(UPDATED at 4:42 p.m.)

Hamilton endangers Clemson record book

Receiver Derrick Hamilton is on pace to break a lot of the school's offensive records. Not only that, but he amazes teammates and fans alike with his athleticism.

TED ROOF, TED ROOF, TED ROOF IS ON FIRE: I love this headline on a story about Ted Roof, Duke's interim head coach who has found a way to win. (More here.)

TIGER FRIENDS FOREVER: The official Clemson site has a nice story up about former Clemson players Chuck O'Brien and Stacy Long, who do a lot of work for cystic fibrosis. Give it a read.

ELLIOTT HONORED: Clemson receiver Tony Elliott is a candidate for Academic All-American honors. Congratulations, Tony.

COSTLY GOAL POSTS: The removal of the goal posts at Death Valley following Clemson's huge upset of Florida State cost the school $6,200.

ISN'T THAT SPECIAL: The official Clemson site has a profile of former Clemson linebacker Keith Adams, who is busting heads on special teams for the Philadelphia Eagles.

THE NOTEBOOK: From The Greenville News.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Well, we didn't get the help we needed from the Cavaliers Thursday night. Maryland defeated Virginia 27-17, so now we have to hope that N.C. State and Wake Forest can beat the Terps, and hope for FSU to beat N.C. State. Also, Georgia Tech needs to lose to UNC or Virginia. No matter what, we'll only be able to tie for second place.

Of course, all of this is based on the assumption that we beat Duke this week.

(UPDATED at 1:32 p.m.)

For Tigers, Duke is eerily reminiscent of Wake Forest

The Blue Devils run a similar misdirection-type offense, and that has Clemson worried. Here's another reason I'm worried: 1989. We went down to Tallahassee and kicked FSU around the field, then lost to Duke two weeks later.

WHITEHURST MEMORIES: Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst looks back at his first start. It was last season against Duke.

BOWLS COME CALLING: The Gator and the Peach are interested in Clemson. Goodie.

NOTEBOOK: From the Greenville News.

HISTORY BOOK: The Greenville News' Dan Foster looks back at some of Clemson's greatest wins.

NOTRE DAME TO THE ACC? That's kooky talk. The ACC has already expanded to 12 teams; how would a 13-team league work? Would we pull in another team for a monster 14-team league? (I know. I spent most of the summer advocating a 16-team ACC. I now see the error of my ways.) The Irish should now do what they didn't do in 1999; join the Big Ten (actually 11) and make it a 12-team league.

(UPDATED at 1:01 p.m.)

All eyes on Bowden in wake of FSU victory

Everybody's talking about Clemson coach Tommy Bowden today. Ron Morris of The State says Bowden now holds all the trump cards for any career decisions that may be made at the end of the season. Bart Wright of the Greenville News says the pummeling that Bowden has taken in the media from people like Bart Wright will help make him a better coach. No, really, that's the thrust of his column. This from a guy who just a couple of weeks ago was writing that Bowden didn't take his job seriously.

The Greenville News has another story about Bowden that says he's not sure last Saturday's huge win -- his biggest ever -- validates his career. And here's an AP story from Bowden's weekly press conference.

'USA TODAY' ON CLEMSON: Alert reader Jason turned me on to this piece from USA Today on Clemson's big win against Florida State.

NOTEBOOKS: The Greenville News; The State.

CU-DUKE MEMORIES: The official Clemson site has posted video highlights of the 1999 Clemson-Duke game, a 58-7 victory for the Tigers. Check 'em out.

MORE NOTES: Two days later, the SID's office has released the voluminous pregame notes for the Duke game.

(UPDATED at 4:26 p.m.)

Don't discount the Dookies, Clemson

I started saying that right after I saw that the Blue Devils had ripped Georgia Tech last Saturday, and there are a couple of stories out there that say the same thing. We're all excited about the big win over FSU, but this is NOT the time for a letdown. Then again, there really isn't a good time for a letdown, is there?

WHERE THE TIGERS MIGHT BOWL: The Gator or the Peach are looking likelier. And here's the breakdown:

How Clemson can secure a spot in the New Year�s Day bowl as the ACC�s No. 2 team:
-Clemson beats Duke on Saturday

-N.C. State loses one of its two remaining ACC games (vs. Florida State, Saturday; vs. Maryland, Nov. 22)

-Maryland loses two of its three remaining ACC games (vs. Virginia, Thursday; vs. N.C. State, Nov. 22; vs. Wake Forest, Nov. 29)

Note: Under this scenario, Clemson and N.C. State would be tied for second-place with a 5-3 ACC mark, possibly along with Georgia Tech or Virginia. Clemson would own tiebreakers against the Yellow Jackets and Cavaliers; ultimately, the selection committee has the upper hand � it can choose N.C. State even if the Wolfpack win one less conference game than the Tigers.

That's a little more concise than yesterday.

HAMILTON LEAVING? Receiver Derrick Hamilton is considering declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft after this season. God, I hope he reconsiders. He would be an important part of our offense next season.

HILLS HONORED: Clemson defensive players Tye Hill and Leroy Hill were among those named ACC players of the week.

