Tommy Bowden and staff made an important decision in terms of the team’s future when they decided to take a more physical approach in 2005 as opposed to chucking the ball seemingly every down, like they did with Whitehurst in his earlier campaigns. Through the process, RBs such as young James Davis and veteran Reggie Merriweather have made an impact. Just as well, for the QB now has less pressure to win games by himself, and QB Will Proctor will benefit immensely from the transition. Proctor has needed to throw excessively on a few occasions and has managed quite well. And with Proctor now a senior, the offense should continue to make strides. Helping the process will be a much more physical OL that returns just about everyone. The physicality introduced in the trenches by the coaches was a wise move. If touchdowns won't be enough, count on leading Groza candidate Jad Dean to kick some assured points. The defense, too, has been just as physical. As usual, the top tacklers are generally LBs in this scheme, and all three starters return. With continual improvement, DE Gaines Adams is set to push for ten sacks and ACC honors next fall. The problems in the replacement department will come in trying to fill the shoes of top cover men Tye Hill and Jamaal Fudge. If the secondary can continue to find similar quality on the corner, Clemson will make a push for the Atlantic Division title. Tommy Bowden has taken heat when failing in this high expectation mode. If he can stick with the physical game plan and can get better than average play from Proctor while the team remains healthy, according to these early calculations, the Tigers are the team to beat in their ACC half for ‘06...and they were picked to finish last by many this past August. Imagine that!