The Clemson Tigers opened up the 2017 scrimmage season with a 41-28 victory over the Marshall Thundering Heard. The 41 points was pleasing to the coaching staff that recruited on an "offense first" mentality.

Of course, if you take an offense first mentality, that means there may be some issues with the defense. All in all it was a decent day for the defense, but they did give up some big plays and will have to tighten up before ACC action and the regular season.

Offensive stars go to:
* 2nd string QB - Marshall Smith with 3 TD's
* RB - Dennis Dunford - 99yds on 9 carries and 1 TD
* TE - Harry Blay - 4 rec. / 86 yds. (a couple 3rd down receptions kept drives going).

Defensive starts go to:
* LDE - Greg Thompson - 4 tackles
* CB - Eugene Beaudet - 4 tackles (*aka "Buster Brown" Beaudet after his -7 training camp)

Next week's scrimmage is against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.

The above is a rendering of a dream I had last night. That's right! This dream was my Clemson Tigers taking home the 2017 National Championship Trophy! I don't know why, but it looks familiar??!!

2017 Preseason-

Clemson rolls through the preseason with an unblemished 4-0 record. The Tigers looked pretty good in the first 3 games, defeating Marshall, Rutgers, and Army. In game 4, it took a last second FG by K- Paul Chan to put away the Arizona Wildcats. So, although the Tigers are feeling pretty good about the preseason, it means nothing now...the "real season" is starting.

Season outlook -

QB - Neil O'Brien has the potential to be one of the league's finest QB's. He finished the preseason with a QBR of 120.68, that included 60% passing and 5 TD's 0 INT's. He will need the OLine to stay healthy if he wishes to continue those numbers.

Backfield - RB - Dennis Dunford averaged 5.2 YPC and had 2 TD's. He will also have to stay healthy to take some pressure off of O'Brien.

Receivers - WR - Chucky Ford was the Tigers first pick this year and we will need his speed and long ball threat to open up some of the short passes for other receivers. Ford averaged over 25YPC, but his catch % is under 50%. As he is a red shirt freshmen, that number should come up in the future.

Oline - This is what will make or break Clemson this year. There isn't much depth, but the 1st stringers are decent. We have hired extra training staff to make sure these guys are able to play every game.

Defense -

So far, so good with the defense. The coaching staff was a bit worried going into the preseason as the secondary is not the "speediest" bunch, but there is some speed and ability to pressure the QB from the LB positions, so the DB's need to cover and knock ***** down...AND don't let anyone behind 'em!

The Dline is average, but they carry the speed attribute and should be able to pressure the QB.

Looking forward to a great season. Good luck everyone!

Game 1 - Clemson 30 Miami 27
Season record - 1-0

This was the scene on the sidelines at the end of the Clemson / Miami game. HC - John Gallegos got the Gatorade shower for calling the game winning play to win an unbelievably great game.

The last play (of desperation) came from the hand of QB - Neal Obrien to WR - William Malley. The result was a 71yd completion that gave Clemson the win.

The match pitted 2 evenly matched ACC teams that delivered one great football game. Total yards for the game were: Miami 341 - Clemson 321. There were 15 sacks in the game also.

Game 2 is a battle to see who the dominant Tiger is, as LSU pays a visit to Clemson for their home opener.

Game 2 - LSU 25 Clemson 34
Season record - 2-0

The Tigers made a stop to Death Valley and took on the Tigers. The game dubbed the "dominant Tiger" game goes to the hometown Tigers 34-25.

The first half was explosive with each team putting up some big numbers. Clemson took a 28-19 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, both offenses settled down and scoring was lower. The decisive play came when LSU QB - Timothy Soileau fumbled in his own endzone and the ball was recovered by Clemson for a TD.

Stars of the game -

WR - William Malley continues his hot start with: 4 rec. / 164yds / 1 TD.
QB - Neil Obrien threw for 399yds / 4 TD's / 2 INT's.
SLB - James Roach gets a star for his fumble recovery for a TD and 3 tackles.

