October 31, 2011

The Jackets sting again. Clemson vs. Georgia Tech game recap.

The Clemson Tigers did what they always do. They got down early, and after an interception in the fourth quarter by Rashard Hall, it looked as if the Tigers would make another miracle comeback. Unfortunately, though, Georgia Tech, fighting for their division livelihood did what it took to steal away Clemson’s undefeated season beating the Tigers 31-17.

Photo Credit: The News Tribune, John Bazemore AP Photo
Hall intercepted a pass by Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington and returned it to the nine yard line. On the very next play, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd attempted a pass to Sammy Watkins in the corner of the endzone, but Watkins stopped short and the pass was intercepted, all but ending the Tigers’ hopes of victory.

Turnovers, costly penalties and mental lapses led to disappointment in the Clemson locker room.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said the turnovers and lack of defensive inconsistency proved too costly.

“We just made too many costly errors tonight,” Swinney said. “We turned it over four times, had costly penalties, and allowed too many big plays. It’s not complicated, they out executed us in all phases. We did not quit. I’m proud of their effort. If we scored after Hall’s interception, we would have been seven points down with 10 minutes to play. We have no excuses, they just whipped us.”

The Clemson defense came out firing on the opening possession of the game forcing the Jackets three-and-out. The Tigers came out, marched down the field and capped the drive with a 34-yard field goal by Chandler Catanzaro.

Clemson’s next possession was very telling of how the night would go.

Redshirt freshman running back D.J. Howard caught a pass from Boyd out of the backfield and lost the ball on his way to the ground, giving the Jackets possession inside the ten yard line leading to a quick Tech touchdown.

Before halftime, Georgia Tech would add two more touchdowns and a field goal making it a 24-3 game at intermission.

The second half began a little better for the Tigers as Boyd found Watkins down the middle of the field for a 48-yard touchdown to make it 24-10.

Just two minutes later, the Jackets would answer with a long touchdown drive of their own to go up 31-10.

The Tigers seemed to headed toward the endzone on the following possession, but it was ended with a Mike Bellamy fumble.

Driving 97-yards down the field, the Tigers found the endzone again after a 10-play drive. Tajh Boyd took the ball and tried to sneak it in over the pile, but somehow lost the ball. But, right guard Brandon Thomas, fell on it and for the first time since 1966, an offensive lineman scored a touchdown making the score 31-17 with just over 10 minutes left in the game; however, the Tigers would never get any closer.

As disappointed as the fans were after the loss, Swinney said he had a disappointed locker room.

“That’s a very disappointed locker room. I’m disappointed, at the turnover in particular,” he said. And then some of the big plays where we didn’t make a play. But our guys didn’t quit. We get the pick, but then we have a miscommunication and turn it right back over. That’s the difference in the game.”

As disappointing as losing the undefeated season was and ending the national championship talk - although very farfetched - all of this team’s goals are still on the table.

The team will have this week off for the bye week and then return to Death Valley on November 12th in either a noon or 3:30 matchup with Wake Forest to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division title.

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele

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October 28, 2011

Tigers ready to take on the Georgia Tech demon. Clemson vs. GT game prediction.

Clemson has exercised many demons in 2011, but can they do it again in Atlanta? At night? On Homecoming?

IMG_0342The Tigers have fended off evil after evil, starting in early September against the reigning national champion Auburn Tigers, beating them in a sold-out Death Valley. Next was the over-hyped Florida State Seminoles and again the Tigers emerged victorious. After going 1-4 on the road in 2010, Clemson took on the fiend that was Virginia Tech and the night game in Lane Stadium. The result - a 23-3 romp of the Hokies. Clemson then returned home to face the always difficult Boston College Eagles and the Tigers continued to take care of business. A week later, Clemson traveled to Maryland and forced the spirit out of Byrd Stadium scoring 35 second half points.

Fast forward to Saturday and the Tigers travel to Atlanta - a place Clemson hasn’t won a game since 2001 - and the Tigers look to tackle the pesky Yellow Jackets to improve to 9-0 and essentially ruin Georgia Tech’s Coastal Division hopes.

I’m sure Tech head coach Paul Johnson has a few treats in store for Dabo Swinney’s team, but let’s take a look at how the two teams match up.

GEORGIA TECH OFFENSE VS CLEMSON DEFENSE
Georgia Tech’s offense put up Playstation-type numbers at the beginning of the season and looked like they could run the table and eventually contend for an ACC Championship, but let’s face it, those numbers have decreased since the Jackets have started playing a slightly more difficult schedule. Tech had 662 yards against Western Carolina, 596 against MTSU, 768 against Kansas and 496 against UNC. Once they got into the meat of their ACC schedule...against N.C. State, they had 413, then 386 against Maryland, 296 against Virginia and just 211 last week against Miami.

Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington began the season looking like he was a huge upgrade from last year’s quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, but he has been struggling as of late completing just 48 percent of his passes on the year. He is 45-for-93 for 1139 yards, ten touchdowns and five interceptions. He is, however, their third leading rusher with 460 yards and nine touchdowns. Paul Johnson’s triple-option attack requires opposing defenses to play very disciplined and do their assignments in order to not give up the big play.

Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will depend heavily on his defensive line and linebackers to contain the Georgia Tech running backs and tackle cleanly - both of which Clemson’s defense has had issues with the last couple of weeks. The Clemson secondary will have to stay awake and alert because after Tech runs the ball repeatedly and they think they have the defense sleeping they will hit the long pass to receiver Stephen Hill for a touchdown.

Rashard Hall, Xavier Brewer and company will need to not let their eyes peek into the backfield and just play their man. Clemson proved last year that they can shut down the triple option, but can they do it in Atlanta on national television? ADVANTAGE - SLIGHT GEORGIA TECH
IMG_0241

CLEMSON OFFENSE VS GEORGIA TECH DEFENSE
Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh has a much improved defense and his squad is ranked eighth nationally against the pass and 33rd in total defense, but again the question becomes what high octane offenses have they really faced. All of their opponents, except Middle Tennessee State (20th), have been ranked 50th or lower in total offense. Georgia Tech usually employs a 3-4 defense (three defensive linemen and four linebackers), but this will be a new challenge for Groh trying to decide which weapons he needs to focus on - Sammy Watkins, Nuk Hopkins, Dwayne Allen, Jaron Brown, Martavis Bryant, or Brandon Ford?

Clemson running back Andre Ellington won’t start this weekend because of an ankle injury, but don’t expect any drop off at the running back position as redshirt freshman D.J. Howard is third on the team with 167 yards, but is averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Freshman Mike Bellamy should also see plenty of playing time and as we saw against Virginia Tech he can make even the best defenses look silly with just one carry.

Clemson will need to come out and do what Clemson does - run the football effectively and give quarterback Tajh Boyd time to warm up and get his game going because as we’ve seen, once that happens it’s usually game over for opposing defenses. ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

SPECIAL TEAMS
Clemson’s special teams seem to have finally found their groove - minus the UNC kickoff return for a touchdown last week. Kicker Chandler Catanzaro is cruising along making 13-of-16 field goals and has been very consistent on extra points. Punter Dawson Zimmerman has been a game changer as expected averaging 42.7 yards per punt this season. And, welcome to the return game Sammy Watkins, who has now shown that he is a threat to take it back just like his predecessor C.J. Spiller.

As for the Jackets…well, they have been not so special in this category. Kicker Justin Moore is just 4-for-8 on field goals and punter Zach Laskey is averaging just 37 yards per punt (with a 17 yard punt last week). ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

BOTTOM LINE
232323232fp73453_nu=6884_644_254_WSNRCG=33;3__397_345nu0mrj
The 14 of the last 16 meetings between the Tigers and the Yellow Jackets have been decided by an average of 4.6 points, and the Tigers haven’t won in Atlanta since 2001. But, the upper classmen on this team who were around in 2009 when Clemson lost two heartbreakers to Georgia Tech still remember that gut-wrenching feeling of losing on a last minute field goal in the regular season and not making one stop in the ACC Championship Game. They will be ready for the task of stopping the pesky bees and continuing down the road to their next goal - winning the Atlantic. If not for phantom holding calls against the Tigers, Clemson will keep the streak alive.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 35, GEORGIA TECH 17

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele.

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October 26, 2011

Bloomin' Idiot Designs Clemson koozie giveaway winner

We were so excited to introduce you to Andra Hall and her new crafty business, Bloomin' Idiot Designs because we love that she initially used her talents to raise a ton of money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

We love her cute headbands, koozies, nametag holders and pins -- all available in Clemson colors of course! And the icing on the cake is all of her items currently in her Etsy store are under $10! These would make fabulous gifts for your Clemson friends and family.

One lucky Clemson Girl reader is going to win four of Bloomin' Idiot Designs handmade Clemson koozies!

After compiling all of the entries and randomly drawing...

...the winner is...

Lindsay H. from Winston-Salem, NC

Congrats Lindsay! Please email us at clemsongirlblog@gmail.com to claim your fabulous prize!

Thanks to Bloomin' Idiot Designs for sponsoring today's giveaway.

Who's looking forward to a big night game this weekend vs. GT? Will you be in Atlanta at the game?

Go Tigers!!

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Accessorize your gameday look with Bloomin' Idiot Designs (+ a giveaway)

Meet Andra Hall – a 2002 Clemson Health Science alum who, like most of us, loves all things orange, purple and Clemson. She even met her husband, also a 2002 Clemson alum, at a Columbia Clemson Young Alumni Club meeting.

Andra and her husband attend every Clemson home game to cheer on the Tigers. She was always on the lookout for great accessories to compliment her gameday outfits and one day decided to try making her own. Andra made her very first Clemson pin and wore it all the time, even on her lab coat at work, because she loved it so much. She got so many compliments on the pin, that she decided to take up the craft as a hobby and make more.

Soon she was making not only pins, but headbands, hair accessories, koozies and more. ..

