November 29, 2013

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. South Carolina

The turkey has been eaten, family has been visited, and now it’s time for the state of South Carolina to pit brother against brother and friend against friend as the Tigers face off against the Gamecocks in what could be the biggest game in the history of the rivalry.

The hatred between Clemson fans and South Carolina has grown exponentially over the last year with success and expectations higher than ever, and it all comes down to Saturday night. Can Clemson clinch a BCS bowl berth? Can South Carolina continue the nation’s longest home winning streak?

This week we will do our prediction a little differently with Gamecock Girl bloggess Lauren Rippy stating her case for South Carolina and Clemson Girl bloggess Nikki Steele predicting for the Tigers.




WHAT: NO. 6 CLEMSON AT NO. 10 SOUTH CAROLINA
WHEN: 7 P.M. ON ESPN2
WHERE: WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM, COLUMBIA, S.C.


LAUREN- QUARLES’ BREAKOUT SEASON MAY BE HIS LAST FOR THE GAMECOCKS: For anyone that has watched any sports programming that discusses college football I feel fairly confident in saying that you have heard some negative press about Jadeveon Clowney. Unfortunately for Jadeveon, it was impossible from the outset to live up to the expectations set for him after “The Hit” in last year’s bowl game. While Clowney has played through injury all year, he has not disappointed, but his presence has forced offenses to run into another issue on the defensive line, better known as Kelcy Quarles. Quarles has demolished opposing offenses, under the radar, all season and is forcing offensive coordinators to pick their poison, Clowney or Quarles. The response has been to move to the short passing game to try and eliminate their effectiveness but as you can see on any stat sheet, it hasn’t made much difference. Quarles leads the team in tackles for loss with 11 for a total of 86 yards. His next closest competitor, Clowney with 8.5. Kelcy also leads the team in sacks with 7, which is 5 more than the next highest total for the Gamecocks. While it seems pretty clear that next season we’ll be watching both of these stars on Sundays, here’s to hoping one of them decides to finish out their eligibility!

While the secondary for the Gamecocks has been the weak link at many points throughout the season it has found some consistency late in the year. This will be the paramount task on Saturday night against the ever present deep threat that Boyd and the Tigers offense present week in and week out. If Victor Hampton can keep his secondary unit disciplined throughout the game and eliminate the explosive, momentum changing plays they will put the Gamecocks in prime position for the fifth straight win.

NIKKI- ISAIAH BATTLE IS THE DIFFERENCE: It’s no secret that the Clemson offensive line has struggled mightily at times this season, but sophomore right tackle Isaiah Battle just might be the missing link that brings Clemson’s offensive line together. Senior left tackle Brandon Thomas has been the most consistent player on offense this season and has really led what is a young group of linemen through the ups and downs of the season. However, it wasn’t until two weeks ago when Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris started Battle at right tackle that the offense really began to click. Everyone knows the challenge that Thomas faces with Clowney, but the Gamecock’s other defensive end Chaz Sutton is a challenge in his own right, and having Battle manning the right side of the line will give quarterback Tajh Boyd some peace of mind knowing that he will have time to find his receivers. The Clemson running game also struggled at times this season, but has been better over the last two weeks since Roderick McDowell and company have had the big, physical and athletic Battle to run behind.

LAUREN- CONNOR SHAW’S LAST CHANCE: In Connor Shaw’s time at Carolina he has gone 25-5 as a starter. 25-5. That is better than any other quarterback in the history of the Gamecock football program. While he may not have the other statistics that typically signify one of the greatest quarterbacks in a program’s history he does have the intangibles that cannot be measured on paper. His sheer will to win is the reason that the Gamecocks sit at 9-2 on the season. His heroics during the Missouri game will not be something that any Gamecock soon forgets. He’s become Mr. Consistent and while that may not be glamorous it is exactly what Carolina has needed after the up and down career of Stephen Garcia.

