August 30, 2013

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Georgia

In case you haven’t heard football is back in Death Valley, and the August 31st opener may be the biggest game in Clemson, in the last 30 years.

The Tigers will renew an old rivalry against the Georgia Bulldogs in front of a national television audience Saturday evening in a game that could have national championship implications.

The story lines are abundant in this game, with high-powered offenses and the ACC versus the SEC, but which team is ready to take that next step toward being an elite team and making a run toward Pasadena?

No. 5 Georgia at No. 8 Clemson

Why Georgia Might Win
The Georgia Bulldogs may have the best offense in the country with the potent combination of veteran quarterback Aaron Murray and running backs Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley. Murray has had a tendency in the past to start slow or not play to his potential in big games; however, after almost single-handily winning the SEC Championship Game against Alabama, Murray appears to have taken a big step toward being consistent on the big stage. Gurley and Marshall combined for over 2,000 yards in 2012 and will only get better in 2013 behind an experienced offensive line. If Georgia can establish a consistent running game, then Murray can use the play-action pass against Clemson’s young and inexperienced secondary.

Why Clemson Might Win
As loaded as Georgia’s offense is, Clemson doesn’t exactly have a shortage of playmakers on offense either. The Tigers return quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins, along with a plethora of other playmakers. The good news is that the Tigers also return four starters on the offensive line. If Clemson is to be successful Saturday night, they are going to have to establish a running game with Roderick McDowell, Zac Brooks and C.J. Davidson in order to keep the defense from keying in on Boyd and the passing game.

Defensively, Clemson brings back an experienced defensive front led by defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and Josh Watson and linebackers Spencer Shuey and Quandon Christian. The Tigers should be able to get pressure on the quarterback more consistently in 2013, and if they can make Murray uncomfortable the Bulldogs may become one-dimensional.

The X-Factors

Chandler Catanzaro: With both teams essentially being even on both offense and defense, the game could come down to special teams. Enter Chandler Catanzaro. Catanzaro missed only one field goal and two extra points in 2012; however, he hit the game- winning field goal in the Chick-fil-A Bowl game against LSU. If the Tigers can stay within striking distance, Catanzaro can be the difference maker late in the game with a big kick.

Vic Beasley: Beasley burst on the scene last season, racking up a team-high eight sacks in just 288 snaps. As a full-time starter in 2013, Beasley is ready to take that number to a whole new level and wreak havoc on opposing teams. The key for the Clemson defense against Georgia will be making Murray uncomfortable and that all starts with Beasley, who can over power an offensive lineman or just run right past them. If Beasley can consistently get past Georgia’s experienced offensive line, then it could be a long night for the Bulldogs.

Clemson Offensive Snap Count: The Clemson Tigers averaged over 80 plays per game in 2012 and ran over 100 plays twice, something the Georgia defense just doesn’t see in the SEC. As fast as the Tigers were a year ago, Morris wants to go even faster this season and push the snap count up to 92-94 plays per game. If the Tigers can run at least 85 plays, they will have an advantage over the Bulldogs on what is sure to be a hot and humid night in Death Valley. Many will make the claim that Georgia’s defense should be well-rested and fresh in the first game of the season, but playing in the heat against an offense that likes to snap the ball with 25 to 30 seconds remaining on the play clock can take a toll on a young defense that has yet to play a game.

What Will Happen
Death Valley will be rocking with what could be the largest crowd since the first Bowden Bowl in 1999, but when the ball is snapped, it all comes down to who can hit the hardest and who can score the most points. Make no mistake about it, both teams are going to score points and both defenses are going to make mistakes. However, with the home crowd behind them, the Clemson defense will make the crucial stops necessary at the end of the game to seal the victory.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 31 – GEORGIA 27

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele.


August 28, 2013

Share your Clemson gameday outfits!

We want to see your Clemson gameday outfits from this weekend's game! Share your photo on Instagram and tag us (@clemsongirlblog) and use hashtag #clemsongirlstyle. You can also share your gameday outfit photos with us via email (clemsongirlblog@gmail.com) or message us on our Facebook page.

We will share our favorite gameday looks on the blog next week (and give you credit of course!). One lucky Clemson Girl will win a Clemson Girl prize pack for the best gameday outfit!


