11:55: Here we go, folks. 15 minutes from kickoff. I just finished delivering my last set of sold tickets (the hot and muggy conditions made me feel better about the family’s grounded status), and I don’t feel any more optimistic than last night. Still, I’m wearing the hat that is 1-0 (bought prior to the Wofford game). Every little bit helps, I suppose.
12:05: The most notable tidbit from Coach O’Brien’s comments was the confirmation that DeMario Pressley will play – and that he hopes to get around 30 snaps out of him. Conditioning is an issue, one that is exacerbated by the heat and humidity. Bedics looks to be out 3-4 weeks.
12:14: We are going to get our asses kicked, folks.
12:16: Clemson can get 7 yards a play on even their simplest stuff. There is no reason for them to take any chances whatsoever. This game might be over in the first quarter.
12:21:Toughdown, Tigers. Aside from one incomplete pass, every single Clemson play went for at least 7 yards. At least UNC is losing, and looks similarly hopeless.
12:23: As bad as we look defensively, we might as well go for it every 4th down, and use plentiful onside kicks. Clemson could score every time they have the ball just by running off tackle.
12:25: Touchdown, Blackman! Great awareness to feel the defender coming, and stiff-arm the last 15 yards into the end zone. Listen to me, TOB, and kick in onsides. Let the spirit of Monte Kiffin fill your mind.
12:27: If I’m Tammy Bowden, I squib every kickoff the rest of the way. Let’s see if that lights a fire.
12:29: Heels down 14, Pirates down 10 in the first quarter. That’s the good news. Bad news? Our front seven is still getting worked.
12:31: See what I mean? We can’t stop their offense, so we just need to avoid it as much as possible.
12:33: I bet this is a challenge. Honestly, I don’t think there’s enough evidence to reverse – but it’s damned close.
12:35: Bullet dodged. I actually agree with the Martin/Walker analysis.
12:38: The FG narrowly snakes through the uprights, 10-7 Tigers. Nice work by our defense not to let up after the WR freakishly avoided his knee hitting the turf. If you watch the UNC smackdown at the commercial breaks, do it with the sound off. The constant fellating of Butch Davis and UNC – despite getting their asses handed to them – is unbearable.
12:41: Stone is our best receiving option. Easily.
1:32: Sorry, I gave up on the live blogging for awhile. Offense showing some life after Clemson fumbled away Evans’ second bad interception.
1:34: TD for Andre Brown! I’m very surprised Bowden didn’t use a timeout to disrupt our no-huddle offense. Again, I demand an onside kick. In 5 long offensive drives, Clemson has yet to punt and has only been forced to 3rd down a total of 4 times.
1:40: What’s this? A 3 and out, and I guess I stand corrected. Evans much more comfortable in the shotgun/no huddle, we’ll see if we stick with it.
1:43: So much for the offensive momentum. Clemson looks to be paying attention again. We’re back to punting like shit again, too.
1:54: Oh my God. Offsides on the FG shank.
1:56: What an Amato-esque ending to the half. 27-14. Still, it should be much worse. Expect the 2nd half scoring to reflect that.
2:30: Finally, a good punt. Yay!
2:35: Tigers convert another 3rd and long. God bless those brave souls still in the bleachers on the sunny side.
2:39: The truly ugly portion of this game has begun. Daniel Evans will get to pad his stats against a base defense (playing backups) in the 4th quarter.
2:45: Clemson has over 500 yards, with 4:00 left in the 3rd. And a 23 point lead, which should be more. Time to let Burke get some work, maybe.
2:50: Another fantastic 1-yard drive for the Wolfpack offense. Clemson only needs 52 to strike paydirt, so they won’t go over 600 yards on this drive.
2:56: First down draw gains zero. Microcosm of the day in offense.
2:58: After 3 quarters, our net offense is barely over 100 yards. Jesus.
3:03: Holding penalty brings back a Tiger touchdown. Good call.
3:18: Just like I predicted, once Clemson quit rushing the passer, Evans moves the ball. They pressure the 2-point conversion, get the pick and run it back for 2. 39-20, Clemson.
3:29: Clemson would have been well-suited to run their clock killing offense the entire game. They might have scored 60 or 70.
3:33: Tiger field goal practice continues. 42-20 is your likely final.
3:38: Burke gets in on the INT party and 42-20 is indeed your final. The game was nowhere near as close as the score would indicate. We simply got shitcanned, a trend that is likely to be repeated this season.
