IPTAY goes extra yard

A full-page color ad commemorating C.J. Spiller's career ran Monday in USA Today, a national newspaper with a 2 million circulation.

IPTAY paid $128,000 for the ad recognizing Spiller for his "outstanding achievements on the football field, in the classroom and in the community during his time as a Tiger."

The timing of the ad coincides with Heisman voting.

Saturday's title games are the final contests before the Dec. 5 deadline.

Of course following a poor performance against South Carolina, Spiller's Heisman chances have effectively evaporated. The ad was planned and paid for before the weekend.

The ad was the idea of associate athletic director Bill D'Andrea and designed by the Clemson sports information department.

D'Andrea said the department was inspired by the Heisman campaign ad of former Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington placed in Times Square several years ago. Clemson officials thought USA Today would be the best way to extend the message.

As an example of the reach, Clemson sports information director Tim Bourret said the men's basketball team playing in California, and the women's team playing in Connecticut, each saw the ad.

There might be some second-guessing of the ad. Clemson asked all its programs to trim 10 percent of costs, and the ad's price tag was nearly as much as Clemson paid its wide receivers coach last season: Dabo Swinney ($200,000).

-- Travis Sawchik