NOTEBOOK TIME: From the Greenville News.

TERRY DON PHILLIPS SPEAKS: The Greenville News covers a speaking appearance by Clemson's athletic director.

REMEMBERING COOPER: Tigernet has a nice story about former Clemson receiver Gary Cooper, who was paralyzed in a tragic car accident several years ago.

DULY UNNOTED: For whatever reason, the voluminous pregame notes for the Duke game haven't been posted. Until they are, here are the post-game notes from the victory against FSU.

STOP SPREADIN' THOSE RUMORS AROUND: Frequent Tigerpundit commentor Jason has noticed a story that smells like a steaming pile of bullshit: A certain Richard Cirminiello writes the following in his "Quick Hits" column at College Football News:

Are we to believe that a single Clemson victory against Florida State miraculously makes Tommy Bowden a head football coach that should be retained? That somehow Florida State laying an egg washes Bowden�s string of mediocrity and seven-win seasons? Gimme a break. It was a great victory for the Tiger program, but many Clemson fans�and more important AD Terry Don Phillips�are still skeptical. Phillips has his eye on former Clemson coaching icon Danny Ford. The Clemson board voted 9-3 on Friday to can Bowden at season�s end. Whether Saturday�s win changes sentiment at the university remains to be seen.

WTF? How in the hell did he get his information? This guy doesn't even credit any "anonymous sources" for this blockbuster. He just kind of slips it in halfway through his collection of notes WITH ABSOLUTELY NO ATTRIBUTION AT ALL, and pretends it's a "fact." That's damn shoddy journalism. Thanks for pointing that out, Jason.

STATS WATCH: We've slipped to No. 2 in kickoff returns, but we're 20th in passing offense. Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is 20th in the nation in total offense.

(UPDATED at 4:17 p.m.)

At Clemson, confidence is high, repeat, confidence is high

And why shouldn't it be after Saturday's huge win over No. 3 Florida State? Besides being the Tigers' first big win in many, many years, it also gives them a chance to finish second in the conference (they are already guaranteed no worse than a tie for third). Second place would mean a better bowl game, possibly the Gator or Peach. A Tigernet commenter has already worked out the scenarios we need, including the teams we need to pull for:

Right now here's what we have in the ACC:

1 Loss: FSU vs. NC State
2 Losses: MD vs. UVA, NC State, Wake
2 Losses: NC State vs. FSU, MD
3 Losses: GT vs. UNC, UVA
3 Losses: UVA vs. MD, GT
3 Losses: Clemson vs. Duke

Take it one weekend at a time. First let�s look at who can be put away (4 losses).

* Clemson must beat Duke to secure a 3-loss season and we�re done.
* If UNC can beat GT, GT goes to 4 losses and are out. If not, UVA needs to beat them the next week for them to be gone.
* For MD to be gone (4 losses), they have to loose 2 of 3 vs. UVA, NCS, and Wake. My guess is they stay at 2 or move to 3 losses on the season.
* For NC State to be gone, they need to go 0-2 vs. FSU and MD. So if FSU beats NCS, FSU stays at 1 loss and NCS goes to 3.
* This leaves UVA. I think we want UNC to beat GT and UVA to beat MD. If so, UVA goes to 4 losses, MD goes to 3, GT is out.

It�s confusing, so take it one week at a time. Recap:

Pull for Clemson to beat Duke (duh...we're done at 3)
Pull for UNC to beat GT (GT out)
Pull for UVA to beat MD (UVA stays at 3 losses, MD joins us at 3)
Pull for FSU to beat NCS (NCS joins us at 3 losses)

If these happened, it would look like this:

1 Loss: FSU done
3 Losses: MD vs. NC State, Wake
3 Losses: NC State vs. MD
3 Losses: UVA vs. GT
3 Losses: Clemson done
4 Losses: GT vs. UVA

If this is what it looks like next Sunday, then it goes:

Pull for MD to beat NCS (MD has another shot at a loss with Wake, NCS out)
Pull for GT to beat UVA (UVA out, GT already out)

That would make it look like this:

1 Loss: FSU done
3 Losses: MD vs. Wake
3 Losses: Clemson done
4 Losses: NC State done
4 Losses: UVA done
4 Losses: GT done

If this is what it looks like in two weeks, we pull for Wake to beat MD and we are sole 2nd place in the ACC!

Yeah, it�s a dream, but that�s the order to get there.

At least that�s what I think I think about the ACC race.

I think you're about right.

DOMINATING DEFENSE: The Greenville News takes a look at Clemson's outstanding defensive performance Saturday against Florida State.

RECRUITING BOOST: Clemson had nearly 100 potential signees in the house Saturday night, and many of them liked what they saw.

GAME BALL FOR BOWDEN: Clemson's players awarded the game ball to embattled coach Tommy Bowden after the win against FSU. That's a classy gesture.

CLEMSON/USC GAME TIME SET: The Nov. 22 contest will air on ESPN2, and it will kick off at 7 p.m.

(UPDATED at 6:41 p.m.)

Clemson 26, Florida State 10: Who are these guys?

