Clemson Ready To Run On Noles

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE:

The Tigers have quality and depth at running back with James Davis (1,187 yards rushing in 2006) and C.J. Spiller (938), but developing a passing game to take the heat off those two will be the key to their offense. Junior Cullen Harper will get his first start at quarterback and needs to have early success to give the Tigers a chance to move the ball against a tough Florida State defense.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE:

The Tigers have a solid set of linebackers and look strong against the run with their front seven. But with two new starters at corner, the secondary may be vulnerable and likely will be tested early by FSU QB Drew Weatherford.


PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QB Cullen Harper — A first-year starter as a junior, the little-used Harper held off a challenge from freshman Willy Korn in the fall. He was only 4 of 12 against the first-team defense in a recent scrimmage but did produce two touchdowns and a field goal.

RB C.J. Spiller — Coaches are looking for a way to get Spiller more opportunities to take advantage of his big-play capability. After he touched the ball only five times in the bowl loss to Kentucky at running back, the coaches started giving him opportunities as a slot receiver and will line him up on the field with starting TB James Davis at times.

LB Nick Watkins — The senior is Clemson's leading returning tackler and had a big performance in the Tigers' recent scrimmage. He's a two-year starter.