Standing by his side, Connor will have one of the best running backs in the nation who is at 100% after resting during the blowout last week against Coastal Carolina. Mike Davis has definitely allowed Gamecock fans to move on after the injury-plagued career of our beloved Marcus Lattimore ended way too soon. Davis’ ability to run through and explode off of tackles has made him the most exciting part of the Gamecocks offense. Yes, a running back is the most exciting part of a Steve Spurrier led offense. This is not to say the passing game disappoints but Davis is just plain and simple that good. Thankfully he’ll be back in Garnet and Black for at least one more year to wow anyone that watches.

NIKKI – MARTAVIS BRYANT…THE X-FACTOR: Sammy Watkins is without a doubt the best wide receiver on Clemson’s team, in the ACC, and in the country. Teams have schemed to take the talented junior out of games all season, but so far they have all been unsuccessful. South Carolina will probably put its best corner, Victor Hampton on Watkins, leaving senior Jimmy Legree or one the Gamecocks safeties to cover the speedy Martavis Bryant. The junior from Anderson has had tumultuous career, but is playing with more confidence now than at any point in his three-year tenure. Two weeks ago against Georgia Tech, Bryant caught five passes for 176 yards and a touchdown. Bryant has made his name out-running opponents and making catches in traffic that most wide receivers only dream of catching. With the South Carolina defense trying to double-team Watkins, it will be up to Bryant to make a play and keep the Gamecocks honest.

LAUREN- TWO SPECIAL FRESHMEN: Much to the surprise of many in Gamecock nation the special team’s duties have primarily been handled by two outstanding freshman this season, placekicker Elliott Fry and returnman Pharoh Cooper. While neither of them excites the crowd as some of their predecessors, that are now playing on Sundays, they both still possess that it factor that gave Coach Spurrier the confidence to allow freshmen to occupy these crucial roles. On Saturday they must maintain their poise under the big lights of the national stage with huge implications on the line. One mistake from the special teams could cost the Gamecocks the game and their hopes for a major bowl bid.

NIKKI – CATMAN…ENOUGH SAID: There are very few givens in college football, but Clemson kicker Chandler Catanzaro is about as close as it gets. The senior from Greenville is 12-of-13 this season with a career-long of 51. Catanzaro’s career began with a miss in overtime against Auburn in 2010, but since then he has gone on to have a stellar career with game-winning kicks to clinch an ACC Atlantic title in 2011 and a win over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in 2012. When the game is on the line, there is nobody better than Chandler Catanzaro and nobody Clemson fans would rather see line up to knock the game winner through the uprights.

LAUREN- WHY THE GAMECOCKS WILL WIN: The Gamecocks will play their most complete game of the year Saturday night. The group of seniors, and juniors leaving for the draft, in their final home game at Williams-Brice will not disappoint the roaring crowd as they put Clemson away to clinch a 10 win regular season for the third year in a row. This group of seniors, who have never lost to Clemson, are not going to let the streak end at four over our in-state rivals as they move the streak to five for the first time ever.

GAMECOCKGIRL.COM SPORTS BLOGGESS LAUREN'S SCORE PREDICTION: SOUTH CAROLINA 27 - CLEMSON 21

NIKKI – WHY THE TIGERS WILL WIN: South Carolina has had Clemson’s number over the last four years and it hasn’t even been close. The Gamecocks always seem to catch the Tigers at the right time – right before an ACC Championship Game or right after an ACC battle with N.C. State or Georgia Tech. However, this year the Tigers had one final tune-up against The Citadel and it seems as though Clemson is finally playing its best football at the end of November. Boyd is as confident as he has ever been in the Clemson offense and has a stable of wide receivers that will test a young Gamecock secondary like that haven’t been tested this season. Clemson’s defense led by defensive end Vic Beasley, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and linebacker Spencer Shuey are playing better than they have at any point over the last five years. Boyd and Shuey are leading a group of seniors that are thirsty for a win over their rival and its finally time to tip the scale back in the favor of the orange and white.

