It’s Gameday: Florida State at Clemson
Everything you need to know before kickoff of Florida State’s ninth game of the season when they travel to Death Valley to face the Clemson Tigers can be found on the Warchant.com Gameday Page.
Warchant.com Gameday Page
As his offensive numbers continue to climb, so does Christian Ponder’s draft stock. With gaudy statistics, a strong arm, impressive measurables, impeccable character, leadership qualities and high intelligence the table is set for FSU’s junior quarterback to be a high draft pick in 2010. But is that a realistic possibility?
Christian Pondering the NFL Draft?
There are times on Florida State’s practice fields when it seems Bert Reed only stops smiling to talk. Or maybe he only stops talking to smile. Of course, the speedy sophomore wide receiver has plenty to talk and smile about these days. He is the leading receiver on one of the hottest offenses in college football.
Reed’s road to redemption
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney met with members of the media Tuesday, as part of his weekly news conference. The Tigers (5-3, 3-2), in control of their own destiny in the ACC’s Atlantic Division, will face Florida State (4-4, 2-3) on Saturday in Death Valley.
Swinney holds weekly press conference
Clemson’s defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and offensive coordinator Billy Napier sat down with the media earlier this week to talk about their respective units and their preparation for Florida State. Here is a transcript of those conversations.
Q&A: Clemson Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele
Q&A: Clemson Offensive Coordinator Billy Napier
Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, the architect of the Seminoles’ defense since 1984, will retire at the end of the 2009 season. One of the nation’s most respected defensive coaches, the 68-year-old Andrews made his decision public this week.
Mickey Andrews makes it official
Warchant TV: Andrews on his retirement
Photos: Andrews retires
Current players react to Andrews’ retirement
Bowden on Andrews’ retirement
Former players reflect on Andrews’ career
Corey Simon on Andrews’ retirement
In Mickey Andrews 26 years as Florida State’s defensive coordinator, he has never seen his squad struggle as much as they have this season. After an emotional week with Andrews announcing is retirement, the defensive players have some extra motivation to turn it around this weekend and perform to the level expected by their legendary coach.
Defense hoping to rise up for Andrews
In week 11 of the Warchant TV Report, Warchant.com’s Gene Williams, 1270 The Team’s Jeff Cameron and WCTV’s Elton Gumbel looking back at FSU’s shootout win over NC State, look ahead to Saturday’s huge conference matchup with Clemson, and provide commentary on Mickey Andrews’ retirement.
The Warchant.com Report - Clemson Preview
In Saturday’s win over NC State, freshman running back Chris Thompson provided a major contribution by rushing for two TDs. But what really stood out is how he responded after each score. Also in our Insider Report, Lonnie Pryor wins an award from his efforts, EJ Manuel is getting reps with the first team in practice, and more.
Insider Report: Thompson breaking the mold
Given the extraordinarily diverse nature of Florida State’s offensive scheme - and Christian Ponder’s role in just about all of it - Brandon Maye, Clemson’s MIKE linebacker, will be at the center of it all as the Tigers try to apply a governor to the Seminoles’ high-powered engine.
Clemson eyes focused on Ponder
Florida State, at 4-4 and 2-3 in ACC play, is not only fighting to keep its hopes alive in the Atlantic Division race, but also still looking for two more wins to clinch bowl eligibility, and some small slice of credibility, after starting off the 2009 season at 2-4. While the Noles have a front row seat in the proverbial no-respect boat entering Saturday night’s 7:45 p.m. showdown versus Clemson (5-3, 3-2), Tiger running back C.J. Spiller isn’t one of the many Seminole detractors. In fact, just the opposite.
Spiller holds plenty of respect for FSU
In recent years this Clemson program has had its share of issues to address. It hasn’t been far and away the best team in a middling conference. But the Tigers should’ve been to the ACC title game by now. And they’ll have an excellent shot to break that hex if they take care of Florida State on Saturday.
TigerIllustrated.com Commentary: Closing the gap
Gene Williams is the publisher of Warchant.com, the officially licensed Florida State Web site of Rivals.com. Known as the foremost authority on Seminoles football, Williams took time to offer his insight on Florida State heading into Saturday night’s game in Death Valley, tackling five burning questions revolving around the 7:45 p.m. showdown.
TigerIllustrated.com: Behind Enemy lines
Clemson’s high stakes match-up versus Florida State Saturday night in Death Valley will no doubt impact the race in the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Tiger Illustrated senior writer Larry Williams breaks down the intra-division showdown, taking a look at several key elements he’ll be watching closely tomorrow night.
TigerIllustrated.com: Final Thoughts
Clemson has taken three of the last four versus Florida State and the home team in this series has won seven of the last nine. Both teams are fighting for the Atlantic Division title, and the Tigers, which sit in the driver’s seat, go into this game as a 9-point favorite. In this feature, Tiger Illustrated breaks down the match-ups, and unveils its preview & prediction.
TigerIllustrated.com: The Forecast
After two straight wins, the Seminoles will face a formidable challenge in Death Valley this Saturday. In our weekly matchup analysis we take a look at the positions on each team and break down who will have the advantage. Will Christian Ponder continue to roll over a talented Clemson defense? Can FSU’s defense do anything to slow down C.J. Spiller?
Matchup Analysis: Florida State-Clemson
The Warchant.com Game Blog will begin on Saturday evening around 6:00 p.m. with insight and more from Florida State’s game against the Clemson Tigers.
Check back for regular updates on the depth chart, starters, stats, injuries, and more throughout the game.
Click icon to enter the blog and chat.
During the game all Warchant.com users can discuss the game on the Warchant.com Gameday Forum.
Warchant.com Gameday Forum
Don’t miss out on anything going on during the game. Annual subscribers to Warchant.com receive free text messages. Throughout this season we will send news on injuries, important notes, stats, and more via text messages during the games. At the very least, you will get quarter-by-quarter stat updates. So whether you are sitting in the stands or at home you will get the news first. Does not include Alltel and T-Moblie subscribers.
This is in addition to the regular text messages we will send throughout the week of breaking Florida State news.
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Following the game Warchant.com subscribers will enjoy tons of coverage. We will have a game story, tidbits from Bobby Bowden’s, Jimbo Fisher’s, and Mickey Andrew’s post-game press conferences, interviews with players, articles on the biggest moments of the game, photos, video highlights, and much, much more. There is not a better time than now to become a Warchant.com subscriber. Try our 7-day free trial starting today.
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Updated Nov 7, 8:46 am EST
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