Around the same time Andra started this new hobby, she learned that her sweet next door neighbor had Alzheimer’s disease, and his amazing wife was putting together a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. As a pharmacist, Andra has seen several patients with this disease and the effect it has on people’s lives. She quickly joined the team, and tried to do her part to raise money for the walk. Finding it hard to ask people for donations in these tough economic times, Andra felt like she could use her new craft hobby to raise money for the Walk. She started the fundraising toward the end of August and wrapped up sales on October 15th, and was able to raise a total of $1,222 dollars for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Andra and her neighbor.
Now that the fundraiser is over, Andra has decided to turn her hobby into a business and continue to sell her adorable Clemson designs. Since the products feature her unique hand crafted flowers, she came up with the name Bloomin’ Idiot Designs – love it!

Most of her products are under $10! How cute is this Tiger headband? Only $8!

You can shop Bloomin’ Idiot Designs on the Etsy site and follow Andra and Bloomin’ Idiot Designs on Facebook. You can also place special, custom orders with Andra through email: bloominkoozies@gmail.com.

Bloomin’ Idiot Designs Clemson Koozie Giveaway
Bloomin’ Idiot Designs and Andra would like to give one very lucky Clemson Girl reader four of her handmade Clemson koozies – a $30 value! These are the perfect accessory for gameday and with four of them, you can share with your family and friends.

How to Enter:
  1. Comment on this post with your first name, last initial and where you are from (1 entry).
  2. Follow Bloomin’ Idiot Designs on Facebook and comment “Clemson Girl sent me!” on the wall (1 entry).
  3. Share this giveaway on Facebook, then comment on this post letting us know you shared (1 entry).
  4. Follow Bloomin’ Idiot Designs on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway – include a link to this post and copy @scbloominidiot and @clemsongirl (1 entry).
  5. Email a link to this giveaway to two friends and copy us (clemsongirlblog@gmail.com) on the email (1 entry).
Deadline for all entries will be tonight at 7pm EST – we will randomly draw a winner and announce their name back on the blog around 8pm EST. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or we will draw a new winner. So don’t forget to come back and see if you’ve won so you don’t miss out on this amazing prize!

Big thanks to Andra and Bloomin’ Idiot Designs for sponsoring today’s giveaway… We love her adorable products – perfect for gameday for you and for your little Clemson fans.

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October 24, 2011

10.22.11 - Clemson vs. UNC gameday photos

How about them Tigers?!? Another fabulous win over UNC to continue Clemson's undefeated streak along with a rise in the BCS polls to #5.

Final score: Clemson 59, UNC 38

Special thanks to Melissa Nelson and Sara Coleman for taking this weekend's gameday photos for the blog. If you're interested in taking photos for the Wake Forest game in November, please email us (clemsongirlblog@gmail.com) and let us know. You will get a $25 gift certificate to a Clemson Girl sponsor of your choice in return!

You can view all of the gameday photos on our Flickr site or in the slideshow below. Enjoy!



I'm so sad there's only one more home game - but at least we can be almost 100% sure we will be playing in the ACC tourney and most likely a BIG bowl game. I am so proud of our Tigers!

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“It was a perfect day.” Clemson vs. UNC game recap.

Defensive end Kourtnei Brown is a senior from North Carolina who was named a team captain for Saturday’s ACC contest against North Carolina. He was featured on the game day ticket and some parking passes, and the game made his day even better as he scored two touchdowns on an interception and fumble recovery, helping Clemson record the 59-38 victory over the Tar Heels in Death Valley.

Clemson vs North Carolina (23)

Once again, the Tigers started off a little slow offensively and the defense gave up a couple of big plays, but fear not Tiger fans...for the first time in a long time, Clemson is a second half team. The Tigers (8-0, 5-0 ACC) scored 35 points in an explosive third quarter.

Quarterback Tajh Boyd recorded six touchdowns - five passes to five different receivers and one rushing - tying a school record. Receiver Nuk Hopkins had a breakout game with nine catches for 157 yards.

Clemson had a 17-10 second quarter lead highlighted by long touchdown passes to Hopkins and freshman Martavis Bryant. Late in the first half, with Clemson clinging to a 17-10 lead, Tar Heel quarterback Bryn Renner’s pass was tipped in the air by Brown, and after juggling the ball, Brown gained control and took it 20 yards for score, giving Clemson a 24-10 halftime lead. They led 24-17 at the half.

Clemson took the opening possession of the second half down the field and after a reviewed touchdown, Boyd stuck it in the end zone behind his powerful offensive line. On the ensuing kickoff, North Carolina fumbled the ball and the Tigers took over inside the 15-yard line. Two plays later, Boyd threw one of the prettiest passes I have seen all season- a back shoulder throw to tight end Brandon Ford - accounting for the Tigers’ 38-17 lead.

