Friday, December 17
The War Room
Clemson (6-5) vs. Mississippi State (9-2)
Atlanta, Dec. 30, 1999, 7:30 p.m. ET
The highflying Clemson offense that has been strategically built around its personnel was supposed to be led by fifth year QB Brandon Streeter at the season's outset. However, Streeter was unavailable to his offense for almost half the year due to injury. In turn, Tiger coach Tommy Bowden utilized the young and versatile Woodrow Dantzer as the starting signal caller in Streeter's absence. At the years close the two quarterbacks combined for a total of more than 2,700 throwing yards. Dantzer was able to amass 580 yards on the ground while accurately passing his way to a QB efficiency rating of 131.7. The backfield was a concern for Bowden early in the year when starter Travis Zachary was suspended for the season's opening game, but his return rounded out the Tiger offense, giving it balance. Within the Tiger passing game surfaced 1,000-yard receiver Rod Gardner. Gardner's elusive speed and sure hands rendered him the first option for Dantzer and Streeter throughout the year. Up front the Clemson offensive line is undersized, but has exceeded expectations, providing their quarterbacks with ample time using good communication and footwork to fend off opposing defensive lineman. All-ACC product Keith Adams anchored Clemson's defense, registering 176 tackles, tops in the conference. Adams also added 16 sacks to his resume during the '99 regular season. In their last four outings the Tiger defense held their opponents to less than 300 yards, thanks in part to the pressing coverage of corners Dextra Polite and Alex Ardley. The two have been able to gamble this year, having the luxury of All-ACC safety Robert Carswell behind them. The Tigers schedule was rigorous with three their five losses coming to Florida State, Virginia Tech and Marshall, another came in a 42-45 shoot-out with Georgia Tech. The situation under center has worked itself out and the seasoned Streeter will get the start against Mississippi State now that his health is up to par.
Mississippi State got off to their best start in school history under coach Jackie Sherill and finished the season 9-2 overall The Bulldogs played a favorable schedule, hosting seven of their opponents and somehow avoiding playing the likes of SEC powers Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. The offense was under the control of streaky sophomore QB Wayne Madkin. Madkin threw 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but found a way to win in several tight ball games, against Auburn, LSU, Kentucky and Ole Miss, proving to be a leader as well as a winner. Freshmen TB Dontae Walker shouldered the load on the ground for coach Sherill, averaging just over 100 yards a game running the ball. The offense finished eighth in the conference, averaging 323 total yards a game. With the Nations top rated defense MSU allowed just 222.5 total yards a contest on average. Coordinator Joe Lee Dunn has a well-rounded unit, with the experience of several seniors who have a terrific grasp on the system. Safety Ashley Cooper finished the year with 76 tackles, but can defend the pass as well as he stops the run. The line-backing corps is led by Barren Samson, a player strong enough to stuff the run who also moves well enough laterally to defend the pass. Joe Lee Dunn's scheme is well though out, picking his moments to blitz and mixing coverage looks, keeping quarterbacks constantly confused.
Keys to the Game:
1. Mississippi State's secondary. The Bulldogs secondary was the heart of their stingy defensive unit, the Nations best in 1999. This is a group with both talent and experience, but at times overconfidence. Clemson's offense developed a consistent running attack late in the year, but will primarily rely on its passing game to generate points. As the running game progressed this season for Clemson so did coach Bowden's gameplanning. The added balance of the Tiger's once quick-hitting offense enabled them to seduce opposing secondaries with play-fakes. Bulldog DB's Ashley Cooper and Robert Bean may need to lay off the blitz, even if the Tigers are running well, and stay cautious of Clemson's ability to make the big play.
2. Clemson's offensive balance. Clemson is sometimes too quick to get away from their gamepaln and air it out. They must remember that the Bulldog's defense is a punishing one and that mistakes on offense won't come with any second chances. A steady gameplan will keep the MSU defense honest, if not on their heels. However, if Clemson starts to throw the ball all over the lot the Tigers could lose their handle on the outcome.
3. Clemson's kicking game. The field goal kicking for the Tigers was lame this season, with erratic PK Tony Larazzara 7-11 on the year, including a miss at Florida State that cost Clemson the game. This is a bowl game and the repercussions are severe, meaning Larazzara has no room for error. Though the fact is he only attempted 11 field goals all season, he's not prepared and could falter once again and this time nobody will forget.
War Room Edge: Clemson
Ok, so the Bulldogs played in the SEC, their schedule was still watered down. Clemson played well against top 25 opponents and Tommy Bowden had well though out gamelans throughout the season reflects he will have them mentally ready for this bowl. Tiger RB Travis Zachary was suspended for the first game of the season and didn't start clicking with his offense until just recently, he'll be at the top of his game against MSU. The Bulldogs have gone to the well too many times this season and it will have run dry by the time they get to Atlanta. Madkin will be pressured by the hostile Clemson defense and be forced into throwing several risky passes. Turnovers by Madkin will be the difference in this Tiger victory.
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