This sums up how Alabama fans reacted to their game against Clemson


Game 3 - Clemson 28 Alabama 20
Season record - 3-0

Clemson traveled to Alabama and came out with a hard fought 28-20 victory. The Crimson Tide's offense showed signs of life (only scoring 6 points total for games 1 and 2).

Stars of the Game:

WR - William Malley does it again: 7 rec / 209yds / 2 TD's
QB - Neil Obrien: 344yds / 4 TD's
RB - Dennis Dunford comes to life: 13 carries / 142yds.

Up next for Clemson is a division match with winless Florida State. The Tigers better be on their game because FSU is better than 0-3!

#13 William Malley catches another touchdown pass. His 7th this season!

Game 4 - Florida St. 17 Clemson 31
Season record - 4-0

The game was tight right up to the middle of the 4th quarter when Clemson added 2 TD's for the 14 point victory. WR- Chucky Ford outperformed his teammate WR- William Malley for the 1st time this season. Ford had 5 rec. / 128yds / 1 TD. Malley was not far behind with: 6 rec. / 98yds / 1 TD. RB - Dennis Dunford contributed with 17 carries / 119yds.

The Tigers have been able to use a balanced attack the last 2 games and have been able to stay undefeated. Next game is against the 3-1 Cal Golden Bears. The bookmakers have Clemson as a 10 point favorite, but I don't buy it. This should be a close game.

#9 - QB Neil Obrien takes a beating in game vs. Cal

Game 5 - Clemson 17 Cal Golden Bears 24
Season record 4-1

The picture above says it all! The Clemson QB's were under pressure all game. Cal had a game plan and executed it to perfection, keeping Neil Obrien and reserve QB Marshall Smith running for their lives. The QB's were sacked 10 times during the game and pressured many, many more.

The game was close throughout, but Cal had an answer every time Clemson did something productive. For example, Clemson kicked a field goal early on to make the score 7-3 Cal. On the ensuing kickoff Edwardo Gerrard returned it 97yds to put Cal up 14-3. Clemson would get close again at the half, trailing 21-17, but that was it, the Tigers were shutout the 2nd half.

This was the first loss for the #3 (not anymore) Tigers, who still maintain a one game lead in the division.

The Orange is next up for Clemson. The Tigers will have to rebound on the arm of 2nd string QB - Marshall Smith, as Neil Obrien will be out 7 weeks from the punishment he took against Cal.

Game 6 - Syracuse Orange 17 Clemson 33
Season record - 5-1

The Clemson Tigers got back on the winning side with a 33-17 win over the Syracuse Orange. The victory gives Clemson a 5-1 record and just as important, a 3-0 record in the division.

This game marked the first start for QB - Marshall Smith, who is filling in for QB - Neil Obrien (knee injury). Smith started a bit slow, but did a nice job. He finished: 24/45, 322yds, 2 TD's, 0 INT's. He will see more action the next few weeks and hopefully will have continued success.

LDE - Christopher Ramirez led the defense with 10 tackles and 4 sacks.

Up next for the Tigers will be the 2nd matchup of the season with Florida State. In the first meeting, Clemson won 31-17.

Game 7 - Clemson 21 Florida State 38
Season record 5-2

This one was a stinker for the Tigers of Clemson, losing to FSU 38-21. The loss puts the Tigers at 5-2. Still, they have a 1 game lead in the division.

Up next is the Washington Huskies. We'll see if the home crowd can help the Tigers get back on the winning side.

Just realized I have some updating to do...

Game 8 - Washington 20 Clemson 34
Season record - 6-2

Clemson scores 18 points in the 4th quarter to get by Washington 34-20. Pretty good defensive performance by Clemson, as they hold the Huskies to 219 total yards. Washington fumbled 4 times in the game and did not recover any...the difference in this one!

Game ball:
DT - Danny Herring - 6 Tackles , 3 sacks, 1FF


Game 9 - Clemson 48 Oregon 13
Season record - 7-2

Clemson scored 28 2nd quarter points and shut out Oregon in the 2nd half to boost their record to 7-2.

Backup QB - Marshall Smith is coming into his own, as he threw for 526yds, and 5 TD's. Neil O'Brien will be all healed up shortly and there could be a QB battle if Smith continues this pace.

Up next for Clemson is Ole Miss.