On Clemson’s next kickoff, Heels' return man T.J. Thorpe raced 100 yards up the field for a touchdown, the first for a Dabo Swinney coached team. But, it didn’t take long for the Tigers to make up for it as Boyd hit freshman phenom Sammy Watkins for a 42-yard touchdown that made it 45-24. On the Tigers’ next possession, they marched methodically down field on an 11-play drive that ended with a nine-yard Dwayne Allen touchdown reception. Kourtnei Brown would strike again and took a fumble in for another score.

After being up by such a large margin, some younger Tigers were able to gain some experience, which Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said was an important learning tool.

“Our plan was to spread it around today, and we did that,” Swinney said. “North Carolina has a good defensive front. We knew we were going to have to throw against them and win the outside matchups. We missed some big plays in the first half, but I’m proud of our wide receivers and Dwayne Allen. Tajh [Boyd] was fantastic. To throw a touchdown to five different guys – that’s hard to do. Sammy [Watkins] had a good day today. [Andre] Ellington got banged up a little but he’ll be ok. That gave D.J. Howard and Mike Bellamy a chance to play. We were bad on first down early, but that was something we made a good change on during halftime. We took care of the ball today. A lot of guys got to play and that gives us a lot of guys to coach.”

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele.

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October 21, 2011

What a difference a year makes. Clemson vs. UNC game prediction.

It was a little over a year ago when the Clemson Tigers traveled to baby blue country to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels and came away with a miserable 21-16 loss.

IMG_4813After the game, a tearful Dabo Swinney addressed a tent full of reporters explaining that he knew there were problems on his football team and that the feeling of losing that game is something that he never wanted to feel again. He ended his remarks promising the Clemson nation that he would get the ship corrected and make them proud to be Tigers again.

Coach Swinney went from tears of sadness and defeat at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill in October 2010 to tears of happiness after his team presented him with the game ball following a monumental win at Lane Stadium against Virginia Tech earlier this month.

So far, Coach Swinney has held up his end of the promise as the Tigers continue their campaign toward an undefeated season.

Let’s see how the Tigers and Heels match up for their noon kickoff in Death Valley.

NORTH CAROLINA (5-2, 1-2) AT CLEMSON (7-0, 4-0)

NORTH CAROLINA OFFENSE VS CLEMSON DEFENSE
The North Carolina offense is led by first year starting quarterback Bryn Renner who is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the ACC. Recently added to the Manning Award watch list, Renner has completed 128-of-170 attempts for 1,593 yards, and 14 touchdowns. The Heel’s offense will come out in a pro-style set looking to quickly establish the ground game with one of the ACC’s top running backs in Giovani Bernard who leads the Heels in rushing averaging just over 109 yards per game and 5.9 yards per carry. When UNC is running the ball, Renner will try to get the ball into the hands of wide receiver Dwight Jones who, according to reports this week, is the self-proclaimed top wide receiver in the conference.

The Clemson defense will have to be better at containing the run on the outside than they were against Maryland a week ago who put up over 450 yards and 45 points. If the Tiger defensive line and linebackers can stifle the run and force Renner to beat them through the air, look for Andre Branch and company to have another big game pressuring the quarterback. The defense must come out and play with a chip on their shoulder to prove that they are still improving as a unit and that what happened last week won’t happen in Death Valley. ADVANTAGE - SLIGHT CLEMSON

CLEMSON OFFENSE VS NORTH CAROLINA DEFENSE
With a healthy Andre Ellington, the Tigers finally have their explosive running game back. Ellington rushed for over 200 yards against the Terps a week ago behind an offensive line that continues to improve and impress. The offensive line will have a daunting task of giving Ellington a hole to run through and protecting quarterback Tajh Boyd against a very talented, NFL-caliber Tarheel defensive front led by 6-6, 290-pound defensive end Quinton Coples.

Even with a stellar ground game, look for offensive coordinator Chad Morris to give Boyd the opportunity to throw the ball earlier in the game as he got off to an unusual slow start at Maryland. The good news, though, is that Boyd seems to play his best games in the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium. Boyd should have plenty of success throwing the ball against a UNC secondary that ranks 10th in the conference and 92nd in the nation against the pass.

The Heels will have to decide how they want to defend this explosive Clemson offense that scoring 38 points per game. Do they want to double team superman Sammy Watkins and give Nuk Hopkins, Martavis Bryant, Charone Peake, Jaron Brown, or Dwayne Allen the opportunity to score? ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

SPECIAL TEAMS
Once Clemson put all of the pieces together, the special teams unit became special again. Sammy Watkins finally had his moment to run a kick back - hitting a crease the size of the Grand Canyon and taking it 89-yards untouched to the end zone.

Punter Dawson Zimmerman is having another great year as he handles punts, kick-offs, and holds extra points and field goals. And, Chandler Catanzaro, who many were unsure about coming into the season has found his groove hitting 12-of-14 field goals this season.

