2008 Clemson Tigers football team

The 2008 Clemson football team represented Clemson University in the 2008 college football season. The Tigers were led by oft-maligned head coach Tommy Bowden, who resigned six games into his tenth season. The interim head coach was assistant coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers play their home games in Memorial Stadium.

Preseason outlook
Following a 9–4 season in 2007, in which Clemson finished 2nd in the ACC Atlantic Division and play in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, and with several players returning in the skill positions, many expected Clemson to be a strong candidate to win the ACC and a dark horse in the national championship picture. The Tigers' main areas of concern heading into the 2008 season was on the offensive line and linebackers. The offensive line would be very young and inexperienced heading into the season, while the linebacker corps was thinned by graduation and off-field issues. Despite these areas of concern, Clemson was tabbed as preseason favorites to win the ACC and was ranked 9th in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today preseason polls. In addition, QB Cullen Harper was tabbed as the preseason favorite for the ACC's Player of the Year.

Incoming recruiting class
Spencer Benton (K; Myrtle Beach, SC; Myrtle Beach HS), DaQuan Bowers (DE; Bamberg, SC; Bamberg-Ehrhardt HS), Stanley Hunter (LB; Duncan, SC; James F. Brynes HS), Marquan Jones (WR; Blythewood, SC; Blythewood HS), Kyle Parker (QB; Jacksonville, FL; Bartram Trail HS), Tarik Rollins (LB; Jacksonville, FL; Chaminade Madonna College Prep), Jon Richt (QB; Athens, GA; Prince Avenue Christian), Dawson Zimmerman (K; Snellville, GA; Brookwood HS), Spencer Adams (S; Matthews, NC; David W. Butler HS), Andre Ellington (RB; Moncks Corner, SC; Berkeley HS), Dalton Freeman (OL; Pelion, SC; Pelion HS), Brandon Thompson (DT; Thomasville, GA; Thomasville HS), Daniel Andrews (S; Jacksonville, FL; Trinity Christian Academy), Jaron Brown (WR; Cheraw, SC; Cheraw HS), Carlton Lewis Jr. (S; St. Augustine, FL; St. Augustine HS), Jarred Crittenton (DE; Wahpeton, ND; North Dakota Stat College of Science), Matt Sanders (OL; Crestview, FL; Crestview HS), Kenneth Page (OL; Columbia, SC; A.C. Flora HS), Xavier Brewer (CB; Jacksonville, FL; Bartram Trail HS); Dwayne Allen (TE; Fayetteville, NC; Terry Sanford HS); Rashard Hall (S; St. Augustine, FL; St. Augustine HS), Brandon Ford (WR; Hanahan, SC; Hanahan HS); Matt Skinner (ATH; Jacksonville, FL; The Bolles School), Jonathon Willard (LB; Loris, SC; Loris HS), Antoine McClain (OL; Anniston, AL; Anniston HS), Jamie Harper (RB; Jacksonville, FL; Trinity Christian Academy)

Transfers & departures

 * Philip Merling (DE, Junior) – NFL Draft
 * Antonio Clay (LB, Junior) – withdrew from classes
 * Ray Ray McElrathbey (RB-WR-DB, RS Sophomore) – scholarship not renewed, transferred to Howard University
 * Cortney Vincent (LB, RS Junior) – dismissed from team
 * Jeff Orgen (WR, RS Freshman) – transfer
 * Brian Linthicum (TE, Sophomore) – transferred to Michigan State

Alabama
The Tigers were the preseason favorite to win the ACC and were favored going into the season opener at the Georgia Dome. Some believed that the Crimson Tide's youth and inexperience would prove a serious disadvantage against an experienced team like Clemson. However, Alabama quickly took control in what would eventually be a lopsided victory. By the end of the first quarter, Bama led 13–0, and they extended their lead to 23–3 by halftime. The only scare came when C.J. Spiller returned the second half kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. However, the Tigers failed to score again. James Davis and C.J. Spiller combined for only 20 yards on the ground, while the team's rushing total was 0. Clemson's redshirt senior quarterback, Cullen Harper, completed 20 of 34 passes but had no touchdowns and one interception. Alabama's John Parker Wilson completed 22 of 30 passes with no interceptions. He threw two touchdowns to Nick Walker and Julio Jones, and rushed for one himself. The Crimson Tide went on to win by a score of 34–10.

