North Carolina State University Athletics
Will Clemson Run or Gun?
10/6/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Clemson's run and gun offense could very well do more running than gunning this Saturday. If that's the case, it would be a major departure from what the Tigers' had been doing before starting quarterback Brandon Streeter went down with a broken collarbone last weekend.
With Streeter in the saddle, Clemson was the ACC's third best passing team, averaging 250 yards per game. Enter Woody Dantzler. The athletic sophomore led the Tigers to all of their points in last Saturday's 31-20 victory over North Carolina. He did it with his arm and legs.
Dantzler gained 213 yards of total offense-131 passing and 82 on the ground. While Streeter is the superior pocket passer, Dantzler is much more of a threat to run the option, roll out or scramble out of trouble.
So what should NC State expect from Clemson this Saturday night?
"Woody gives you other options, literally," said Clemson coach Tommy Bowden. "The option game becomes much more of a factor now because of his ability to run. His running skills present some problems for you defensively and we have some coaches on our staff with option backgrounds."
If anything, Dantzler's presence only gives NC State's defensive coaches more to think about as they prepare for this weekend's contest. Last Saturday, Dantzler had a 49-yard touchdown run and a 56-yard touchdown pass.
"He brings a different element to the quarterback position," said Pack coach Mike O'Cain. "I'm not going to say that he's a better quarterback or not as good a quarterback as Streeter, but he's different. As a complete package, Woody is probably a little bit better than Brandon because he can do more things athletically."
The Wolfpack has been preparing itself for a variety of things this week. Four and five receiver formations have been the norm for Clemson this season, but that was before Streeter was injured. More option and more I-formation looks are possible with Dantzler in the mix, But then again, why would the Tigers make such drastic changes four games into their season?
That's just one of the many questions O'Cain and his staff have been dealing with this week.