Outfit Above: Sunglasses | Tank | Necklace | Sandals
Skirt is homemade and other jewelry purchased years ago.

We can't wait to see all of your gorgeous Clemson gameday outfits! Go Tigers!


August 27, 2013

Clemson Gameday Wreaths

Football season is so close... it's here, it's here! Saturday feels like Christmas and I cannot WAIT until it is here... let's hope Gameday Santa brings us a big win on Saturday!

And just like you decorate for Christmas, do you decorate for football season? If anything, a Clemson gameday wreath in orange and purple is a MUST for a Clemson Girl. Is your front door adorned with your gameday wreath yet?

Don't have one? Gameday wreaths are very easy to make on your own. Buy a foam wreath base from Michael's or Hobby Lobby, and wrap with fabric scraps, yarn, or ribbon - then add a tiger paw, a sign, some orange flowers -- whatever you'd like!

Here are some fun wreaths we found on Pinterest to inspire you...Click the photo to visit the Pin, and ultimately the source.













And if you happen to live in a house divided... a Georgia and Clemson house divided, then this wreath is for you.



August 22, 2013

Win a gorgeous Clemson clutch and cuff bracelet from Fashion Savvy Fans

Happy Thursday Clemson Girls! How is everyone's week going?

We are excited about another giveaway today on Clemson Girl - this time from online gameday boutique Fashion Savvy Fans.

How amazing is this purple clutch with gold tiger emblem and matching cuff bracelet? This would be perfect for gameday, but also perfect for a fancy night out.


One lucky Clemson Girl will win BOTH of these prizes! Use the widget below to enter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for entries is Midnight EST, Friday, August 23. We will randomly draw a winner this weekend and contact them by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply to our email or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Fashion Savvy Fans for sponsoring today's giveaway! Good luck Clemson Girls!


August 20, 2013

Smile and have a Clemson cupcake!

If you live in the Charleston area, we invite you to Queen of the Tailgate boutique's Football Kickoff Party at the Belle Hall neighborhood clubhouse. It's a great opportunity to shop the latest in gameday attire and accessories just in time for football season, while sipping on drinks and tasting some munchies!


We will be there with all of our Clemson Girl goodies! Stop by and visit and do some shopping!

We also volunteered to bring some Clemson cupcakes -- we surfed the web looking for inspiration and found some delicious looking and super cute Clemson cupcake creations. Who knew orange and purple could taste so good?!? :)

Check it out...

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August 15, 2013

Win a pair of Clemson jeans from Football Belles!

Happy Thursday Clemson Girls!!

We are so excited about today's giveaway from one of our newest sponsors, Football Belles! If you haven't already, you MUST check out their big selection of Clemson apparel, accessories and gifts!

Today they have generously offered to give one very lucky Clemson Girl a pair of their new Clemson skinny jeans from Paige Denim.


Shown in our original skinny fit, these Clemson jeans feature four-way stretch denim with an authentic fabric construction that gives a classic denim look, with the comfort of high stretch denim. The skinny fit slims through the hips and leg with a comfortable mid-rise. Sizes range from 24-31, and the winner will get to choose a size of their choice.


To enter the giveaway, use the widget below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Deadline for entries is Midnight, Friday, August 16. We will randomly draw a winner this weekend and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 72 hours to reply to our email or we will draw a new winner.

Special thanks to Football Belles for sponsoring today's giveaway! Good luck ladies!


August 14, 2013

Are you expecting a new little Tiger?

Are you heading into football season this year expecting your own little Tiger? Congrats to you!!

We love creative pregnancy announcements - especially Clemson themed ones!

We love this Clemson baby announcement,
submitted by Clemson alum Kensey Boyd!
And what better way to capture your maternity photos than with a Clemson theme!

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Football season will be a house divided for these two!
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But what to wear for a Clemson gameday when you're pregnant? Here are some cute options...

This savvy Clemson Girl created this dress herself!
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And Clemson themed baby showers are a definite must for a Clemson Girl - invites, décor and all...

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And when the little bundle of Tiger joy gets here, you can find lots of cute Clemson-themed décor to announce the little one's arrival!

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Did you have a Clemson-themed maternity photo shoot? Or a cute maternity gameday outfit? Did you throw your friend a Clemson themed baby shower? We would love to share your story and photos on the blog! Please email us at clemsongirlblog@gmail.com!


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