UNC special teams took a huge hit when kicker Casey Barth pulled a groin muscle rendering him out for the season. His replacement Thomas Moore has only attempted 2 field goals and is 1-for-2. A big play in the return game could happen for either team with Watkins returning kicks for the Tigers and TJ Thorpe, one of the top return men in the ACC, returning kicks for the Heels. Without Barth, though... ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

BOTTOM LINE
232323232fp733___nu=3382_257_;7__WSNRCG=33;3587782343nu0mrjThis season the Tigers are 20-7 (3-0 this season) in redemption games, or games where the opponent beat them on the road the previous season. I expect Clemson to move to 4-0 in this category behind another career game for Chad Morris’ offense and an inspired performance by defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s defense. Even if the Tigers aren’t leading at halftime, as they have been down 3 times this season, don’t expect the players or coaches to panic. Clemson handles adversity just as well as it handles success. Look for Clemson to extend their streak of scoring in 19 consecutive quarters as it sends John Swofford, Ron Cherry and the rest of the baby blue faithful back to wine and cheese country.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 33, UNC 17

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele.


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McAuley's Unique Boutique giveaway winner

TGIF! It's finally Friday and time for another Clemson home game! If the Tigers...wait....WHEN the Tigers beat UNC tomorrow, Clemson will be 8-0! What an exciting season!

What are you wearing this weekend? Brr it's getting cold outside. We hope you were inspired by the new gameday looks from McAuley's Unique Boutique. We are excited that McAuley's Unique Boutique is giving one very lucky Clemson Girl reader $50 to spend with them!

After compiling all of your entries and randomly drawing a name, the winner is...

April V. from Seneca, SC

Congrats April! Please contact us at clemsongirlblog@gmail.com by Monday at 5pm EST to claim your prize!

Special thanks to McAuley's Unique Boutique for sponsoring today's giveaway!

We hope every one has safe travels to Clemson this weekend if you're heading to town for the game. Go Tigers!!

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October 20, 2011

New Clemson gameday looks with McAuley's Unique Boutique... (+ a giveaway)

Did anyone else step outside today and immediately say, "Brrr!!"?? Temperatures are starting to drop as we head towards November...Saturday's Clemson weather forecast is calling for a high of only 70 and a low of....46!

This means that while it might be nice and breezy in the stadium, you're going to be chilly in the shade of your tailgate -- especially tailgating before the game in the morning.

Dress in layers! McAuley's Unique Boutique has just gotten in a ton of new Clemson gameday looks that can be layered and combined so you'll look super stylish but stay warm and cozy at the same time.

Even though it's Thursday, you can STILL get your gameday outfit for the weekend from McAuley's Unique Boutique -- all orders placed by 2pm EST this afternoon will ship today (and orders shipped to SC, NC, as well as most of GA and VA will arrive tomorrow), but there's also the option of in store pickup. Just order online and mention in the checkout notes that you plan to pick up your order, then swing by the store on your way into town Friday or Saturday.

All of these looks are versatile too - you can mix and match the pieces to create different gameday outfits for future Clemson home games, and many of these looks are wearable for more than just Clemson home games.

If you're a Clemson student with Tiger Stripe, you're in luck! McAuley's Unique Boutique accepts Tiger Stripe!

McAuley's Unique Boutique purposely does not purchase in bulk so you can be guaranteed not to see every other girl in your outfit at the games. However, this means that looks sell out FAST -- so make sure you follow McAuley's Unique Boutique on Facebook and on Twitter - as soon as new apparel comes in, they post first to their social media sites.

McAuley's Unique Boutique Giveaway
McAuley's Unique Boutique would like to give one very lucky Clemson Girl reader a $50 gift certificate to the boutique - to be used online or in store.

How to Enter:
  1. Comment on this post with your first name, last initial, and where you are from (1 entry).
  2. Become a fan of McAuley's Unique Boutique on Facebook and then post another comment letting us know you are a fan (1 entry).
  3. Follow McAuley's Unique Boutique on Twitter and then tweet about this giveaway - include a link to this post and include @shopmcauleys and @clemsongirl (1 entry).
  4. Share this post on Facebook, then comment on this post letting us know you shared (2 entries!).
  5. Email a link to this post to two of your friends and copy us (clemsongirlblog@gmail.com) on the email (1 entry).
Deadline for all entries is tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 21st at NOON EST... we will compile all of the entries, randomly draw a winner and post the winner's name to the blog Friday afternoon. Don't forget to come back to see if you've won -- the winner will have until Monday, Oct. 24th at 5pm EST to contact us to claim their prize or we will draw a new winner.

Hooray for cute Clemson gameday outfits, McAuley's Unique Boutique and another Clemson home game on Saturday!! Whoo hoo - Go Tigers!!

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October 18, 2011

So Jennifer Boutique giveaway winner

How adorable are the skirts and dresses from So Jennifer Boutique? Perfect for Clemson Girls of all ages.

So Jennifer Boutique, created and operated by Clemson alum Jennifer Capell, is giving one very lucky Clemson Girl reader an orange ruffle skirt with a purple waistband in the size of their choice.

We compiled all of your entries and randomly drew a winner...

{drumroll}

The winner is...

...

