It’s a rematch of the 2006 Music City Bowl for Kentucky in the Wildcats’ bid
for a school-record fourth consecutive postseason win. For a preview of their
opponent, Clemson, we caught up with the radio play-by-play voice of the Tigers–Pete
Yanity.
Was it a surprise that Clemson won eight games this season?
“I’d say it was a surprise from the standpoint of a 2-3 start. But going
into the year, a lot of folks thought this might be a darkhorse team–with
C.J. Spiller coming back–the big question mark being how would the quarterback
develop?”
What happened in the 34-17 loss at South Carolina in the regular season
finale?
“A couple of things. For one, South Carolina played a very good game
and they had their best day running the football against a major opponent.
Once they got a lead, they could kinda control things. At the same time, it
was a Clemson team that had just come off winning the ACC Atlantic (Division)
title the week before and for the first time ever, had to get ready for the
ACC title game. Everyone said it was an important game, an in-state rival,
but you wonder if that played (a role). We’ll never know. And Clemson had some
critical turnovers in that South Carolina game and that was atypical of the
season.”
What can you tell us about the freshman quarterback, Parker?
“He’s got a real gunslinger of an arm and he has no guilt whatsoever.
He will throw it between the hands of two defenders if he thinks he can get
it to his receiver. He’s a very confident player. The fact that he had played
college baseball for two years probably helped him a little bit to make the
adjustment.
He’s actually a little bit better getting out of the pocket when he has to
than it appears. And on top of all that, he only threw about 10 interceptions.
He’s a pretty smart guy, so not only does he trust his arm, he knows when to
trust his arm.”
Defensively, what did the Tigers do best?
“This was a team that had a new coordinator in Kevin Steele, who came
in from Alabama. They were outstanding in terms of forcing turnovers, especially
interceptions. The secondary is probably as deep as any in the country. The
front and the back of the defense were very deep areas. The linebackers had
some issues in terms of depth. Defensive ends (Sapp and Bowers) are really
good. Weakness? Stopping the run, at times–especially when it was a play designed
for the opposing quarterback to run.”
Did Clemson see much of the Wildcat formation?
“Didn’t see much of it. Virginia tried it with some success but Clemson
adjusted to it pretty well. South Carolina used it for one series but it was
a series that did lead to a touchdown.”
What about Clemson’s mindset after missing out on the Orange Bowl?
“From a player standpoint, I think they’re doing their best. This time,
the emotional hurdle to get over is if you stop Georgia Tech one more time,
you’re playing in the Orange Bowl. I think there’s a better focus because this
team doesn’t want to end on a three-game losing streak. With Dabo Swinney now
the head coach, he’s very much an in-your-face kinda guy and he’s going to
harp on the fact that you’ve got to be ready to play.”
What makes C.J. Spiller special?
“He’s one of the few athletes I’ve ever seen that can put a head fake
on laterally and still make it appear that he’s moving north-south. He’s got
an amazing ability to make guys miss. If you’re one-on-one with him, chances
are, you’re going to lose and if he gets a step on you, you’re not going to
catch him. You just can’t catch the guy.”
