Wednesday’s practice was reportedly a lively one with a lot of enthusiasm. The players seem to have gotten their legs underneath them again, particularly on defense. They were flying to the ball the way they did earlier in the year.
Cory Boyd and Blake Mitchell have both been vocal leaders this week. The seniors, in general, appear ready to put this team on their shoulders. If they lose this week, I don’t expect it to be due to a lack of effort on anyone’s part. I expect this team to leave it all on the field Saturday night.
Offensively, I think Carolina wants to dictate the tempo of this game. They don’t want to settle for taking what the Tiger defense gives them. I hear coach Spurrier seemed very satisfied with what he saw from his offense yesterday, which hasn’t occurred in quite a while. The OL performed well, the running backs ran hard and Mitchell made quick decisions.
The defense has not only been challenged by the coaches this week, they’ve also received a lot of words of encouragement from offensive players like Cory Boyd and Mike Davis. Addison Williams appears ready for his first start, and I expect him to get tested early by Clemson’s offense, particularly if they can get Aaron Kelly matched up with him.
Another group that will be on the spot this week is the defensive line. They’ve been almost non-existent the last two games, and the coaches have made it clear this week that must change in a hurry. They have to win the battle up front and stay in attack mode throughout the game.
If Carolina can get a defensive performance along the lines of the one they turned in against Kentucky and the offense eliminates the silly mistakes, they should win this game.
Cory Boyd and Blake Mitchell have both been vocal leaders this week. The seniors, in general, appear ready to put this team on their shoulders. If they lose this week, I don’t expect it to be due to a lack of effort on anyone’s part. I expect this team to leave it all on the field Saturday night.
Offensively, I think Carolina wants to dictate the tempo of this game. They don’t want to settle for taking what the Tiger defense gives them. I hear coach Spurrier seemed very satisfied with what he saw from his offense yesterday, which hasn’t occurred in quite a while. The OL performed well, the running backs ran hard and Mitchell made quick decisions.
The defense has not only been challenged by the coaches this week, they’ve also received a lot of words of encouragement from offensive players like Cory Boyd and Mike Davis. Addison Williams appears ready for his first start, and I expect him to get tested early by Clemson’s offense, particularly if they can get Aaron Kelly matched up with him.
Another group that will be on the spot this week is the defensive line. They’ve been almost non-existent the last two games, and the coaches have made it clear this week that must change in a hurry. They have to win the battle up front and stay in attack mode throughout the game.
If Carolina can get a defensive performance along the lines of the one they turned in against Kentucky and the offense eliminates the silly mistakes, they should win this game.