Danielle L. from Ware Shoals, SC

Congrats Danielle! Please email us at clemsongirlblog@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Thank you So Jennifer Boutique for sponsoring today's super cute giveaway -- make sure you follow her on Facebook to be the first to see her newest designs.

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So Jennifer Boutique – Adorable orange & purple (+ a giveaway)

Today we have an exciting giveaway from a Clemson alum owned, new business, So Jennifer Boutique – an online boutique offering women’s and children’s custom skirts and little girl dresses.

First, meet boutique owner Jennifer Capell – a ’97 Clemson alum who majored in Accounting. She was a Clemson Rally Cat her Junior and Senior years. She told us that she love, love, loved cheering on the Tigers and that being on the football field and the basketball court was exhilarating. She says that now her heart sings whenever she gets the opportunity to get back to campus and be surrounded by orange, purple and the Clemson spirit!

Jennifer is in a house divided – her husband roots for that other South Carolina team – and she has two children that she’s raising as Tiger fans, although she says her son will sometimes root for the Gamecocks…but her daughter, Ashlynnn, is a Tiger fan all the way!

Her daughter Ashlynn was Jennifer’s inspiration to start So Jennifer Boutique – Jennifer was always on the hunt for cute outfits for Ashlynnn and eventually decided to learn to make them herself, despite never having sewn a stitch in her life. After a few sewing classes, Jennifer discovered she had a new found passion (and talent) for creating cute new outfits for Ashlynn, and then eventually for herself too.

One day, Jennifer ran across this orange ruffle fabric. She immediately thought about Clemson and how fun it would be to make a skirt for Ashlynnn in Clemson colors using the fabric. So with the orange ruffle fabric and a purple elastic waistband, the Clemson Ruffle Skirt was born.

Jennifer continued to come up with more skirt designs and soon started creating dresses and other unique outfits – so she created So Jennifer Boutique to be able to share her cute designs with everyone.

So Jennifer Boutique’s hottest item is of course the ruffle skirt – available in toddler, youth AND adult sizes. Skirts are custom made to you or your child's measurements. They are available in orange and in purple of course – but you can also get it in other colors.

How cute is the matching mother and daughter skirts!?!

You can also get the ruffle dress – available in long sleeve or short sleeve. How cute is Jennifer’s model – her adorable daughter Ashlynn!?

In addition to getting your little Clemson Girls into the Clemson spirit, get them into the Halloween spirit – check out this super cute Halloween Palmetto ruffle dress. So Jennifer Boutique will soon have Christmas outfits added to the store…so make sure you follow the boutique on Facebook so you will be the first to know when they are available.


Check out the newest So Jennifer Boutique item, the ruffle ballet wrap skirt – available in toddler and youth sizes. So, so very cute! I think I’ve said the word ‘cute’ 100 times in this post – but how could you not!? :)

So Jennifer Boutique also sells pillowcase dresses, A-line dresses, and A-line skirts for sizes 12 months to 6 years.

Of course all the items are available in Clemson colors (and that other team’s colors…), but every style you see can be customized to the color combination of your choice. You can shop So Jennifer Boutique through the Etsy shop or place orders directly by email (sojenniferboutique@gmail.com) or by phone (803.546.9109).

Follow So Jennifer Boutique’s blog and Facebook page to stay up to date on new designs, sales and promotions, etc.

So Jennifer Boutique Ruffle Skirt Giveaway
Jennifer would like to give one lucky Clemson Girl reader their very own orange ruffle skirt in a size of their choice (any size from 2T up to Women’s – custom made just for you or your little Clemson Girl). NOTE: Due to the customized nature of this prize, prize will take 2 to 3 weeks to be delivered to winner.

How to Enter:
  1. Comment on this post with your first name, last initial, and where you are from (1 entry).
  2. ‘Like’ So Jennifer Boutique on Facebook and post on the wall “Clemson Girl sent me” (1 entry).
  3. Share this giveaway on Facebook, then post another comment letting us know you shared (1 entry).
  4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter – include a link to this post and copy @clemsongirl (1 entry).
  5. Email a link to this giveaway to two friends, copy us clemsongirlblog@gmail.com (1 entry).
Deadline for all entries will be tonight at 7pm EST. We will compile all of your entries, randomly draw a winner and announce the winner’s name back on the blog around 8pm EST. The winner has 48 hours to contact us or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Jennifer and So Jennifer Boutique for sponsoring this amazing giveaway today! We love supporting Clemson alum owned businesses! Go Tigers!!

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October 17, 2011

A spark is all it takes to start a fire. Clemson vs. Maryland game recap.

The Clemson Tigers got off to a sluggish start - down 18 points twice - in the second and third quarters during Saturday’s game at Byrd Stadium. All it took was one play - a Bashaud Breeland interception - to ignite the fire that is Clemson football.

With the Maryland Terrapins well on their way to a route of the No. 8 Tigers, Breeland intercepted the ball and returned it 29 yards, giving Clemson new life and new confidence that would lead to a 56-45 victory and save their perfect season.