The Citadel
Running Back CJ Spiller fumbled on Clemson's first drive and the Tigers turned the ball over on downs on their second drive. The Citadel was able to proficiently move the ball through the air, although they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

It was the secondary and Michael Hamlin in particular that kept The Citadel from getting back into the game after the Tigers went up 21–0 on two touchdown runs by C.J. Spiller and a TD run by James Davis.

With Clemson leading 21–7 late in the first half, The Citadel scored on a 41-yard pass from Bart Blanchard to Andre Roberts. Then the Bulldogs were in position to score again after they forced Clemson to punt. A touchdown that would have brought the Bulldogs within a score going into halftime was prevented when Hamlin intercepted a Blanchard pass.

On the fourth play of the second half Hamlin intercepted Blanchard again and returned the ball to the Citadel 19 yard line. A Tyler Grisham fumble kept Clemson from scoring, but on Clemson's next drive Spiller scored on a 17-yard TD run to put Clemson safely up 28–7.

Hamlin's third interception came on The Citadel's next drive. He stole the ball at the Bulldog 37 and returned it to the 25. On the next play, Cullen Harper hit tight end Michael Palmer down the right sideline for a touchdown.

Harper completed 14 of 18 passes for 192 yards. While The Citadel held the ball seven more minutes than the Tigers, Harper's efficiency allowed Clemson to easily put away the Bulldogs.

Davis finished with 107 yards and Spiller had 75 yards rushing to aid the offense.

NC State
The annual renewal of the "Textile Bowl" between the Clemson Tigers and N.C. State Wolfpack got of to a rocky start for the Tigers. On the first play of the game, Nate Irving intercepted a Cullen Harper pass and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown, putting the Wolfpack up 6–0. The Tigers responded by blocking the PAT. The next offensive series, the Tigers started on their own 24 and drove the length of the field, capping the drive with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Harper to Jacoby Ford. A 30 yard run by Ford on a reverse also highlighted the drive. The Mark Buchholz PAT put Clemson up 7–6.

The next three drives saw the Tigers and Wolfpack trade punts. With 13:51 left in the 2nd quarter, Clemson began its next scoring drive from its own 33. A 28 yard reception by Jacoby Ford highlighted the drive, with rushes by James Davis, C.J. Spiller, and Cullen Harper helping to aid the drive. With 4th and 2 on the N.C. State 5 yard line, Buchholz came on for a 22 yard field goal to put the Tigers up 10–6. After the next N.C. State drive stalled, Clemson got the ball back on their own 41 yard line. Clemson scored after two passes from Cullen Harper – the first a 31 yard strike to Aaron Kelly, and the second a 28 yard touchdown pass to C.J. Spiller. The ensuring PAT put Clemson ahead 17–6.

N.C. State got back on the board late in the 4th quarter with a 25 yard field goal by Josh Czajkowski to close the gap to 17–9. Clemson started the next drive on the N.C. State 47 and drove it down to the 13, but the drive stalled after an apparent touchdown run by Spiller was negated by a holding penalty. Buchholz kicked a 31 yard field goal to increase the lead to 20–9. N.C. State's next drive resulted in their first turnover of the game, when Crezdon Butler intercepted a pass at the Clemson 4 yard line. The Tigers then sealed the game with a 13 play drive that consumed 7:01 of the clock, capping the drive with a 12 yard run by Spiller. That would be the final score of the game, as the Tigers prevailed 27–9 and recorded extended their current win streak in the series to five. The last efforts by the Wolfpack to close the gap were snuffed out by an interception by Chris Chancellor.

The Tigers gained 426 yards of total offense. Cullen Harper was 20–28 for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. C.J. Spiller had a great day as a dual threat, finishing with 61 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns. Jacoby Ford lead all receivers with 106 receiving yards and a touchdown, in addition to 48 rushing yards. The Tigers defense held the Wolfpack to 288 yards on offense, no offensive touchdowns, and recorded two interceptions.

