Will the running game work?

The talk of Clemson's off-season practices has been the push to shore up an anemic running game, especially in short-yardage situations. Tiger fans will find out Saturday if that work has paid off, but here's a look at what they can expect. (Here's another look.) For example, Duane Coleman is slated to start at tailback.

TOMMY SPEAKS: Coach Tommy Bowden held his first in-season press conference Tuesday. Here are the relevant quotes. I'll post newspaper accounts Wednesday.

McCLINTON TO MISS SEASON: Defensive tackle Todd McClinton, who has been suffering from mysterious seizures, has been ordered not to play football for six months until the source of his fainting spells has been discovered.

DOGS BITTEN: The State has a story about Georgia's wave of preseason injuries, and Clemson's relative lack of the same.

TIGERS MOTIVATED: Tony Barnhart of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes about Clemson's huge expectations for Saturday's game.

CLICK 'HOWARD'S ROCK': Be sure to check out The State's new Clemson-themed Web page, Howard's Rock. It's pretty spiffy, and it's loaded with content.

There's a season preview for both Clemson and South Carolina posted here; a story on how the fifth year has been a big one for the Bowden coaching family; an article about coach Tommy Bowden assuming more play-calling responsibilities this season (and a short story on Bowden's call in the 2000 victory over South Carolina that produced Rod Gardner's memorable reception); 10 questions about Clemson's upcoming season; and a feature on the diversification of all-star cornerback Justin Miller here.

CU/GA MEMORIES: The official Clemson site has highlights from the 1983 Clemson-Georgia game, which ended in a 16-16 tie. The last seconds of the game saw both teams unsuccessfully attempt back-to-back 60-plus-yard field goals in order to break the deadlock. (That's another great game my father and I attended.)

THIS IS YOUR CHANSI: The Anderson Independent Mail introduces readers to backup quarterback Chansi Stuckey. Give it a look.

TIGER GREAT DIES: Billy Hair, a tailback for Frank Howard whom my father saw play at Clemson, died Sunday. He was 74.

'RITES' REVIEWED, KIND OF: The State has a semi-review of Bragging Rites, the documentary on the Clemson-South Carolina rivalry. Check it out.