09.28.13 - Clemson vs. Wake Forest Gameday Photos

Happy Monday Clemson Girls!

What a beautiful weekend it was for Homecoming in Clemson. The 3:30 PM kickoff time made for a perfect day of tailgating with friends and family. Our Clemson Tigers took no time putting points on the scoreboard and had a big win, beating Wake Forest 56 to 7.

Our Clemson Girl gameday photographer was able to capture some great tailgating moments, game action, and of course... photos of fabulous Clemson Girls gameday fashion, of Clemson Girls of all ages.

Check out the slide show of photos below, or visit the entire album on our Flickr site.

Would you like to add your gameday photos to our album to share? You can email them to us at clemsongirlblog@gmail.com. Include your name so we can credit the photo to you!


Created with flickr slideshow.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Wake Forest

Wake Forest always strikes fear in the hearts of Clemson fans, but Dabo Swinney’s Tigers have exorcised those “Demons” in winning four straight over the Deacons.

There is a common misconception among Clemson fans that Wake Forest always gives Clemson trouble; however, the Tigers have won 11 of the last 14 in the series, while the Demon Deacons have only won twice in Death Valley – in 1998 and 1962.

Will the Tigers winning ways continue in Saturday’s Homecoming matchup?

WHAT: Wake Forest at No. 3 Clemson
WHERE: Memorial Stadium
WHEN: 3:30, ESPNU

When Clemson has the ball: The Clemson offensive attack has yet to really get going and has just kind of sputtered its way to a 3-0 start, but after playing together for four quarters last Thursday night, there should be more continuity and the playmakers should be more comfortable with each other. Quarterback Tajh Boyd had a rough first half at N.C.State, but appeared to get more comfortable as the game wore on and I expect that to continue over into Saturday’s game. With the absence of Charone Peake and Martavis Bryant [suspended for inappropriate gestures], look for running backs Rod McDowell and Zac Brooks, along with tight ends Sam Cooper and Stanton Seckinger to be a big part of the early game plan. New starters Kalon Davis and Shaq Anthony on the offensive line will have their hands full with nose guard Nikita Whitlock and defensive end Zach Thompson who are easily among the best in the conference and who have a combined 14 tackles for loss and five sacks.

When Wake Forest has the ball: There is no doubt that the Demon Deacon offense runs through senior wide receiver Michael Campanaro. Campanaro is Wake Forest’s most consistent weapon and big-play threat, and he has 25 catches for 354 yards and five touchdowns. He’s averaging 14.2 yards per catch with a long of 66 yards. Quarterback Tanner Price has completed 55.5% of his passes for 852 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. However, the Wake Forest running game has yet to get off the ground as the Deacons have only rushed for 487 yards and four scores over four games. Josh Harris is the leading rusher with an average of 37.8 yards per game. If the Deacons can’t get the ground game going, it could be a long afternoon in Death Valley, especially if defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Vic Beasley are able to pin their ears back and go after Price.

Special Teams: The special teams units for the Tigers have been second to none in most areas led by Bradley Pinion and Chandler Catanzaro and you can expect that to continue this Saturday. Pinion has been banged up with some soreness in his knee, but I don’t expect that to be an issue Saturday. Catanzaro has been perfect this season on field goals and extra points, while becoming Clemson’s all-time leading scorer. On the opposing sideline, The Deacons’ punter Alexander Kinal is averaging 39.9 yard per punt. Kicker Chad Hedlund has only had three touchbacks in 17 attempts and has only connected on five-of-eight field goal attempts with a long of 38 yards.

What will happen: The Tigers got off to a less than stellar start to their ACC schedule last week in Raleigh; however a week in the friendly confines of Death Valley on Homecoming may be just what the doctor ordered. Clemson will be playing with a makeshift offensive line due to injuries at right tackle and left guard, but I don’t expect there to be any drop-off. The Clemson offense will want to open up the running lanes for McDowell early to take a little pressure off of Boyd who will settle in for the first time in 2013. Campanaro will get his touches and his yards for the Deacons, but they just don’t have enough of a rushing attack to keep Beasley and the Clemson defense honest for the entire game allowing the Tigers to get to Price in long yardage situations. You heard it here first…Clemson will finally return a kickoff for a touchdown and get things rolling in the special teams department.