The Tigers began the game on the one-yard line after Sammy Watkins muffed the kickoff and was unable to get any sort of return. Clemson would ride the back of running back Andre Ellington 95 yards before stalling in the red zone, setting a Chandler Catanzaro field goal that put the Tigers up 3-0.

The Clemson defense came out strong, stopping Maryland after a short drive. On the punt, Watkins appeared to have come in too far and had to field the punt over his shoulder causing a fumble that was recovered by the Terps setting up a quick seven-yard score putting Maryland ahead 7-3.

On Clemson’s next possession, Tajh Boyd, who was apparently mentally rattled, threw a pass right into the arms of a Terrapin defensive back that was returned 40 plus yards giving Maryland a 14-3 lead.

At halftime, Maryland led the Tigers 28-17.

The second half began much like the first half ended. Maryland marched methodically down the field for a touchdown and Clemson punted on their first possession giving Maryland an 18 point lead.

On the next Terrapin possession, Breeland provided the spark, intercepting a CJ Brown pass and returning it to the Maryland 15 yard line. Three plays later, Boyd would complete a pass to Watkins to make it a 35-24 game.

IMG_4833Maryland and Clemson would swap field goals on their next possessions for a 38-27 score.

Clemson’s run began with Boyd throwing for another touchdown, Watkins returning a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown and Ellington scampering 44 yards for another score.

The Clemson defense was able to stop Brown one final time to allow the Tigers to win the game on offense.

Final Score: Clemson 56, Maryland 45.

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele.

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October 14, 2011

There are no guarantees in College Park, Maryland... Clemson vs. Maryland game prediction.

The last time Clemson won at Byrd Stadium was in 2007, a 30-17 victory, better known as the James Davis guarantee game. The Clemson running back promised Tiger Nation that they would return home with a victory and the Tigers delivered.

No matter who is the better team or how many games each team has won, the Maryland Terrapins are always a tough opponent for the Clemson Tigers. From 2005 to 2008, the visiting team came away with the victory, but for the last two years, the home team has pulled the upset. In 2009, the future-ACC Atlantic Division champion Tigers lost 24-21 to a two-win Terrapin team. Last year, the nine-win Terps lost 31-7 to a 6-7 Clemson squad.

Can Clemson (6-0, 3-0) avoid the upset against division foe Maryland (2-3, 1-1) on their Homecoming night?

MARYLAND OFFENSE VS CLEMSON DEFENSE

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There’s a quarterback controversy brewing in College Park with Danny O’Brien, the sophomore starting quarterback, being yanked in favor of back-up C.J. Brown in the Terps’ loss to Georgia Tech a week ago. The starter won’t be named until game time and each presents a different set of problems. O’Brien is more of a pocket passer who can pull it down and take off. He is 97-for-156 for 930 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions. C.J. Brown is more of a running quarterback who can also throw. He is second on the Terps in terms of rushing. He has carried the ball 11 times for 153 yards and a touchdown. His career-long is 77 yards which came last week against Georgia Tech. Running back Davin Meggett leads the team with 83 touches for 413 yards.

Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will probably have a game plan similar to the one last week against Boston College. The Tigers will load the box with defensive linemen and linebackers to stop the Terp rushing attack and force the Maryland quarterbacks to throw the ball.

The Clemson defensive line has come alive over the last three weeks, putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and recording nine sacks. Look for that success to continue against Maryland, who will be without two of their offensive linemen. Clemson linebacker Tig Willard has been a force to be reckoned with this season, as he is averaging over six tackles per game and according to Steele takes an entire chunk of the field away from offense because he always does his job. ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

CLEMSON OFFENSE VS MARYLAND DEFENSE
Just as with Maryland, the biggest question for the Tigers is the health of quarterback Tajh Boyd, who suffered a hip injury against Boston College. Boyd says that he is ready to go, but Maryland’s defense will go after him and try to take away the threat. His running capabilities have been a huge part of Clemson’s offense this season, and he has really shown those abilities over the last couple of weeks, even running one in from 14 yards out against Boston College.

Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins has been a freshman phenom this season with three games of over 140 receiving yards and he is only one 140-yard game away from tying Perry Tuttle’s record of four games in a career.

And, welcome to the big time Dwayne Allen. Allen is second on the team in receiving with 22 catches for 340 yards and four touchdowns. He is a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators - with all of the wide receiver weapons that Clemson possesses, opponents have to put a linebacker on him and linebackers just can’t keep up with the speedy 6-4, 255-pound tight end.

The Tigers will be facing an injury-depleted Maryland defense. The Terps will be without leading tackler Demetrius Hartsfield and the status of linebacker Kenny Tate is doubtful. The Terrapin defense held Georgia Tech scoreless most of the second half and to only 386 total yards a week ago, and they will need another great effort against the high octane Clemson offense. ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

SPECIAL TEAMS
Clemson kicker Chandler Catanzaro has finally become the kicker everyone thought he could be, making all five of his kicks in last week’s win. He is a very consistent 10-for-12 on field goals this season.

Mister Reliable, punter Dawson Zimmerman, has also been stellar all season and has taken over the kick off duties in place of the injured Spencer Benton.

