Rivers Delivers

Mark this one on your calendar, Clemson notched it's best win of the season on January 29, 2009. Not only could it have been a season changing game, it might have been a comeback that stated, "We are for real!"

The Tigers trailed at one point by fifteen points and looked completely out of sync. I found myself wondering at the half why Clemson didn't have a player like Delaney on the floor. I was wondering what caused Rivers to be a player who could score at will, but was rarely able to create is own shot. I guess, K.C. was asking himself the same thing.

In the second half the Tigers attacked from the get go. Even after a run by Virginia Tech, Oliver Purnell made one of his best decisions of the night, calling a timeout. With 17:14 left in the game, the Tigers trailed the Hokies 61-46. From that point forward, with the exception of a few minutes, Clemson went on a tear. The Tigers hadn't made that type of comeback since the La Salle game in the 1990 NCAA tournament. Tonight in Blacksburg, Clemson went on a 26-5 runin the second half to take a 72 - 66 lead.

The Hokies would make a late push, leading 80-78 late, but the Tigers would take control and not trail again. The Tigers held on for an 86-82 win that places them in the top four of the ACC. Congrats to Oliver Purnell and this Clemson team. A win like that has been a long time coming.

Where Do The Tigers Stand?

By the end of tonight, Clemson will either sit among the best in the
country or return the the middle of the ACC.

Tigers Lead At The Half

Clemson Looks To Rebound In ACC Play

In order for Clemson to establish itself in the conference, they have to protect their home court. Georgia Tech arrives at Littlejohn hungery for their first win in ACC play. Clemson will have to focus on getting the ball inside. In the past two games, Wake and UNC were able to dominate the Tiger big men. I expect a great game from the guards this evening, but this one will be won inside. Gani Lawal is too good down low and Clemson's post men are going to have to play excellent, while avoiding getting in foul trouble.

Halftime UNC 45 - Clemson 40

So far this one has been everything we expected. Unfortunately, it has
a similar feel to the Wake Forest loss.

Clemson will have to play a perfect second half to get the win.
Hopefully North Carolina will run out of gas. Clemson has gone deep in
the bench and North Carolina really hasn't had that luxery.

Littlejohn Loonies

It is easy to see that Clemson's home crowd has been a factor in today's game. Although the Tigers trail 32-27 at the half, the fans believe in this team. 

Clemson's press has not been effective in the first twenty minutes. That has to change a bit if the Tigers are expecting to bring home a win. Wake Forest has enough size and talent to run away with this game. It's easy to see why some are calling Al-Farouq Aminu the best freshmen post palayer in the country. The Wake Forest big men's ability to change ends of the court has been a factor.

The Tigers have limited Teague thus far. However, Clemson will have to play a supurb second half in order to win this game. In my opinion, Wake Forest is the top team in the country. I have yet to see anyone better. Clemson has given themselves a chance, but the late cold spell and a 6-0 Wake Forest run has pushed the Deacons ahead.

Littlejohn Hosts Top 10 Battle

It has been over ten years since Clemson has been involved in a game of this magnitude so early in the season. Clemson and Wake Forest will square off with first place in the ACC on the line this Saturday. These two teams have rarely been tested this year. If either team fails to show up, it will get ugly. There is too much talent on the floor for a close one if either team is off of their usual game.

I think the one area that Wake Forest has an advantage is that they have been in big games in their history. This is rare air for Clemson. Tiger fan's can only hope that this Clemson team will not fold under the pressure of this game. If Clemson can get out of the blocks quickly, scores often, and forces Wake Forest to face the press, they might get flustered. 

No matter what happens Tiger fans can expect a packed house and a fired up crowd. This game will be Clemson's first measuring stick in conference. It won't be long until Tiger fans know if Oliver Purnell and the boys are "for real" this season. 

Lightning Strikes Again

Spiller will return for his senior year. More updates to follow.

Spiller To Announce Intent Tomorrow

It looks more and more like C.J. Spiller will exit Tiger Town a year early. I have felt all along that his decision would hinge on two key areas, Mom and faith. I am sure he weighed all his options and while he is yet to announce his decision, it appears he may leave. 

Spiller will most likely be drafted in the second round and stands to make a nice salary in the NFL. Spiller has a rare combination of elusiveness and speed. Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans is probably a great example of what C.J. Spiller will bring to an NFL team. 

In the end, no matter his decision, C.J. Spiller will undoubtedly end his career as the most electrifying running back in Clemson history. His signing with Clemson instantly added credibility to a growing program. It will be a shame to not see Spiller sporting the #28 next year in Death Valley. 

Legit?

Clemson will have it's chance to show whether they are a team to
contend with over the next few weeks.

It all starts next Saturday against Wake. If Clemson can win that one,
they would head into Chapel Hill 17-0.