Final Score: Clemson 38 – Wake Forest 13

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Steele.

Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Wake Forest

CLEMSON – Clemson fans have gone from the agony of the open week and 14 days in between games to this week’s Thursday night game in Winston-Salem against Wake Forest, a span of just five short days since the Tigers beat Virginia Tech last Saturday.

Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe is just 3-8 all-time against Clemson, but all three of those wins have come at home at Groves Stadium. The Tigers have won three in a row in the series, but the last win by the Demon Deacons over the Tigers was on – you guessed it – a Thursday night four years ago when Wake beat Clemson 12-7 and ended the tenure of then-head coach Tommy Bowden.

The Demon Deacons are actually 2-0 in home Thursday night games, and 3-1 overall, so they have a bit of a mental advantage in this one.

What will happen? Let’s take a look.

WHY CLEMSON MIGHT WIN
The Clemson offense scuffled at times last week against the Hokies, and there was plenty of blame to go around – the offensive line struggled in both the running game and pass protection, wide receivers dropped the ball and quarterback Tajh Boyd looked out of synch from the first play of the game. Despite the offensive woes, the Tigers still scored 31 points on offense – seven points were scored on a pick-six – and Sammy Watkins had eight catches as offensive coordinator Chad Morris tries to get the Tigers’ All-American back into the flow of the offense.

This week, the Tigers get a Wake Forest defensive unit that has struggled at points this season. Let’s be honest – this Wake Forest team isn’t the same kind of team that beat Clemson four years ago. There is a reason that the Deacons have struggled to stay around .500 over the past few seasons, and the reason is they don’t have the players like Aaron Curry anymore.

The Tigers, however, have plenty of good players. The defense played better last week – getting more of a pass rush and setting the edge in the running game – and the special teams had maybe their best game of the year. If the offense finds just a little bit of a spark, it could get ugly quick.

WHY WAKE FOREST MIGHT WIN
Bad news came out of Clemson this week concerning the defensive secondary. An already reed-thin unit became even thinner when cornerback Darius Robinson fractured an ankle against Virginia Tech and had to have surgery on Tuesday. The other starting cornerback, Bashaud Breeland, suffered an abdominal strain against the Hokies and didn’t even make the trip to Winston-Salem. As a result, the Tigers will have Xavier Brewer at one corner spot [he started the season at safety], while Garry Peters will man the other side [he started the season on the bench]. The third corner will have to be redshirt freshman Cortez Davis, who has seen the majority of his time on special teams.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said earlier this week that wide receiver Adam Humphries may actually have to play on defense in an emergency situation. Wake already has the crowd on its side, and if they can get the running game going and can use the play-action pass against the inexperienced corners, this could be a long night for the Clemson defense. If the offense struggles again...

WHAT WILL HAPPEN
Wake Forest has a lot of emotion and history on its side in this game, and there is no doubt that this one might be closer than a lot of people think. However, Dabo Swinney has done an excellent job of changing the culture at Clemson and getting the players to realize the importance of each and every game. This one will be no different. The Deacons will come out swinging early and gain some momentum, but once the players settle in, it will be more about the Jimmies and the Joes than the x’s and the o’s – and Clemson’s Jimmies are just better than Wake’s Joes.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 35, WAKE FOREST 20

Post written by Clemson Girl's Sports Bloggess, Nikki Steele.

11.12.11 - Clemson vs. Wake Forest gameday photos

I'll admit, I was convinced till about the fourth quarter that Clemson just might lose this game. Wake Forest was getting lucky calls and Clemson was making mistake after mistake after mistake.

