NC State Wolfpack

Just remember - 'the acorn never falls too far from the tree.' And don't forget-'like father, like son.' Should I bring you a few more of these family tree cliches or are you sick by now? Alright, I'll save you a trip to the medicine cabinet.

I'm on this father-son kick because NC State will be facing its second Bowden of the year when Clemson comes to Raleigh for a visit this weekend.

The way I see it, first year Tigers coach Tommy Bowden is like his dad in so many ways.

First-Florida State's Bobby Bowden has always been respected for his brilliant offensive innovations. Though he no longer calls the plays at FSU, Bowden's stamp on the offense is obvious. The Seminoles rarely huddle, they're in the shotgun a majority of the time, and they spread defenses out with four and five receiver formations.

Guess what Clemson does? If anything, Tommy Bowden has taken many of his father's ideas and pushed them to the next level. The Tigers make up for any shortcomings they may have by creating major match-up problems for a defense. In man coverage situations, safeties must cover wide receivers and linebackers get stuck on tailbacks.

The Bowdens are also excellent musicians. Hey--they've been playing the media like a fiddle for years (if they coached up north, they'd be playing violins). Bobby's down-home country style has always worked like a charm, and it really pays off after his team rolls up 70 points on an outmanned opponent. It's just hard to dislike the guy, even when he's trying to impress poll voters by scoring as many points as possible.

There was a time, many years ago of course, when Bobby Bowden would convince anyone who bothered to listen that he had absolutely no talent. Needless to say, that no longer works at Florida State. But, that same nonsense sure has been effective at Clemson. During the ACC Football Kick-off in July, I became watery eyed as Tommy Bowden spoke of how little talent he would have in his first season with the Tigers.

Just like a lot of others, I fell for it. Fortunately, NC State coach Mike O'Cain isn't buying into the rhetoric.

"Most people buy into that, but people who have played them over the years know what kind of talent they have," O'Cain said. "Their recruiting classes have looked a lot better than ours when you put them on paper. Our recruiting classes were never ranked as high as Clemson's have been. Why, all of a sudden, should we be that much better than Clemson?"

See what I mean? Tommy Bowden is just like his old man. I guess you could say he's a 'chip off the old block.'