Washington declares himself eligible for NFL draft

Well, this is a real blow. Junior defensive tackle Donnell Washington, who finally began playing up to his awesome potential this season, is going to enter the NFL draft and forgo his final season at Clemson. The State has apparently scooped the Greenville News, which says Washington will decide by the weekend if he'll enter the draft. Or maybe it's the other way around.

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden says he thinks it's a bad idea.

I agree.

THAT RANKING: There are a couple of newspaper stories about Clemson being ranked 22nd in the final polls.

PEACH BOWL THOUGHTS: College Football News has five thoughts on the Peach Bowl. Check it out.

STATS A WRAP: Here's a final look at Clemson's rankings in various NCAA statistical categories. As a team, we finished No. 2 in the country in kickoff returns. Derrick Hamilton was first in the ACC and 23rd in the nation in all-purpose yards. Charlie Whitehurst was second in the ACC and 14th nationally in total offense.