I still can't believe we defeated No. 3 Florida State a week after getting creamed by a Wake Forest team that lost to North Carolina yesterday. Obviously, it's a great win for the program and embattled coach Tommy Bowden, but what a schizophrenic team we are. At least we got a big win on national TV, as opposed to our usual routine of getting slaughtered.

Anyway, on to the coverage.

GAME STORIES: "Son knows best," says The State; "Tigers take down FSU," says the Greenville News; "FSU left son-burned," says the Miami Herald; "Down goes Dad," says the Tallahassee Democrat.

The Anderson Independent-Mail has nothing posted on the game, and it's almost noon on Sunday. Hmm.....

Ah, here we go. A game story, a column, a sidebar and a notebook.

THE STATS: Here's a complete statistical summary of the game.

OTHER STORIES: The State says this was a "must win" for the Tigers, and columnist Ron Morris says the victory saved Tommy Bowden's job -- for a week, anyway. The Greenville News writes about the great day quarterback Charlie Whitehurst had. And lookie: Bart Wright likes us again! (There's also a notebook.)

Columnist Bob Spear of The State interviews Ann Bowden, Tommy's mom and Bobby's wife. The State also has a notebook, grades the keys to victory, provides the quarter-by-quarter highlights, and posts that high five thingee.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: To paraphrase Robert E. Lee, God bless the Tar Heel boys. UNC's surprise victory over Wake Forest helps Clemson in the ACC standings. And thank you, Duke, for beating Georgia Tech. That helps us as well.

Clemson 26, Florida State 10: Biggest win in school history!

Holy cow. I can't believe we beat Florida State! It's the highest-ranked team the Tigers have ever defeated in football, and it's the first time we've beaten the Seminoles since a memorable smackdown we laid on them in 1989 in Tallahassee -- the year after the "puntrooskie" defeat in Death Valley. I'm busting. I'm absolutely busting. I'll post more on the game tomorrow. In the meantime, Bass Ale for everybody!!!!! GO TIGERS!!!

*****************************************************************

The Bowden Bowl is today -- yawn

It's hard for me to get excited about the game after last week's debacle. Sure, I want the Tigers to beat Florida State, but I don't see it happening.

Kickoff is at 7:45 p.m. The game will be shown nationally on ESPN2. Go Tigers!

GAME PREVIEWS: The Greenville News calls tonight's game a "gala spectacle." Huh? (Here's a game capsule.) Meanwhile, Greenville News columnist Bart Wright reminds fans that they shouldn't pin their hopes on a victory against Florida State, because Florida State is so much better than every team in the ACC.

The Anderson Independent-Mail says Clemson will have to shut down FSU's rushing attack, and also says the Tigers' chances to win aren't as bad as many think.

The State has its usual preview package, including the keys to victory, a look at how Clemson will try to stop Seminoles receiver Craphonso Thorpe, and a Q&A with Clemson fullback Clifford Harrell.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Here are quick previews of the other ACC games Saturday.

Trickeration: It's a Bowden family tradition

There is a lot of coverage today of the trick plays which have been a hallmark of the Bowden Bowl since the first game in 1999. (Here's a list of the tricks Tommy Bowden has pulled on his dad.)

RECRUITING WOES: The Anderson Independent-Mail has a very good story on the top-notch recruits Clemson has lost to Florida State, and the impact that has had on the program.

DON'T YOU CARE? DON'T YOU EVEN CARE? The Augusta Chronicle looks at the declining enthusiasm for the Clemson football program in, of all places, the town of Clemson. And here's an AP story that looks ahead to the big game. There's also this story about how the Bowden Bowl ain't as fun as it used to be.

WELL RECEIVED: The Miami Herald says Florida State may have a hard time stopping Clemson's tall receiving corps. I hope they're right.

THANKS FOR SHARING: The State examines shared information among coaches.

McCLEON RULES: Former Clemson defensive back Dexter McCleon is having a great season in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bowden Bowl V: This year, a soap opera

The Anderson Independent-Mail has a nice rundown of why this year's Bowden Bowl may not be much fun for either side. In that same vein, former Auburn coach Terry Bowden says his brother Tommy should continue coaching at Clemson. And here's another story about athletic director Terry Don Phillips waiting until the end of the season before making a decision on Bowden's future.

And finally, here's a column from the Anderson Independent-Mail's Jon Brasier that essentially says it's time for Bowden to cut the excuses and produce in the last three games.

COMPARE & CONTRAST: The Rock Hill Herald's Gary McCann compares Tommy Bowden's record in his first years at Clemson with Frank Beamer's record during his first four years at Virginia Tech. Guess what? Bowden's doing a lot better.

FICKLE CLEMSON FANS: The Tallahassee Democrat's Randy Beard has a column about the often unreasonable demands of a vocal segment of Clemson fans.

THAT'S SPECIAL: One bright spot for Clemson's mediocre season has been improved play on special teams.

TURNING THE CORNER: The Greenville News examines the defensive challenges that will face Clemson cornerbacks Tye Hill and Justin Miller in Saturday's game. (More here.)

HAPPY WHERE HE'S AT: The State profiles Florida State linebacker Michael Boulware, one of many South Carolina natives who have chosen to play for the Seminoles.