CLEMSONGIRL.COM SPORTS BLOGGESS NIKKI'S SCORE PREDICTION: CLEMSON 31 – SOUTH CAROLINA 17

Post written by ClemsonGirl.com Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele and GamecockGirl.com Sports Bloggess Lauren Rippy.


November 27, 2013

Rivalry Week - House Divided

It's that time of year when friends become foes because one bleeds orange and the other bleeds garnet. It's mid-week, and by now you've probably already hidden several of your Gamecock Facebook friends for their obnoxious anti-Clemson posts.

But what do you do if you are MARRIED to a Gamecock fan? Earlier this year, Clemson Girl Kelli Brannen shared her story of what it's like living in a true 'house divided'. Read her story and then share your 'house divided' story in the comments of this post.

Read Kelli Brannen's post "Living in a House Divided"


November 25, 2013

11.23.13 - Clemson vs. The Citadel

It was an emotional game as some of our most memorable Clemson football seniors took to the field for their last home game in Death Valley. It was equally emotional as service men and women were honored on Military Day, and Clemson football player and U.S. veteran and purple heart recipient Daniel Rodriguez scored his first touchdown.

The game was an official 'purple out'. The players were decked out in their purple finest, the hill balloons were purple, and the majority of fans (some didn't get the memo) were in purple from head to toe. The Tigers pulled out a solid win, beating the Citadel 52 to 6.

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Thanks to Clemson Girl photographer Melissa Nelson, we have some fabulous photos to share with you. If you have photos from Saturday's game you would like us to add to this album, you can email them to us at clemsongirlblog@gmail.com.

View the photos in the slideshow below, or visit our Flickr photo site to see the full album.


Created with flickr slideshow.


November 13, 2013

Tailgate Recipe - Orange Hot Chocolate

With snow flurries last night across the state of South Carolina and really, really cold temps that make you just want to stay in bed under layers of blankets all day long, we think hot chocolate is just what the doctor ordered for Thursday's Clemson vs. Georgia Tech tailgate menu. Make your hot chocolate solid orange with a little food coloring by following this simple recipe...


Orange Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
12 oz. white chocolate
8 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 drops orange food coloring
Whipped cream and orange and purple sprinkles

Directions: Chop white chocolate and place in a bowl. Heat milk in saucepan over medium heat until in bubbles. Pour milk over chocolate. Stir until chocolate melts. Whisk in vanilla and food coloring, then continue to whisk until light foam forms on surface. Pour in mugs or cups and top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Add a half ounce or ounce of Baileys to each serving for an adult flavored hot chocolate. Drink responsibly.

Recipe Source: mama-craft.blogspot.ca


November 8, 2013

Happy Hour - Firefly Dirty Fruit Tea

Sweet tea is a Southern beverage staple, and Firefly Sweat Tea Vodka is a South Carolina homegrown adult treat that puts a kick into the traditional sweet tea. Firefly shared this recipe and we cannot wait to try it! This would be a delicious (and easy-to-make) beverage for your Clemson tailgate or a sweet treat to sip on while you're lounging on your couch watching the games.

Firefly Dirty Fruit Tea

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
3 oz pineapple juice
3/4 oz orange juice

Directions: Mix ingredients in a mason jar with ice, stir! Please drink responsibly!

Recipe Source: fireflyvodka.com




November 7, 2013

Get Clemson Gameday Pinspiration

Pinterest is one of the best sites to get fashion inspiration - especially for Clemson gameday outfits. So many fashion bloggers style outfits in oranges and purples, not even realizing they are creating the perfect Clemson gameday outfit. Have any of your Clemson gameday outfits been inspired by a pin on Pinterest?

Have you seen our Clemson Gameday Looks board on Pinterest? We've got plenty of inspiration to choose from for gameday.