But I should have known not to doubt my Tigers - they never gave up and despite being down two touchdowns and star player Sammy Watkins in the fourth quarter, they pulled together as a team and came back to win 31 to 28.

Clemson clinched an undefeated home season and won the Atlantic Division ACC title - we are now definitely playing in the ACC Championship game early next month.

Check out the photos from the game in the slideshow below, or view them all on our Flickr site. Special thanks to Clemson Girls Summer Priddy and Sara Coleman for taking gameday photos for us this weekend. They are awesome photos!

What a game... Go Tigers!



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History in the making. Clemson vs. Wake Forest game prediction.

After a week off to get their bodies, minds, and spirits rejuvenated, the 2011 senior class and this group of Tigers can do something that no other Clemson football team has ever done.

On Senior Day in which a group of 20 seniors and graduate students will walk through Poe Plaza, step atop of The Hill, Rub the Rock and look across at 80,000 of their biggest orange-clad fans, one last time, the Tigers can make history.

Clemson can clinch the Atlantic Coast Conference Atlantic Division title and a berth in the ACC Championship game in Charlotte and they can finish the season a perfect 7-0 in Death Valley.

All they have to do is win against Jim Grobe’s Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Who clinches the division and who’s going home to scoreboard watch next week? Let’s take a look at the matchups.

WAKE FOREST AT CLEMSON

WAKE FOREST OFFENSE VS CLEMSON DEFENSE
Wake Forest isn’t the same 3-9 team that they were a year ago, and sophomore quarterback Tanner Price is much improved from last year, far surpassing his production. Price is 169-for-273 for 2,154 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. In 2010, he threw seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. The much improved passing game which is ranked 32nd nationally is much more explosive due to the emergence of Price and his favorite receiver Chris Givens. Givens is second in the ACC in reception yards per game and has 58 catches for 985 yards and eight touchdowns. In essence, he is Wake Forest’s version of Sammy Watkins.

Clemson’s secondary could have some matchup problems with Givens as they have had issues giving up the big play all season. Hopefully, cornerback Xavier Brewer’s move to safety will help solve that problem this weekend.

The Deacons have had difficulties running the ball all season averaging just over 100 yards per game. They are led in the backfield by Josh Harris (61.7 yards per game) and Brandon Pendergrass (46.3 yards per game). I would expect Wake Forest to come out running the ball Saturday since the Tigers have given up over almost 200 yards per game on the ground this season. If the Tigers can stop the running game early and release the monsters on the defensive line in Rennie Moore, Andre Branch, Brandon Thompson, and company, and get pressure on Price early and often, expect it to be a long day for the Deacon offense. ADVANTAGE- SLIGHT TO WAKE FOREST

CLEMSON OFFENSE VS WAKE FOREST DEFENSE
Other than two weeks ago when Georgia Tech limited the Tigers number of offensive possessions, no team has really had any success stopping Chad Morris’ fast-paced offense, and I don’t expect that to happen this week. Running back Andre Ellington is finally healthy again after an ankle injury sidelined him for the game against the Yellow Jackets. The last time the Tigers had a healthy Ellington he amassed over 200 yards in College Park, Maryland. Let’s face it, when Ellington is on the field, the Tigers are a much better team because of his rushing abilities, blocking abilities, and his leadership on the field. Ellington and quarterback Tajh Boyd must run the ball early and often, forcing the Deacon secondary to creep up toward the line of scrimmage in run support. When that happens Clemson’s receivers will be all over the field. ADVANTAGE- CLEMSON

SPECIAL TEAMS
Clemson’s special teams may get a boost this weekend with the possible return of kickoff specialist Spencer Benton. The Tigers have only allowed one kickoff to be returned for a touchdown in head coach Dabo Swinney’s tenure and guess who wasn’t on the field? That’s right, Spencer Benton. Benton can kick the ball deep and if there is a return, he is a tackling machine- recording 19 tackles so far this season.

