Short-yardage gains big plus

CLEMSON -- Everyone remembers the big-gainers from Saturday -- C.J. Spiller's 90-yard kick return, Kyle Parker's long touchdown pass to Spiller, and Parker's game-winning throw to Jacoby Ford.

But it's a couple of short Jamie Harper runs from the 40-37 win at Miami that were most pleasing to Clemson offensive line coach Brad Scott.

After struggling in short-yardage situations earlier this season, Clemson converted four of five third-down-and-short, and fourth-down-and-short situations at Miami.

Dabo Swinney was confident enough in the offensive line to go for it on fourth-and-1 at the Miami 36 on Clemson's final possession in regulation. The alternative was a Richard Jackson 53-yard field goal attempt.

Swinney kept the offense on the field and Harper rushed up the middle for two yards, leading to a 30-yard field goal to send the game to overtime.

On the previous possession, which ended with a Parker interception in the end zone, Clemson picked up a third-and-1 via a Harper 2-yard rush to set up a first -and-goal.

"Yeah, big plays were everywhere, yeah we saw that," Scott said. "(Picking up) third-and-1, and fourth-and-inches is what keeps drives going and that was much improved."

Scott credited a number of variables for the improvement, including continuity.

Scott said freshman center Dalton Freeman is becoming more comfortable making line calls, and his quickness was effective against Miami's larger defensive tackles.

He said right guard Antoine McClain was playing with greater power in the second half, in part because he was well rested, splitting snaps with Mason Cloy, who did not take any snaps at center.

Scott said Cloy might spend more time at left guard against Coastal Carolina to spell Thomas Austin.

And at right tackle David Smith keeps performing well. He has split snaps with Landon Walker.

Scott said Smith might also take reps at left tackle to rest Chris Hairston, who had his best game as a college player, according to Swinney. Hairston graded out at 85 percent with three knockdowns, playing 74 snaps. Corey Lambert was not mentioned in connection with playing time at either left or right tackle.

Palmer enters rare territory

Before he was knocked out of the game Saturday with a concussion, Michael Palmer grabbed five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. It brought his season reception total to 21, the first time a Clemson tight end had reached 20 receptions for a season since K.D. Dunn in 1984.

For the second straight week, the Tigers heavily relied on two tight end sets and have made good on a promise to feature the tight ends in the passing game.

Palmer's playing status is uncertain for Saturday.

More Dwyane Allen?

If Palmer can't go, Dwyane Allen figures to see a heavier workload at tight end.

On Monday, the talented, but raw, redshirt freshman took the blame for Kyle Parker's red-zone interception. Clemson tight ends coach Danny Pearman said Allen didn't have the proper depth on his route and attracted a safety with the poor pattern.

While talented, Pearman said Allen must improve his spacing and depth on routes.

Still, Swinney said Parker should have thrown the ball away.

Coastal Carolina limps into Clemson

The Tigers say they are not overlooking the Football Championship Subdivision Chanticleers.

Coastal (3-4) is coming off a loss at Stony Brook and a blowout loss to Liberty in Big South Conference games. The Chants might also be without four starters for Saturday's game, including starting QB Zach MacDowall, a Wake Forest transfer, who sprained his ankle last week.

MacDowall might not want to play behind a leaky offensive line that faces off against Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp.

Clemson is Coastal's second FBS opponent this season. Coastal lost at Kent State, 18-0, in September.

Spiller, Parker pick up ACC honors

After totaling a school-record 310 all-purpose yards C.J. Spiller earned ACC special teams player of the week honors Monday. Parker earned freshman weekly honors, passing for 326 yards and three touchdowns.