We are always on the lookout for new Clemson gameday styling inspiration on Pinterest. Here are some recent pins we spotted that incorporate orange and purple that we love....

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November 1, 2013

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Virginia

A November to remember starts Saturday.

The Clemson win over Georgia in August was great, an undefeated September was fantastic, that month of October was pretty good, but all football teams are measured on what they do during the month of November.

If the 2013 Clemson football team wants to be remembered as an elite team, the path to a November to remember begins in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday.

Can the Tigers have a successful start to the month of November and leave Charlottesville with a win?

WHAT: NO. 8 CLEMSON AT VIRGINIA
WHERE: SCOTT STADIUM – CHARLOTTESVILLE (VA)
WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 3:30
TV: ESPN


WHEN CLEMSON HAS THE BALL: After struggling against Boston College, Florida State, and the first half against Maryland, the Clemson offense started to show signs of life, beginning with a touchdown pass from Tajh Boyd to freshman tight end Jordan Leggett at the end of the first half in College Park last week. Boyd who was gimpy and banged up began to loosen up and run the ball a little bit and he also found his groove in the passing game. Add in a 200-plus yard rushing day from Roderick McDowell and Zac Brooks and the Clemson offense was hard to stop. The offensive success should continue this week against a Virginia defense that ranks 83rd in the country against the run, giving up 182 yards per game. The Tigers will need another big day McDowell as the Wahoos rank 29th nationally against the pass, giving up just 211 yards per game and have Anthony Harris in the defensive backfield, who leads the nations in interceptions with five. Boyd’s job, however, should be a little easier without Virginia’s top defensive lineman in DT Brent Urban and two cornerbacks in Demetrious Nicholson and Maurice Canady, who are all out with injuries.

WHEN VIRGINIA HAS THE BALL: Virginia’s offense starts with first-year quarterback David Watford, who has progressively gotten better each and every week and threw for a threw for a career-high 376 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort to Georgia Tech last Saturday. The Wahoos also have two dynamic wide receivers in Tim Smith and Darius Jennings, who became the first Cavaliers ever to have at least 10 receptions each in the same game. Smith caught 10 passes for 151 yards, both career highs. Jennings had a career-best 13 receptions for 199 yards and two TDs. The Cavaliers have also had 11 different players with a rushing attempt and 18 different players have caught a pass, meaning the Tigers will have to defend the entire field. Junior tailback Kevin Parks has rushed for nine touchdowns and is second on the team in receptions with 29. Junior tight end Jake McGee has 31 catches (in seven games). Defensively, the Tigers’ defensive line will need to consistently pressure Watford to take pressure off of the defensive backs. The key will be for Clemson to shut down the Wahoos’ rushing attack, so that Vic Beasley and company can focus on Watford and containing the passing attack.


SPECIAL TEAMS: The Cavs have a solid punter in Alec Vozenilek, who is averaging 41.0 yards per punt, but the Tigers counter with Bradley Pinion who is averaging 40.75 yards per punt. Vozenilek booted the fourth-longest punt in the nation this year with a 77-yard kick at Pittsburgh. Neither team is lighting up the punt return category. Virginia is 109th nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 18.56 yards per return. Clemson is even worse – the Tigers are 123rd nationally (out of 125 teams) in averaging 17.06 yards per return. Kicker Ian Frye (3-for-4 on field goals) has been injured since late September, but may return this weekend. Clemson’s Chandler Catanzaro has been solid has always, including a 4-for-4 effort against Maryland last week.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Clemson’s defense plays great for three-fourths of games, but has yet to really put together a complete game effort. Could this be the week that they finally put it all together? Combine that with an offense that is continuing to regain its confidence and it should be a successful day for the Orange and White. The game will probably be close until the third quarter, but a Virginia team that is relying heavily on the play of freshmen and sophomores will eventually give in to Clemson’s athleticism and experience allowing the Tigers will pull away.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 38 – VIRGINIA 13

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele.

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