Nick Ferrara for the Terps handles all three phases of the kicking game. He is averaging 44.1 yards per game punting and is 6-for-9 on field goals. Neither team has had break-out game in returns, but look for that to change for the Tigers… ADVANTAGE - CLEMSON

BOTTOM LINE
Maryland is always a tough one for the Tigers no matter the team records or the location of the game, and I don’t see that changing this year. With this game being at night and the game being the Terps’ Homecoming, I look for this to be a close game heading into the fourth quarter.

The X-factor will be the return game, and against Maryland the Tigers usually have BIG success - Don Kelley had 223 total return yards in 1970; Doug Thomas had a 98-yard return in Baltimore; in 1991, Darnell Stephens had an 89-yard punt return; in 2001, Derrick Hamilton had 100-yard kickoff return; in 2009, C.J. Spiller, wearing just one shoe for most of the return, had a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown; in 2010, Andre Ellington had an 87 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and Jaron Brown had a 41-yard punt return to set up a score in that game as well. On a big special teams play, Clemson spoils the Terps’ Homecoming.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 31, MARYLAND 20

Post written by ClemsonGirl.com sports blogger, Nikki Steele.

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Clemson Gameday Look: Fur the first time...

Get the look:

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October 13, 2011

Clemson Area Moms Giveaway winner

Hello ladies... it's time to announce another lucky Clemson Girl reader as the winner of another fabulous Clemson-themed giveaway.

We hope you took the time to get to know the new online resource Clemson Area Moms. In honor of their launch, they sponsored a fabulous giveaway on the blog today. One lucky lady is winning the following Upstate local prize package:

1 Fatz of Anderson Tailgating package
1 dozen cupcakes from Kupcake Killer
1 pair of Palmetto State earrings from Magdalene
1 $25 Gift Certificate from Tiger Cuts, plus an awesome gift tote of Pureology Products.

After compiling all of your entries and randomly drawing a winner...

...congrats to...

Barbara Peck of Anderson, SC

Hooray Barbara! Please email us (clemsongirlblog@gmail.com) to claim your prize package!

Thanks to everyone who entered today and special thanks to Clemson Area Moms for sponsoring the giveaway.

Friday is finally almost here! I live for the weekends -- especially during football season. Go Tigers!!

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New resource for Clemson area moms (+ giveaway)

Good morning ladies! Happy Thursday - we're so close to the weekend!

We're excited to introduce you to a new online resource for moms in the Clemson area - ClemsonAreaMoms.com

This new site is your one-stop-shop for family fun in the Upstate. It has a Calendar of Events, Things to Do, Community happenings, and more...

Clemson Area Moms wanted to get the word out about their new site by sponsoring a fabulous prize package giveaway -- this prize package is amazing...seriously...who wouldn't want this?

One lucky Clemson Girl reader will win...

1 Fatz of Anderson Tailgating package
1 dozen cupcakes from Kupcake Killer
1 pair of Palmetto State earrings from Magdalene
1 $25 Gift Certificate from Tiger Cuts, plus an awesome gift tote of Pureology Products.

A value worth over $90! This would be a great package for anyone in town for a Clemson home game - get your hair done, put on your new earrings, and then pick up your Fatz and cupcake treats for your tailgate. :)

NOTE: Some of these prizes are local to the Upstate - so please note that some of these prizes can only be redeemed at the businesses at the specified locations. You don't have to live in the Upstate to win, but some of the prizes will have to be redeemed locally.

How to Enter:
  1. Comment on this post with your first name, last name, and where you are from. (1 entry)
  2. 'Like' Clemson Area Moms on Facebook and then comment on their page "Clemson Girl sent me!" (1 entry)
  3. Share this giveaway on Facebook, then post another comment letting us know you shared. (1 entry)
  4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter -- include a link to the post and copy @clemsongirl in the tweet. (1 entry)
  5. Email a link to this giveaway to two friends and copy us - clemsongirlblog@gmail.com (1 entry)
Deadline for all entries is tonight at 7pm EST -- We will compile all of the entries, randomly draw a winner and post the winner's name back to the blog around 8pm EST tonight.

Make sure you check out Clemson Area Moms and don't forget to enter in this fab giveaway! Go Tigers!

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October 11, 2011

Passionately Rivalicious Giveaway Winner

Thank you ladies for showing new to Clemson Girl, Passionately Rivalicious, such a warm Clemson welcome today! We loved reading all of your comments on their Facebook page.

We are also super excited that we get to announce TWO winners today - each will receive a $25 gift certificate to spend on the Passionately Rivalicious website --> http://www.prfanshop.com/

After compiling multiple entries and randomly drawing two winners, the winning ladies are...

Mary Bess J. from Ridgeway, SC

AND

Renee T. Boiling Springs, SC

Congrats ladies!! Please email us (clemsongirlblog@gmail.com) to claim your awesome prizes!

Special thanks to Passionately Rivalicious for sponsoring today's giveaway!

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