Clemson tries to put past inconsistency behind

Posted 9:31PM on Tuesday 25th October 2005 ( 19 years ago )

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Probably the most consistent thing about Clemson the past few years as been its inconsistency. Whenever the Tigers looked poised for a breakthrough run or successful stretch to the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference, mistakes and bad luck came their way. And just when you're ready to write off the team for good, it would stage a remarkable resurrection to get back on the winning track. The Tigers (4-3, 2-3 ACC) face another such crossroads this week, taking their two-game win streak into Georgia Tech with another chance to break the up-and-down cycle that seems a routine part of every Clemson football season. ``That's behind us,'' defensive end Charles Bennett said. Bennett, a senior, thinks he feels a better vibe among his teammates this year one that has them giving all-out effort every contest. ``I just feel comfortable and confident all of us have the same mentality we want to win,'' he said. ``We're going to bite, scratch, claw to the last second. That's our attitude.'' It's one they've honed this season. Clemson had the chance to mark this as a special season after its 2-0 start. But then came three straight defeats two in overtime, all by a total of 13 points that slid them from ACC title contention. The Tigers, though, regrouped to put together two wins over North Carolina State and Temple, outscoring those opponents 68-17. ``We know what a win (this week) would do for us,'' Clemson cornerback Tye Hill said. Tigers coach Tommy Bowden says such concerns about the past are real. He remembers all too well how Clemson was beaten at Wake Forest two seasons ago probably the lowest point of his seven seasons as coach only to pull off a stunning upset of then-No. 3 Florida State. Then last season, the Tigers beat powerful Miami 24-17 in overtime before laying a big egg at Duke in a 16-13 loss. Bowden says his team avoided a letdown last week, following its most impressive performance of the season at North Carolina State with a solid if unspectacular victory over winless Temple. ``I think we erased some of that,'' Bowden said. ``But we still got three, four games remaining.'' The Tigers also have some personnel issues. Starting defensive tackle Donnell Clark tore an anterior cruciate ligament in the Temple win and is having surgery this week. Clemson's top tailback, James Davis, could return from wrist surgery to play in his hometown of Atlanta. Davis had run for two touchdowns and 143 yards in the N.C. State win when he fractured his left wrist. Doctors estimated the freshman would need three to four weeks to get better, but Davis' enthusiasm and desire to play in front of friends and family had him pointing at the Yellow Jackets. Davis is officially listed as doubtful for Saturday. He will take part in some noncontact drills this week, Bowden said, so Davis' first serious lick likely won't come until he gets on the field. The same could be true for tight end Cole Downer, who suffered a ruptured spleen during Clemson's 36-30 triple overtime loss to Miami on Sept. 17. Downer needed emergency surgery to have the organ removed, but should be medically cleared for contact by Saturday. Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, the son of ex-NFL quarterback David Whitehurst, said he had an uncle who injured his spleen in a high-school game and could not play again. He admires Downer's toughness and hard work to make it back. ``After one or two plays, Cole should be all right,'' Whitehurst said. The return of Davis, Downer or both could go a long way to ending Clemson's inconsistency and keep them pointed toward the postseason. ``It's something we're thinking about,'' Whitehurst said. (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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