(UPDATED at 1:21 p.m.)

Bad memories of Byrd Stadium motivate Tigers

Clemson returns to Maryland's Byrd Stadium this week, site of a loss in 2001 that led to some ugly encounters between the players and Maryland's fans.

My fiancee and I were at the game that day, and we must have gotten lucky. I've been reading many posts on Tigernet about how awful the Terps' fans are, but we had no problems on that day. Hopefully, we won't have any problems this year, either.

Meanwhile, here's a story about Clemson beginning preparations for this week's crucial ACC game, the first of a tough three-game stretch that includes contests against Virginia and N.C. State.

CU-MD NOTES: The SID's office has released the voluminous pregame notes for the Maryland game. Give them a look.

VIRGINIA GAME TIME SET: The Clemson-Virginia contest at Death Valley on Oct. 11 will be televised by JP Sports and kicks off at noon. My dad and I are going to that one. It's homecoming, too, so I guess we'll have to leave early.

PRAISE FOR PUGH, FUDGE: Clemson defensive coordinator John Lovett says defensive backs Travis Pugh and Jamaal Fudge have been playing very well this season.

NIXING NOTRE DAME: Anderson Independent-Mail columnist John Brasier says there's no way the ACC will accept Notre Dame as a "partial" 12th member.

STATS WATCH: Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst has jumped from 15th to 10th in passing efficiency in Division I, and he didn't even take a snap this week. More on Clemson's statistical rankings can be found here.