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Clemson ready to roll to a third straight win

Sep 20, 2008 - 10:10 AM South Carolina St (2-1) at No. 21 Clemson (2-1), 1:00 pm EDT

CLEMSON, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Clemson hasn't looked as good as advertised this season.

But that should not stop the 21st-ranked Tigers from cruising to a third consecutive victory Saturday when they host South Carolina State.

Ranked ninth in the preseason, the Tigers suffered a 34-10 beatdown at the hands of Alabama in their season opener. Clemson rebounded with wins over Citadel and North Carolina State.

The Tigers made it interesting last Saturday against the Wolfpack as Cullen Harper threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.

Harper overcame his early mistakes and tossed two touchdown passes to lead Clemson to a 27-9 victory over its Atlantic Coast Conference foe.

The senior has been less than spectacular this season, passing for 642 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. He should have little trouble this week against an FCS opponent.

Jacoby Ford is emerging as Harper's favorite target. A junior, Ford hauled in six receptions for 106 yards and a score last week.

Clemson's offense will continue to go as far as the running game can carry it. Senior James Davis and junior C.J. Spiller have a combined 297 rushing yards for five touchdowns. Spiller has four rushing scores and another receiving.

The Bulldogs are led by William Ford, who rushed for 334 yards and five TDs this season - including back-to-back 100-yard performances.