Punter Dawson Zimmerman and kicker Chandler Catanzaro have been very consistent throughout the entire season and I don’t see that changing this week.

The Demon Deacons don’t have anything really special about their special teams. Kicker Jimmy Newman is 15-for-17 on field goals and punter Alex Wulfeck averages just over 38 yards per punt. ADVANTAGE- CLEMSON

BOTTOM LINE
Emotions will be running high as the Tigers take the field this weekend. This will be the last game at home for the Clemson seniors, an ACC Atlantic division title is on the line and a chance for an undefeated record at home is on the horizon. Jim Grobe is 0-4 in Death Valley and the last time the Tigers lost to Wake Forest was in 2008, Tommy Bowden’s final game. The Deacons won’t roll over and allow the Tigers to march up and down the field on them, but with everything on the line, Clemson won’t let the pesky Deacon’s take away their next goal- winning the division.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 38, WAKE FOREST 20

Post written by Clemson Girl sports blogger, Nikki Steele.

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10.17.09 - Clemson vs. Wake Forest - Game photos and gameday outfits

So I think I jinxed the weather yesterday by talking all week about how great the weather was going to be on Saturday and how finally it wouldn't rain... Well.. what do you know...it rains. :(

But, it was still a great gameday... the Tigers showed up to play and the final score was Clemson 38, Wake Forest 3. Go Tigers!

I took a ton of pictures during the game. The little Clemson Girls dressed up as cheerleaders and twirlers were so cute! And check out the new uniforms on the twirlers, dancers, and flagline - they look great! Especially the flagline who I've always thought were stuck in such unflattering outfits - and finally they are in outfits that look cute! Yay!

I also tried to get some shots of cute gameday outfits - although it was difficult spotting them underneath all of the winter coats, rain gear, and ponchos. And.... I found a Clemson Girl wearing a Clemson snuggie! Special thanks to all the ladies (and gentleman) who posed for my camera!

So check out the pictures below and visit our Flickr page to comment on your favorites! I love reading your photo comments.



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Happy Friday! Lots of deals and contests this weekend for ClemsonGirl.com readers!

Hooray! Tomorrow is game day again in Clemson! And the best part is... NO RAIN! :) Finally! I'm so excited because I love the cooler games - I would rather be cold than sweating in the stands. I've got my gameday outfit ready complete with my brand new orange tweed peacoat and I'm excited that I can finally walk around again and capture your awesome gameday outfits with my camera to share on the blog.

It's also the game where the little Clemson Girls get to be cheerleaders - so I'm excited to get some cute pictures of all the little cheerleader outfits as well. And I've heard a rumor on our Facebook page that some Clemson Girls may be wearing Clemson snuggies in the stands... I hope I get a picture of that as well!!

So keep an eye out for me wandering around tomorrow with my camera. I'll not only be handing out ClemsonGirl.com cards, but I have orange pens and cute orange notebooks to give away as well. I'll give them out to everyone who poses for my camera until I run out.

Special Giveaway - Also, I have a really awesome orange, white, and purple handmade necklace from Chloe Marie Designs - the owner makes gorgeous, handmade jewelry and sells a lot of Clemson colors and tiger designs because she's a Clemson alum and huge fan. Anyways, I'm giving away this necklace to the first ClemsonGirl.com reader I bump into who asks me about the necklace - if I ask to take your photo for the blog, ask me about the necklace and I'll give it to you for free (about a $25 value)!

If you don't bump into me, don't worry, there are a ton of specials and contests going on this weekend from all of our awesome ClemsonGirl.com sponsors (we love them!). Check out all the specials below - even if you're not in Clemson this weekend you can still take advantage of some of these great offers!

Game Day Divas - Game Day Divas are offering 10% off on all of their handbags and 20% off on all of their wallets this weekend. Print out the coupons from the blog post yesterday and use them tomorrow at the Game Day Divas tent in front of Tiger Town Tavern downtown. Not in Clemson? Don't worry..shop online and get the discount by using coupon codes QBAG (for handbags) and QWAL (for wallets).