SC State
The first ever meeting between the Clemson Tigers and S.C. State Bulldogs turned into a lopsided contest, as the Tigers defeated their second FCS team on the season to improve to 3–1. The Tigers received the opening kickoff and struck first on a 68 yard drive capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by James Davis. S.C. State was unable to respond on any of its two possessions in the first quarter, as they ended in a punt and missed field goal. Clemson, meanwhile, had its next two drives end in interceptions from Cullen Harper.

The Tigers broke the game open in the second quarter. Chris Chancellor intercepted an S.C. State pass early in the quarter. On the next possession, Davis and C.J. Spiller spearheaded the offensive attack, which ended in Davis' second touchdown of the day. The Tigers defense would cut the Bulldogs' next drive short with an interception by Crezdon Butler. Davis would score his third touchdown of the day on the next drive. A safety and a 1 yard touchdown plunge by Cullen Harper would give the Tigers a 30–0 halftime lead.

S.C. State received the ball to start the third quarter, but it would be the Tigers who opened up scoring as Chris Clemons would pick off a Bulldog pass and return it for a touchdown. The next three drives saw two Bulldog drives and a Tigers drive stall. Clemson would get back on the scoreboard with a Mark Buchholz field goal. Clemson would begin placing reserves in on offense late in the third quarter. Early in the fourth, the Tigers scored their fifth rushing touchdown of the day on a one yard run by backup quarterback Willy Korn. Korn would later throw the Tigers' first passing touchdown of the day on a five yard passes to tight end Michael Palmer. The defense recorded its fourth turnover of the day when Brandon Thompson recovered an S.C. State fumble. The Tigers would then run out the clock, giving the Tigers a 52–0 victory.

Cullen Harper completed 14 of 23 passes for 152 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Willy Korn went 7–7 for 73 yards and a touchdown. James Davis lead the Tigers rushing attack with 93 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tyler Grisham lead the receiving corps with 41 reception yards on 3 receptions. C.J. Spiller had 105 all-purpose yards on the day (66 rushing, 39 punt return). Overall, the Tigers offense compiled 432 yards of total offense (225 passing, 207 rushing) and 31 first downs. The defense held the Bulldogs to only 149 yards of total offense and eight first downs, while compiling four turnovers on the day.

Maryland
Clemson firmly held the momentum of the game for the first half, with their running backs able to exploit holes in the Terps' defensive line. Clemson racked up two touchdowns and a field goal. Despite gaining excellent field position through recovering a fumbled punt on the Clemson 19-yard line and a recovered fumble on the Clemson 30-yard line, Maryland was able to produce just two field goals from those turnovers. The Terrapins drives were also blunted through penalties for two false starts and a holding call.

In the second half, the Terrapins began with a series that fizzled out after a run attempt for a loss, an additional false start, and two incomplete passes. However, the Terrapins defense took the field and stopped a Clemson drive, allowing the Maryland offense another chance. On the first play of their second series, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey executed a reverse, gaining 76 yards before being run down at the Clemson 4-yard line. This set up a short Chris Turner touchdown pass to receiver Torrey Smith, and irreversibly shifted the game's momentum in favor of the Terps. In the fourth quarter, three completions to Danny Oquendo set the stage for a one-yard rush into the end zone by Da'rel Scott. The Maryland defense remained stalwart, allowing Clemson just 31 rushing yards and no points in the second half, compared with 204 yards on the ground and 17 points in the first.

The upset marked the fourth consecutive Maryland win against a ranked opponent (the others: #23 Cal, and, in the 2007 season, #8 Boston College and #10 Rutgers). It is also the fourth consecutive time that the visiting team has won the Maryland-Clemson series.

