5 Good Questions: Clemson

I know it's last minute, but I've managed to scramble together a 5 Good Questions exchange with the guys from Block-C. My answers to there questions can be found right here.

Here we go:

1. Losing to Navy has definitely put Wake fans in a bad mood, and I think it's affecting our attitudes about this week's matchup with Clemson. Still, I'm guessing we're handling things a little bit better than Clemson fans. Give us a little bit of insight into the minds of Clemson fans right now. Is there much excitement for this week's game?

Literally, our fans are reeling right now. Our faith in the coach, team, and almost the program has been shaken. Everyone feels that there is a serious problem that needs to be corrected immediately. Also, for the most part we're embarrassed. It's uncomfortable to wear orange on Fridays. Given the fact that Alabama did to us what we were supposed to do to them in the first prime time game that EVERYONE saw and that we made the cover of Sports Illustrated for all the wrong reasons because of that game I'd say we're a little ashamed. Then we turn around and give the game away to Maryland. Our coaches are the problem and the way we're handling the situation it seems as if our community doesn't know how to handle firing someone (or contract negotiations, in hindsight).

2. How well do you think this Clemson team can bounce back from a loss like Maryland. Clearly they bounced back fairly well after losing to Alabama, but now with a second loss can they do it again?

Well, beating up on a bunch of weaker teams is definitely a morale booster, but this one is going to be hard to get over. Especially given that after we lost to Maryland, they then proceeded to get stomped on by UVA and that makes the entire situation hard to read. "Up is down and down is up" would be a good phrase to describe this year's college football universe. We're well into Bowden Rollercoaster-mode so who knows when the next up or down is coming.

3. Davis and Spiller both seem to be playing well, and I don't think Cullen Harper has been bad that bad, so what has caused Clemson to go entire halves without scoring points?

Coaching errors. Sensing a theme here? That and we have a young line. The team seems to lack a trust in each other for good reason. Harper has been pressured heavily and because of this he sometimes tends to lead receivers into punishing hits. They just can't get things to click on the field and it's showing.

4. Where do you think Clemson matches up favorably against the Deacs? Where will Clemson be at a disadvantage?

That is a pretty tough question for a couple of reasons, primarily because both teams have played erratically in each team's last several games. Clemson has installed some trick plays to mock some of the option plays that were successful for Navy against WF. I think that our backs could have success at the edges of the field with some of these schemes, but the WF defensive line should be able to handle things down the middle. I also think our secondary might fare well against Wake's misdirection, but like the trick plays that's just pure speculation.

Clemson will be at a disadvantage throwing the ball anywhere near CB Alphonso Smith. They avoided him like the plague last year and should follow suit this year. With Harper a bit more interception-prone this year it's even more of a tactical imperative to steer clear of him. Another disadvantage, of course, is playcalling.

5. Do you have any predictions for this one: Score? Particular performances? Death threats leveled at Bowden if Clemson loses?

Well, you can check out our preview post here. If we lose I don't necessarily think death threats will come about because we're Clemson, not some SEC team. I can foresee the for sale signs in Bowden's yard coming back, though. If the Tigers do lose, the scenario that follows will be the closest Bowden's nuts will have come to the bandsaw during his tenure here.

Great last minute work there, gentlemen. Thanks and good luck tonight. Make sure to visit Block-C for any Clemson info you need.

The live blog is currently up in the air - we'll have to see if someone comes through last minute (we may even get to share in the fun with Clemson fans, we'll see).