Clemson Tigers NCAA Football News

For all of Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder's football and academic accolades, Clemson linebacker Brandon Maye has given him a new nickname - "Jimmy Neutron," the boy genius cartoon character.

TALLAHASEE, Fla. Florida State junior quarterback Christian Ponder suffered a right shoulder separation while making a tackle in the fourth quarter at Clemson, which will sideline him for Saturday's game at Wake Forest.

When Clemson offensive coordinator Billy Napier thought of the best example of redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Parker's improved preparation, his first thought did not go to one of Parker's performances in victories against Wake Forest or Miami.

No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama, 3:30 p.m. CBS A defense battle is expected between two of the top three units in the SEC.

The quarterback couldn't save them this time. Florida State junior QB Christian Ponder, who was having one of the finest seasons in school history, threw four interceptions - two crucial ones in the fourth quarter - as the Seminoles were dominated in the final 15 minutes of a 40-21 loss at Clemson on Saturday night.

Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney have a chance to silence their critics, at least for a while.

A month ago, few would have expected Clemson's game Saturday against Florida State could be one of the more interesting games of the weekend.

CLEMSON - Nobody would admit it, but don't you imagine there were a few grains of skepticism when the Clemson University football team placed the offense in Kyle Parker's hands? He could toss the rock, but could a freshman digest a game plan and read coverage? How would he respond to pressure? And would he have the brass to lead an offense when ...

For the final time this week, Christian Ponder had to answer questions about his ribs.

He's been a one-man wrecking crew at times this year. CUTigers.com sits down with sophomore LB Brandon Maye in another edition of "10 questions with ..." ALSO SEE : 1-on-1 with Brandon Maye Clemson linebacker Brandon Maye has been named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III football team.

After splitting their last eight meetings since 2000, the Seminoles will look to pick up their first win in Death Valley in eight years this Saturday against the Tigers.

There are no shortage of theories for why coach Dabo Swinney playfully called Clemson junior safety DeAndre McDaniel "a pain in the butt to recruit" recently.

Clemson's Brandon Maye, left, makes a tackle during the Tigers' game against TCU last month at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.

Clemson's Dabo Swinney knows his players will be jacked up for perhaps the biggest game of his short time with the Tigers.

That's just the way Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews wanted it.

It is the million-dollar question surrounding Clemson football these days: Why do teams continue to kick and punt the ball to C.J. Spiller? Spiller has three kickoff returns for touchdowns of 90 or more yards and one punt return of 72 yards for a score.

Clemson star defensive end Da'Quan Bowers is doubtful for Saturday's game against Florida State with a sprained left knee, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday night.

LET'S LOOK AHEAD: Florida State on Saturday will travel to Clemson's Memorial Stadium , where the Seminoles haven't won since 2001.

Kevin Steele says he embraced a new way of life when Baylor fired him as coach in 2002.

One of Clemson's best defensive players will probably not be available for their showdown with the Florida State Seminoles.