CLEMSON - Of course that number would never be dialed, though no doubt an interesting conversation would follow. And I doubt Vic Koenning would pick up the phone, having been exiled to the Siberia of the Big XII.

Anyways, I bring up Koenning, because he did a pretty nice job against Wake's Riley Skinner in three meetings -- holding Skinner to 6.04 YPA and a 2/2 TD/INT ratio. That's much better than Skinner's career YPA average of 7.2 YPA, and 49-to-15, TD/INT ratio.

This year Skinner's surrounding cast is improved, and Skinner is red-hot over his last four games, possessing a 180 QB rating with a 12-to-4 TD/INT ratio.

Now, while Clemson has traditionally held Skinner in check, Kevin Steele's defense has a lot more man coverage than Koenning's ... and Skinner is great on the run, making me wonder if that will cool Clemson's pass rush.

It's something to keep an eye on.

BTW, though Steele has done a solid job coaching the D (23rd nationally in total defense), Clemson was actually better the previous four years under Koenning: (18th - 2008), (9th-2007), (13th-2006) and (20th-2005).

Just saying. Not that defense is the problem on shores of Lake Hartwell.

More thoughts on tomorrow's do-or-die affair:

*Clemson has had two weeks to prepare, which is a considerable advantage

*Doesn't sound like there will be any extreme makeover on offense for the the Tigers, though my two modest proposals continue to be A) Get Spiller involved in the short passing game B) Get Dwayne Allen involved in the middle of the field

*Wake has eight new defenders, and it's just their second road game - with the first coming at Boston College, which is hardly SEC-like in its atmosphere

*Clemson was once again out-talents its opponent (with the exception at QB)

While another big day from Riley Skinner could change all this, I like Clemson.

CLEMSON 24, WAKE 17

And so do the computers ...

Massey: Clemson 24-19 Sauceda: Clemson 21-17 Sarkov: Clemson 19-18

That should make you rest easy, right?

• TS

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