Wake Forest
Riley Skinner's 7 yard touchdown pass to DJ Boldin with 5:28 to go gave the Deacons a 12–7 win against Clemson. In a defensive battle, the Deacons' defense managed to hold Clemson to less than one yard per carry. Wake Forest dominated the game statistically but were unable to capitalize on several scoring chances. The sole turnover in the game was a Cullen Harper pass intercepted by Alphonso Smith, who tied a school record with his 17th career interception. Riley Skinner also threw for 186 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-34 passing, and also added 73 yards on the ground.

Georgia Tech
On 13 October, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden resigned and was replaced by receivers coach Dabo Swinney. Tech's defense controlled the eb and flow of the game forcing six turnovers, which included four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Safety Dominique Reese returned an intercepted pass from wide receiver Tyler Grisham for Tech's first touchdown. Morgan Burnett added two additional interceptions, the final in the last second of the game. Offensively, Tech continued to produce with its ground game against the Tigers racking up 207 yards rushing. Josh Nesbitt ran untouched for 5 yards for Tech's second score and passed 24 yards to Demaryius Thomas for Tech's go ahead and eventual game winning score. Tech is 6–1 for the first time since 1999.

Boston College
On October 27, it was announced that the Boston College Gridiron Club will be sponsoring the O'Rourke-McFadden Trophy and will be awarded to the winner of the Boston College-Clemson game on November 1. The trophy is named after Charlie O'Rourke and Banks McFadden, who were the respective quarterbacks for Boston College and Clemson during the 1940 Cotton Bowl (the 1st meeting between the Eagles and Tigers).

Clemson captured the O'Rourke-McFadden Trophy and its first victory over the Eagles since 1958 (and first win since Boston College joined the ACC) with a 27–21 victory. After the Eagles received the opening kickoff, both teams traded possessions. After Steve Aponavicius missed a 31 yard field goal, the Tigers took over on their own 20 yard line. C.J. Spiller broke a 56 yard run that drove the Tigers into BC territory, and James Davis capped the drive with a 24 yard touchdown run to put the Tigers up 7–0. Later in the 1st quarter, Brandon Maye recovered a fumble to give the Tigers the ball back on their own 30 yard line. Cullen Harper connected with a 23 yard reception to Tyler Grisham and a 45 yard reception to C.J. Spiller to get to the Eagles 2 yard line. Harper then capped the drive with a 2 yard run to increase the lead to 14–0. After trading possessions again for the remainder of the 1st quarter and part of the second, Clemson started their next scoring drive with 8:12 left in the 2nd quarter. Driving from their own 20, the Tigers made their way to the Eagles 10 yard line before having to settle for a Mark Buchholz field goal to increase the lead to 17–0.

Boston College mounted a comeback in the second half, sparked by a McLaughlin interception of Harper to set up the Eagles at the Tigers 7 yard line. Josh Haden would punch the ball in from 1 yard out to make the score 14–7. Early in the 4th quarter, the Eagles would block a Jimmy Maners punt, which was returned by Roderick Rollins 20 yards for a touchdown to close the margin to 17–14. After Davis intercepted another Harper pass to give the Eagles great field position, the Eagles would score on a 16 yard pass from Chris Crane to Brandon Robinson to take 21–17 lead. However, Spiller would take ensuing kickoff 64 yards to set up the Tigers on the Eagles 15 yard line. The Tigers would capitalize on the drive, completing the drive with a 4 yard touchdown pass from Harper to Aaron Kelly to take a 24–17 lead. On the next drive, DeAndre McDaniel forced a fumble that was recovered by Daquan Bowers. The Tigers would put away the game for good with a Buchholz field goal on the next possession. The victory would give interim head coach Dabo Swinney his first win.

Offensively for the Tigers, Harper finished the game completing 21 of 33 passes for 252 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions. C.J. Spiller lead the Tigers in rushing (55 yards) and receiving (105 yards), while compiling 242 all-purpose yards for the entire game. James Davis scored the 42nd rushing touchdown of his career, breaking the Tigers' all-time rushing touchdwon record. Aaron Kelly recorded his 19th career touchdown reception in the game, which gave him Clemson's record for career touchdown receptions. Defensively, the Tigers held the Eagles to 236 yards and forced three fumbles (2 of which the Tigers recovered).

