Tigers face another top passer

CLEMSON -- In a wide-open Heisman race, Florida State's last three opponents agree on yet another candidate -- Christian Ponder.

During the Seminoles' last three games, Florida State's quarterback has produced two wins and 40 points per contest. He leads the ACC in passing yards per game (306.6) and completion percentage (69.4). His overall numbers are better than those of Heisman-favorite quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy.

The 6-2, 220-pounder has led the Seminoles (4-4, 2-3 ACC) to two straight conference wins, including a come-from-behind victory at Chapel Hill two weeks ago, likely saving the Seminoles' season.

The win also quieted Bobby Bowden's critics and made Saturday's game at Clemson (5-3, 3-2) a pivotal game in the ACC's Atlantic Division.

"We've been down this road before and have to go again," Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said. "Their quarterback is very good."

The road Steele talks about is the task of facing another top offense, the top yardage offense in the ACC, and another top-20 quarterback.

The Tigers have faced three top-20 rated passers this season: Andy Dalton (6th, TCU), Jacory Harris (11th, Miami) and Riley Skinner (18th, Wake).

Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt would be rated fifth in the country if the had enough attempts to qualify.

The Tigers have split those four games -- losing to Dalton and Nesbitt, beating Harris and Skinner.

Each member of the quartet has posed a different challenge.

Dalton made accurate timing throws and started the trend opposing quarterbacks running against the Tigers. Skinner throws accurately on the run. Nesbitt runs as hard as fullback but with the feet of a tailback, and Harris has the size to see the whole field and is a force in the vertical passing game.

According to the Tigers, Ponder possesses a bit of each of those attributes.

"He throws the ball like an NFL quarterback and runs it like a college-option quarterback of 1970s and 1980s," Steele said. "It's a very rare thing."

Ponder is Florida State's third-leading rusher, though Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel believes the bruised ribs Pondered suffered Saturday against N.C. State will limit him on the ground.

Playing through the injury, Ponder rushed a season-low four times Saturday.

"I don't think they are going to have him running too much," said McDaniel, who hails from Tallahassee, Fla. "If they do I am pretty sure we are going to try to get some good licks."

Even if he is pass-only, Ponder's arm is a dangerous sole option.

McDaniel said Ponder has a stronger arm than Harris, who beat the Tigers deep on several occasions.

"He can throw it 40 yards on a line," McDaniel said.

Steele also noted his intelligence.

Ponder is already working on his master's degree as a junior. And he's made giant leaps in Jimbo Fisher's complex, multiple offense as a second-year starter after completing 56 percent of his passes, including a middling 14-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio, last season.

A veteran offensive line, featuring preseason All-American guard Rodney Hudson has aided Ponder. The Seminoles did not allow a sack or quarterback pressure while recording 555 total yards of offense against N.C. State last week.

The Tigers' front four will likely be without Da'Quan Bowers.

While Steele said it will difficult to replace Bowers' "body" he likes the depth Malliciah Goodman, Andre Branch and Kevin Alexander provide at the position.

Even with Bowers it would be difficult to pressure Ponder as Fisher likes to throw screens and quick passes. Ponder has been sacked only 14 times.

Like Miami, Ponder has a variety of receivers and running backs at his disposal, including the explosive Jermaine Thomas, who rushed for a season-high 186 rushing yards against the Wolfpack.

"They are about as diverse as you can get," Steele said.

Frenemies

Steele said Monday he didn't think the Tigers will be helped by Steele's presence on the Florida State defensive staff from 2003-06. Fisher, the offensive coordinator, did not join the Seminoles until 2007.

The ties don't end there.

Clemson offensive line coach Brad Scott was the Florida State offensive coordinator on the Seminoles' 1993 national championship team. And long-time Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews was the defensive coordinator for Danny Ford at Clemson from 1977-80.

Bowers update

There was no update on Bowers' status Monday.

Branch said Bowers still was in possession of crutches but seemed to be moving well without them. On Sunday Dabo Swinney said Bowers was "very doubtful" for Saturday with MCL and PCL sprains.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.