McAuley's Boutique - McAuley's boutique is offering all ClemsonGirl.com readers 10% off of their purchases when mentioning Clemson Girl when you check out - or get the discount online by using coupon code CLEMGIRL. You can also be entered in a drawing to win a $200 shopping spree with the boutique - all you have to do is comment on their Facebook page. We had a ton of clicks on the orange pea coat picture in Wednesday's post - it's up on the McAuley's Web site now - so use your discount and be warm (and orange) for the next home game!

Two Sisters Boutique - Two Sisters Boutique in Seneca has just gotten in a ton of new orange and purple apparel, jewelry and handbags! Read our post about Two Sisters from last month to see some of the great items they sell and to get directions. While you're in Clemson this weekend for the game, stop by the boutique and mention you heard about them on ClemsonGirl.com and get 20% off! You can also earn Two Sisters Bucks - which you can put towards your purchase - just by commenting on their Facebook page. Earn up to $25 towards your purchases!

Blake & Brady Boutique - Blake & Brady is right in the heart of downtown Anderson. Make sure you stop by this weekend and check out all of their great gameday apparel. Mention you heard about them on ClemsonGirl.com and get 10% off of your first purchase! Can't make it by the boutique? No worries - if you see something on their Facebook page or on our blog, just call them up and make the order and they will ship it to you for only an additional $5!

Gameday Boutique - Gameday Boutique is an online store that sells gameday apparel by team colors - and of course they carry orange and purple! Read our blog post from last month we did on Gameday Boutique to see some of the items they sell in orange and purple. - it's that time of year for an orange or purple scarf! Visit their site and use coupon code CLEMSONGIRL to get 10% off of your order.

Loose Lucy's - Make sure you stop by one of Loose Lucy's booths this weekend if you're in Clemson - they sell really fun and funky tie dyed outfits in orange, white, and purple. Read our post from last month to see some of their items and to find out where to find them tomorrow in Clemson! You can also shop their online store and get 20% off when you put 'Clemson Girl' in the comments section at check out. And don't forget they also have seven locations across the state if you want to shop in person.

Tickled Orange - If you're in Clemson this weekend - don't forget to stop by Tickled Orange downtown. Read our post about them from last month to see all of the great apparel, gifts, etc. they sell. I'm not sure if they are still running this discount - but it doesn't hurt to try - mention you heard about them on ClemsonGirl.com and get 10% off of your purchase. You can also check out their latest and greatest new items on their Facebook page.

Razzberry Fizz - I love that name... Razzberry Fizz is a fun gift shop that sells a variety of Clemson gifts, apparel, and accessories. They are located in downtown Clemson just behind the Hallmark (they have their own parking!). Check out the blog post we did for them back in August to see some of the great stuff they have - and I'm sure they've gotten some new items in their store since, so try to make it by there while in town this weekend. Not sure if they are still running this discount - but if you mention you found them on ClemsonGirl.com, they will give you 10% off of your purchase!

Kidsville Children's Boutique - Don't leave out the little Clemson Girls - make sure they are as cute as can be in the adorable outfits Kidsville Children's Boutique sells. Located in the upstate, Kidsville Children's Boutique is easy to stop by on your way into Clemson. You can see more from Kidsville Children's Boutique and see a map by reading our blog posts about the boutique from last month and from this month. Can't make it to the actual store? Don't worry -- Kidsville Children's Boutique has a great Web site featuring all of their cute outfits and hair bows!

Clemson Tiger Rags - And don't forget to get your very own, customized Clemson Tiger Rag from clemsontigerrags.com. Read the post we did a while back to see all of the different and fun uses for the Clemson Tiger Rag.

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Wow! It's great to be a Clemson Girl! Our sponsors rock - take advantage of all of these great offers and contests this weekend! And please tell them thank you for catering to all of us Clemson Girls! :)

See everyone tomorrow.... Go Tigers!

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