Hamilton will return to Clemson in 2004

All-star receiver Derrick Hamilton has decided not to test the NFL waters and will return for his senior season.

Whew. That's good news.

STOCK GOES TO THE COCKS: Popular former Clemson assistant coach Rick Stockstill, who had a miserable season as East Carolina's offensive coordinator (NOT head coach; thanks, Jason) in 2003, has bolted from the Pirates and will be a receivers coach for the hated Gamecocks.

A lot of Tigernet posters seem to be really upset about this. I think that's silly. When you get down to it, coaching is a profession much like any other, and the competition for jobs is fierce. I don't really see how Stockstill could have come back to Clemson; his job has been filled by Dabo Swinney. So let's be happy for Rick, wish him the best -- and beat his players on the field. We'll shake hands and hug after the game.

BAD MEMORIES LINGER: Clemson's horrible 55-15 loss to Texas Tech in last year's Tangerine Bowl is serving as motivation for the upcoming Peach Bowl game against Tennessee. (More here.)

NOTEBOOK: Five players graduated this week.

FLYING TIGERS: Tennessee's defensive backs will have their hands full with Clemson's tall, speedy receivers. (I posted a different version of this story the other day, but Blogger ate it.)

ONE THAT GOT AWAY: The Knoxville News has a story on Tennessee defensive end Tony McDaniel, who nearly signed with Clemson.

SMOKEY VIII AILING: Smokey VIII, the bluetick coonhound that patrols the Vols' sidelines, will retire following the Peach Bowl. The 9-year-old dog has cancer.