Clemson cruised to a 37-14 victory over Middle Tennessee State Saturday night, with Heisman hopeful CJ Spiller electrifying the Death Valley faithful by breaking off a 96-yard touchdown return on the season’s opening kickoff. Spiller had another big punt return early in the second quarter, but gave Clemson fans a big scare when he pulled up lame at the end of the 50-yard jaunt.
Spiller’s injury reportedly isn’t serious, which is obviously huge news for a Tiger team that’s staking its ACC championship dreams squarely on the shoulders of the senior tailback from Lake Butler, Florida.
Oh, and on its defense – which picked off Middle Tennessee quarterback Dwight Dasher three times (twice in the first quarter) and held the Blue Raiders to negative rushing yards in the first half. One of the fastest, most aggressive units in the ACC a year ago, the Clemson “D” looked every bit as impressive Saturday night under first-year coordinator Kevin Steele.
While most of the attention was focused on Spiller, first-time starting quarterback Kyle Parker had a solid outing – completing 9 of 20 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. The freshman signal-caller’s numbers would have been even better had his receivers not dropped several big passes.
Meanwhile, Parker’s preseason competition for the starting slot – fan favorite Willie Korn – did not have a memorable 2009 debut. Korn fumbled on his only series under center, which led to a 68-yard Middle Tennessee return for a touchdown.
For the Heisman watchers out there, Spiller finished with 12 yards on four carries – although he did have 159 return yards.
By Joe Bobby September 6, 2009 at 9:18 am
14 points off special teams, while good, won’t happen against a more quality opponent. In essence the offense sputtered out 23 points. The real worry for this team is the “O”. The “D” while not truly tested, was very impressive and quick.
By CNSYD September 6, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Joe Bobby, we will just use gamecock “logic”. After performing poorly on offense against NCSU, cock fans said that was by design because SOS did not want to show UGA anything. I would say SOS was very successful in hiding the offense.
By K Trane September 7, 2009 at 11:46 am
Willie Korn is so overrated. Does anybody remember Byrnes. v. Gaffney, the nationally televised game where Willie Korn through 4 interceptions when he was supposed to be one of the top 10 QB’s in the nation? And in Willie’s few snaps at Clemson he’s thrown an interception and fumbled. Not to mention he’s an asshole. Parker has my vote.
By Toyota Kawaski September 8, 2009 at 8:34 am
Fits please convert over to a clemsux fan.You already are a rump raider so why not join up with thousands more like minded sheep
By Skidmarks September 8, 2009 at 9:16 am
Clemson fans shouldn’t be talking trash and fartin’ rainbows over that game. Middle Tennessee State gained only 65 fewer yards than Clemson. Ga. Tech will be a different animal.
By CNSYD September 8, 2009 at 10:36 am
Skidmarks, correct me if I am wrong but isn’t victory in a football game determined by points on the scoreboard and not yards gained? IRT Clemson fans talking trash, I am afraid you have confused Clemson fans with usc east fans.
By Joseph Reynolds September 8, 2009 at 10:39 am
Typical..you cant find a positive thing to say about Gamecocks..but cream all over yourself talking about clemson.
By bluetiger September 8, 2009 at 11:07 am
FIRST, this Clemson Football Team is going to be force to be reckoned with. Just a little time, a few bruises and settling of the nerves and, they are primed for a solid season and – without a doubt – a runaway victory at South Carolina Univ again.
SECCONDLY, maybe some of the FITS “sleuths” or some knowledgeable readers can answer – WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO CHALMERS EUGENE TROUTMAN??
He was our beacon of hope to see the underbelly of this current Clemson Administion disclosed for the greedy, self centered, cold and non caring they are. I have been afraid of the delaying, evasive and caniving tactics that have been demonstrated by the Clemson (God Forbid) Taxpayer paid for defense team – just continuing to hide under whatever little ugly spots that they can find – until everybody just goes away – and they can come out to harass and pilfer through theeir employees lives and careers again – wrecking reputations, destroying morale and making a mockery of fairness and security in the workplace.
Somewhere in our great State of South Carolina, there has to be good honest people who refuse to let this and the many other autrocities that are imbedded in our educational system carry on.
Where is Mr. Troutman?? Bring his fight to the public’s attention!!!
Do what’s right by our State, Clemson University and the students of SC!!!
By CNSYD September 8, 2009 at 1:19 pm
bluetiger, love your enthusiam but if our OL doesn’t improve we will have difficulty.
IRT Troutman. Usually when things go silent it means talks are in progress to settle.
By ICEMAN September 8, 2009 at 9:13 pm
“first-time starting quarterback Kyle Parker had a solid outing – completing 9 of 20 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns”
If 9-20 is a solid outing…Duke is gonna win the ACC this year. Hitting 45% of your passes against MTSU is not something to brag about, particularly since clemson isn’t known for throwing the ball down the field that much.
By CNSYD September 10, 2009 at 1:33 pm
ICEMAN, as you well know stats are liars. if you subtract the drops of perectly thrown balls as well as the intentional out of bounds throws due to coverage then you get a truer reading of his ability. that is what coaches look at.