Florida State
As threatening as a turtle on its back, Clemson took on the Florida State Seminoles with hopes of another national championship for Clemson remaining its primary goal for the season. The ethics-free Seminoles turned back the Tigers' valiant efforts, cheating their way to a 41–27 "W" before a classless crowd in Tallahassee.

Duke
The Tigers came into their homecoming game against the Duke Blue Devils in need of winning the last three games for bowl eligibility. Clemson received the opening kickoff, but both teams ended up trading punts in the first four possessions of the game. Duke's second possession of the game saw starting quarterback Thaddeus Lewis suffer a sprained ankle while trying to elude a Clemson defender, which knocked him out of the game and hampered the Blue Devils' offense for the remainder of the game. On the Tigers' third offensive possession, James Davis had three consecutive rushes for 18 yards. After a loss of three yards, Clemson faced 3rd and 10 on the Duke 48 yard line. Cullen Harper completed a pass to Tyler Grisham, who turned it into a 19 yard gain. On the following play, C.J. Spiller ran the ball 24 yards for the game's first touchdown. After trading possession, which saw Duke having to punt twice and a Clemson drive stall on a missed 53 yard field goal, the Tigers took over again with 9:23 left in the second quarter. In this possession, Clemson added to the lead with a 39 yard field goal by Mark Buchholz. After the Tigers' defense forced the Blue Devil offense to go three and out, Clemson got the ball back around midfield. After Cullen Harper completed several completions to Spiller, Jacoby Ford, and Aaron Kelly, the Tigers had the ball on the Duke 1 yard line. James Davis then punched it in to give the Tigers a 17–0 halftime lead.

Duke received the opening kickoff, but the drive ended up stalling around midfield, forcing another punt. Clemson's next drive proved to be very short, as Harper connected on a screen pass to Spiller, who raced 83 yards for his second touchdown of the day. Michael Hamlin intercepted Duke's back-up quarterback Zach Asack on the next possession on the game's first turnover. After a 15 yard reception to Ford and a 26 yard reception to Davis, the Tigers found themselves on the Blue Devil three yard line. Davis then scored his second touchdown of the day to give the Tigers a 31–0 lead. Duke would finally score late in the fourth quarter on a 28 yard pass from Asack to Eron Riley to close the final gap to 31–7. A late drive by Duke was cut short deep in Clemson territory by an interception by Coty Sensabaugh.

Offensively, the Tigers compiled 466 yards for the game (326 passing and 140 rushing), 25 first downs, and converted 6 of 16 third downs. Cullen Harper completed 20 of 26 passes for 292 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions. C.J. Spiller lead the Tigers in rushing and receiving for the second time in three games, rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown, and 108 receiving yards and a touchdown. James Davis had 43 rushing yards, 26 receiving yards, and two rushing touchdowns. Aaron Kelly had 96 receiving yards on the day and broke the ACC reception record held by Desmond Clark with two back-to-back receptions late in the 4th quarter. Defensively, the Tigers held the Blue Devils to 168 total yards (85 passing and 83 rushing), 2 of 14 on third down conversions, and forced two turnovers. Clemson held the time of possession advantage, controlling the ball for 35:36 compared to Duke's 24:24 of possession.

Virginia
The Tigers kept their bowl hopes alive with a close 13–3 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville. With the victory, Clemson captured their first victory in Charlottesville since 2000 and improved the series record against the Cavaliers to 36–8–1.

Neither offense was able to generate much production, as the Tigers barely outgained the Cavaliers 192–190. Cullen Harper completed 18 of 28 passes for 121 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. C.J. Spiller only had 57 all-purpose yards, but completed his 1st career touchdown pass in the first quarter, completing a 15 yard pass to Tyler Grisham for the game's only touchdown. James Davis lead the Tigers with 65 rushing yards, while Jacoby Ford lead the receiving corps with six catches for 42 yards. Mark Buchholz was 2–3 on field goals (good from 32 and 23 yards; missed from 58 yards) and connected on the game's only PAT attempt. Clemson's defense forced four turnovers against the Cavaliers. Michael Hamlin lead the defense with 8 total tackles, an interception, and a pass break up. Crezdon Butler and DeAndre McDaniel also recorded interceptions, while Byron Maxwell forced a fumble that was recovered by Jock McKissic late in the first quarter.

