seven offensive touchdowns. In the last five games, the Tigers have posted 27 touchdowns and averaged 42 points per game.
One key is freshman Dalton Freeman's solid play at center. Freeman took over at center against Wake, the first of five consecutive weeks Clemson scored at least 38 points. Right tackle Landon Walker has improved as has depth with Mason Cloy at center and guard, and David Smith at tackle.
"Something we did really well Saturday was a lot of adjustments at the line just before the ball was snapped," Clemson offensive line coach Brad Scott said. "The group is really playing together now. We really have seven guys, including Cloy and David Smith, playing a lot of ball for us."
The decision to move Cloy from starting center to a role as a super-sub, backing up both guard positions and center, has proven to be effective.
With improved depth, starters have been fresher later in games and if left guard Thomas Austin can't go Saturday (foot sprain), Cloy figures to be a suitable replacement.
Austin, in a walking boot, said Monday he is receiving treatment and hopes to return to practice Wednesday.
"I believe I'd have to fight Thomas, his wife and his mom and dad if I didn't play him," Scott said of the senior's final home date.
The Tigers could use Austin's experience going against Virginia's 3-4 base defense; a front Clemson has seen little of this season.
Prime time performer
Spiller will have at least one more national television showcase to make his Heisman case before the award's voting deadline.
The South Carolina-Clemson game will kickoff at noon and be televised nationally on ESPN.
Spiller also has a considerable platform this weekend. Clemson's 3:30 p.m. Saturday game against Virginia will be televised regionally on ABC, and in other areas on ESPN.
If the Tigers defeat Virginia as expected, they will clinch an ACC title game appearance and ensure another national television audience (ESPN) before the Heisman voting deadline, which is Dec. 7.
In Clemson's last two nationally televised games - against Florida State and at Miami - Spiller posted more than 300 all-purpose yards in each game.
Spiller is ranked third on Sports Illustrated's Heisman watch, fifth at ESPN and sixth at the Heismanpundit.com.
McDaniel for Heisman … next year?
The Spiller for Heisman marketing campaign played at least a small role in enticing Spiller to return for his senior season.
Might a similar campaign be floated to junior DeAndre McDaniel?
The junior is second in the nation in interceptions and leads Clemson in tackles. McDaniel says he is leaning "hard" toward returning, but is projected as an early-round draft pick.
Such a campaign would have to be creative: think Charles Woodson at Michigan in 1997. Woodson became the only primary defensive player to win the prestigious award.
"If I got shots on offense and everything it would be more realistic to me," McDaniel said of a hypothetical Heisman campaign. "Me being just a defensive player, I just don't see it happening. When Woodson returned he had offense and that doesn't happen too often…. I'll take the Thorpe [award] if anything."
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney recruited McDaniel hoping he would play receiver, and promised any Clemson defender who returns a turnover for a touchdown one offensive play. Swinney even said he considered sending McDaniel out for an extra point attempt against Florida State. After all, McDaniel reportedly hit a 37-yard field goal in practice last week.
Still, McDaniel said he is focused on the Virginia, not the draft or any campaigns. But he's "sure" he and Swinney will talk after the season.
-- Travis Sawchik
Extra points
Might the Tigers' five-game win streak be in large part due to strength of schedule? Clemson's first five opponents have a combined .711 winning percentage (37-15). Its last five opponents are a combined 25-26 (.490). … The State is reporting reserve offensive lineman Kenneth Page has left the team.
