Chick-fil-a Bowl Notebook - From the Presser
Spence StaysClemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence said at his press conference on Saturday that it was "in my best interest, the school's best interest and the players best interest" if he withdrew his name from the running of the open offensive coordinator job at Tennessee. Spence said he felt "God opened a door for him to investigate" the job at Tennessee, but he felt too comfortable at Clemson to leave. Spence visited with Tennessee head coach Philip Fulmer a few weeks ago, but that he was never offered the job. He also said that he has not focused very much on the Tennessee position, and he's poured all of his time and energy on getting Clemson ready to play Auburn.
Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence addresses media Saturday after he announces he isn't intrested in the University of Tennessee offensive coordinator job.
(Photo by Jimmy Moore/News13 Chief Photographer)
Muschamp One of the Best
Spence has his hands full for Monday. Auburn Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp is one of the best in the country. His D won a national championship at LSU, and has kept Auburn one of the best defenses in the country. Spence said at his press conference that he saw film of a defensive coach running 40 yards down the field to congratulate one of his players. Spence said he was impressed by that, and that they have to play offense with the same intensity as Auburn plays defense, especially on the offensive line.
Two Gameplans for Defense
Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning is happy Clemson has had so long to prepare for Auburn. With a new offensive coordinator on the other side, Clemson has two defensive gameplans - one for Auburn and one for Troy. Former Trojan offensive coordinator Tony Franklin now leads the Auburn O and has implemented his schemes around Auburn's current personnel. Coach Koenning says the team is prepared to face whatever Auburn throws at them.
Vincent Decision to Come at Gametime
Tommy Bowden said after his team's 8am practice that he will make a decision about whether or not to play linebacker Cortney Vincent right before gametime. Vincent was arrested three weeks ago for driving under the influence. Vincent has practiced every day in Atlanta, and signs point to Bowden probably allowing Vincent to play.
Tell me what you're thinkin' about Monday's game! Right here on scnow.com tell me what Clemson needs to do to beat Auburn, and whether or not you think Vincent should play on Monday.
Posted by
on 12/29 at 11:17 AM
Bowden…a man of “few” words.
Question for Bowden: A decision on Cortney Vincent’s status yet?
Tommy Bowden: “No.“
Question for Bowden: When?
Tommy Bowden: “When am I going to do it? Before game-time. Before kickoff.“
Question for Bowden: So are you staying up late at night pondering this decision? Has it already been made?
Tommy Bowden: “I go to sleep fairly early, maybe around 10 PM. I go fairly early. We met as a staff at 7 AM, and I got up at six to get there.“
Question for Bowden: So has the decision been made?
Tommy Bowden: “No, but I’m not losing any sleep over it.“
Question for Bowden: So are you still reviewing information that’s coming in or�?
Tommy Bowden: “Yes.“
Question for Bowden: Did he practice today?
Tommy Bowden: “Yes.“
Question for Bowden: If you can recap for me then� is there any difference (in your eyes) between alcohol and marijuana?
Tommy Bowden: “What’s the specific question? There are differences. I’m not a doctor. I don’t drink. I’m 53 years old, and I don’t drink alcohol. I’ve never smoked, inhaled or exhaled. I couldn’t tell you the difference medically. I know there are, but I couldn’t tell you first-hand.“
Question for Bowden: A year ago you suspended a player based on marijuana use?
Tommy Bowden: “Based on a track record. He had a history of offenses. I think we’ve addressed this earlier (this month). That guy didn’t have any money in the bank. He wrote a check and didn’t have any cash.“
“Those issues were serious. I don’t want to make light of the seriousness of either issue. I don’t think I have. But the only guys with the facts are the officer of the law, the lawyer and myself. I’m going to treat it a private way before it has to come public.“
Question for Bowden: And they’re in touch with you?
Tommy Bowden: “They have been. I’ve talked with the administration, the lawyer, I’ve talked to the people who have seen the video.“
Question for Bowden: Is there concern on the administration’s part with the tragedies that have happened with what has occurred on campus?
Tommy Bowden: “Very much so. That’s what I’m saying. It’s a very serious matter. Both of those issues are serious. Alcohol is a drug.“
Question for Bowden: Tuberville was telling us that there is a drug policy for them. What’s the policy at Clemson?
Tommy Bowden: “I have it, in fact I have it in my briefcase, a code of conduct. I don’t have it in front of me. It’s back at my room. I can’t quote it verbatim, but there is one.“