Clemson Keys to Victory Over 'Open Date'?

In case you haven't noticed, Clemson does not have a game this weekend.

But that does not have to stop me from pointing out the keys to victory, right?

Well, there are a few things I think the Tigers need to do this weekend to make sure they stay prepared for the Gamecocks and for improvement of the program in general.

Here they are:

1. Watch the Ohio State versus Michigan game. Why? Because the Tigers might learn something. These two teams have been at the top of college football for years. Their winning programs. Period. Except for a few down years, these two programs win 8, 9, or 10 games a year--every year. They have name recognition and prestige. Pay attention, boys. This could be you.

2. Avoid injuries. Well now this goes without saying, right? No word on any freak injuries so far during this practice week, and I hope the Clemson team keeps it that way. Keep your feet underneath you, avoid unnecessary contact, and don't practice in the mud.

3. Rest. Rest. Rest. Bowden has talked about the fatigue factor with this team and the lack of an open date through eleven straight games. So this weekend appears to be desperately needed. Take advantage. Sleep late. Go to bed early. Ya know, all that stuff good college kids do. Right?

Of course, the biggest key of all is make sure you prepare for South Carolina. But I guess that goes without saying, huh?