Clemson Q&A with Block-C

A friendly neighborhood Clemson blog has been kind enough to answer some of our questions about the Tigers. Please feel free to check out our Husker response over at Block-C. Let's hope for a great game to start the new year off right.

1. Will the loss of Vic Koenning to Kansas State affect the players or cause any problems in the bowl?

At first it seemed as if the wheels were falling off for us when he quit right after Dabo was named the head coach. Thankfully, we are blessed with assistant coaches that are capable of stepping up big time as Ron West and David Blackwell have both assumed roles as interim Co-Defensive coordinators. The latest reports are saying the Blackwell will be calling defensive plays against the Huskers. The local media has covered our bowl practice pretty well and it seems that there hasn't really been any significant drop off other than the usual rust accumulated from so much time off. Our defense is still flying to the ball, still making pays, and still looking better every day.

2. Since the Huskers will be facing his defensive scheme next year, what are some of the important features of a Vic Koenning led defense?

Koenning's scheme is heavily dependent on athletes and big play makers. On paper, his defense works. In person, it was painful to watch. He's a big proponent of the "Bend-but-don't-break" defense. Safeties and DBs play 10 or so yards back, allowing the opposing offenses a nice cushion to throw little slant passes and 7, 8 yard quick passes. Even lowly Citadel was able to slash us up through the air. The defense this year was quite stout otherwise, especially considering how often they had to be on the field with our sometimes inept offense's inability to eat up the clock. We're not sure what kind of athletes Kansas State has, but you shouldn't have too much trouble with them the first few years.

3. Do you think the National Media is justified in complaining that Florida State should have been invited to the Gator Bowl instead of Clemson?

Obviously we're biased and think Clemson belongs in the Gator Bowl, but that's us. Florida State deserved it more based on their record and the fact that they thumped us down in Tallahassee. However, in these trying economic times it was simply a numbers game and Clemson fans are more likely to come in droves to a bowl game in Jacksonville than Florida State fans would be, considering they play in Jacksonville so often (Alabama last year, Colorado this year). The Gator bowl knew that FSU fans were more likely to drive to the game and turn around and drive back home, whereas Clemson fans will roll into town for a couple days.

4. Nebraska is the team with the most Scoring Offense, Passing Offense, and Total Offense that you've faced all year. How do you think the defense matches up with the Husker passing attack?

With Rashaad Jackson and Dorell Scott up front on the defensive line completely healthy again, this should be a good defensive squad we put out on the field. We're not too worried about the passing attack because we know that the Huskers are going to throw the ball and they're going to have success... And that's okay because we have a talented and seasoned defensive backfield that will make plays when we need them to. A main point of concern is stopping the run and eliminating the success of the play action pass.

5. Turnovers seemed to be the deal breaker in most of the Tigers' games. Where do they give up the ball and where do they gain them back?

QB Cullen Harper, by most accounts, has regressed this year. He has a penchant for staring down his main option receiver, for holding onto the ball for way too long, and taking a sack instead of throwing the ball away. He's thrown at least two pick-sixes this year. Turnovers are likely to come from the Husker defense's study of his tendencies and playing off of that.

6. What do you say to the charge that the ACC is a weaker conference?

Well, we know you want to hear that the Big XII is the best conference out there, we'd have to agree. There are definitely some better conferences than the ACC, but we are by no means a weak conference. The ACC is hurt by the lack of a marquee team at the top. The top team from virtually every other major conference would likely be favored against our best. The ACC's out of conference record this year has been stellar, including a 6-4 clip against the SEC. Realistically, we'd say the ACC is the third or fourth best conference behind the Big XII, SEC, and Pac 10. Top to bottom it is far more competitive than any other conference out there. The league sent 10 teams to bowls this year, which is a record.

7. BONUS QUESTION: Will Clemson pull out all the stops to beat Nebraska? What, if any, trick plays, interesting schemes, or unforeseen efforts could we see?

We have seen some halfback passes and some other trickeration that has worked for the most part since Dabo took the helm. This game is a "must win" game and it wouldn't be surprising to see us try anything and everything to leave Jacksonville with a win.

Related: Read our Q&A at Block-C