South Carolina
Clemson won its second straight game over South Carolina and extended the overall series lead against the Gamecocks to 65–37–4. After the Tigers lost a fumble on the opening drive, the Gamecocks had the chance to score first. However, Chris Chancellor intercepted a Chris Smelley pass. On the next drive, Clemson scored the game's first touchdown after an 85-yard drive highlighted by a 39-yard run by C.J. Spiller and capped by a 1-yard touchdown by James Davis. Clemson then blocked a Gamecock punt on the next possession and followed it up with a 22-yard field goal by Mark Buchholz to take a 10–0 lead. In the second quarter, the Tigers again intercepted a Chris Smelley pass (this time by Chris Clemons) to get the ball back around midfield. Two plays later, Cullen Harper threw downfield to Jacoby Ford as he was being tackled by a Gamecock defender. Ford turned the pass into a 50-yard touchdown reception to give the Tigers a 17–0 lead. The Tigers started their next drive at the South Carolina 41-yard line following an interception by Michael Hamlin. Davis capped the drive with a 20-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 24–0 lead. The Gamecocks would score late in the second quarter after the defense recovered a fumble by Harper. Starting at the Clemson 33-yard line, the Gamecocks capped the drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Smelley to Patrick DiMarco to cut the Tigers' lead to 24–7.

The Gamecocks opened the third quarter with a 69-yard scoring drive, capped by a 23-yard touchdown pass from Smelley to Wesley Saunders to cut the margin to 24–14. However, Clemson would counter that several drives later with a 44-yard touchdown drive, capped by Davis' third touchdown run of the day, to push the lead to 31–14. In the fourth quarter, Chris Chancellor recorded his second interception of the day (and the defense's fourth against Gamecock quarterback Chris Smelley) to cut short a potential Gamecock scoring drive and leave the final margin at 31–14 in favor of the Tigers.

With the victory, the Tigers secured bowl eligibility and gave interim head coach Dabo Swinney his fourth win since taking over at midseason following Tommy Bowden's resignation. Offensively, the Tigers finished the day with 383 yards of total offense. Cullen Harper completed 12 of 17 passes for 199 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions. James Davis led Clemson's rushing attack with 91 yards and 3 touchdowns in his final game in Death Valley. Aaron Kelly led the Tigers' receivers with four catches for 76 yards. C.J. Spiller had 199 all-purpose yards (88 rushing, 35 receiving, and 76 kick/punt return yards). Defensively, the Tigers held the Gamecocks' offense to 304 yards. Clemson led in time of possession 32:47–27:13 and forced four turnovers compared to two by the Gamecocks.

Nebraska
Nebraska defeated Clemson in a come-from-behind 26–21 finish at the 2009 Gator Bowl on January 1, 2009. The game remained in doubt until the very end, as Clemson marched from their own 23 to the Nebraska 10. With 1st and goal to go and about two minutes remaining on the clock, Cullen Harper came up short, resulting in a 16 yard sack and three Clemson incompletions to seal the outcome of the game. The game was played only days after Head Coach Bo Pelini and Defensive Coordinator Carl Pelini returned from their father's funeral in Ohio.

Coaching staff

 * Dabo Swinney – Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
 * Vic Koenning – Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
 * Brad Scott – Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line
 * David Blackwell – Recruiting Coordinator/Linebackers
 * Andre Powell – Running Backs
 * Billy Napier – Quarterbacks
 * Sharon Haithcock – Administrative Shanking/Linebackers
 * Chris Rumph – Defensive Line
 * Ron West – Outside Linebackers
 * Mike Dooley – Tight Ends/Defensive Video Graduate Assistant
 * Andy Ford – Defensive Graduate Assistant
 * Paul Hogan – Offensive Graduate Assistant
 * Willie Simmons – Offensive Video Graduate Assistant
 * Jeff Scott – Wide Receivers