As we continue our journey along “Games Fresno State isn’t good enough to choke in” highway, we come to the intersection of the I65 and I40, as well as the ACC and SEC.
Clemson (8-4, 6-2 ACC) vs. Kentucky (7-5, 3-5 SEC)
December 27, 2009 8:00 PM ET
LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
One of the questions that surrounds this game is whether or not I can make it through the entire preview without cracking a joke about the sponsor’s name. Since I occasionally can stifle my inner twelve year old, and since they are an amazing organization with (I’m sure) a powerful legal team, this shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed the goin’s on at the Opry, so I’ll leave it be.
Yet another storied post-season competition, this one celebrating it’s twelfth year, third set of conference affiliations (Big lEast and Big T1e1n, previously), and multiple sponsors. Past affiliations included “homepoint.com” and the good folks at AIG; next year, Gaylord will move to a secondary relationship with the bowl while Franklin American Mortgage takes over in the title slot.
So far, so good.
This year will be a rematch of the 2006 game, where Kentucky prevailed 28-20. In fact, the Wildcats are 2-1 in this game since it’s inception. The 06 Kentucky squad was led by QB Andre Woodson; I imagine the Kats would love to have him back behind center.
Not that Freshman Morgan Newton needs that much help. Following the injury to Mike Hartline (Brian’s brother), Newton leads an offense that may be familiar to the Oregon fans who’ve fallen in love with our website. Coach Rich Brooks (former Duck) has ignited the Wildcats, and is considered one of the top coaches in the SEC. Brooks has utilized sophomore WR and return specialist Randall “don’t call me Tex” Cobb to continue to spread the field for his offense, which is averaging just over 27 points a game.
Defensively, all SEC tackle Corey Peters anchors the front of a defense that is giving up just over 22 points a game, and who has achieved a positive .25 turnover ratio (maybe they recovered one of the laces?). The Wildcats have two signature wins on the road this season- at Auburn and at Georgia, and pushed Tennessee to OT before losing. The Music City is their fourth consecutive bowl and would be their fourth consecutive win.
In his first year at the helm of the program, ACC coach of the year Dabo Swinney led the Tigers to a Coastal championship, and one game away from playing Iowa in the BCS. The Tigers have some of the greatest traditions in college football, but will not be able to bring Howard’s Rock or The Hill to Nashville with them. Which may be a good thing… (33 second mark)
Random fun fact- Clemson is one of only two teams to have a purple and orange color scheme, and both are in the ACC. The other? Va Tech. And now you know.
All discussion of Clemson begins and ends with All Everything C.J. Spiller. If you haven’t seen him, then thank God for YouTube. The Tigers are averaging over 360 yards per game, balanced between 169 rushing and 195 passing. While QB Kyle Parker has thrown 12 picks, his 2300 yards and 19 TDs help keep opposing defenses from loading the box to slow down Spiller.
Over on the Defense, safety DeAndre McDaniel leads the team with 8 interceptions, including one taken back for a score. Linebacker Brandon Maye’s 101 tackles are a team best; he has amassed three sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception throughout the season as well. Clemson’s defense is only allowing a 39% conversion rate on third downs.
Enjoy the game in prime time this year… you know, if you’re in the area you can probably still go. Clemson is having ticket sales issues (remember when we talked about this?), and it looks like UK fans have been offered some additional seats.
Who Are We Picking?
Jeff at the BBC: Clemson
Mali: Clemson
Jim: Clemson
Eric: Clemson
While this will probably get me kicked out of the UK alumni association, I’m going along with the masses and choosing the Tigers over the Wildcats. I can tell you why in two letters and one word: C. J. Spiller.
At least Coach Brooks got what he wanted for Christmas…
For more on this amazing game, don’t forget to check in with our SBN partners Shakin’ The Southland and A Sea Of Blue.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
