Bowden holds first press conference of the 2003 season

The weekly get-together with the media on Tuesday generated plenty of stories. Here goes.

BOWDEN STEPS UP: Coach Tommy Bowden says the embarrassing loss to Texas Tech in the Tangerine Bowl has pushed him to become more involved in every aspect of the football program. He was forced to "get different," and we'll see whether that approach pays off Saturday against No. 9 Georgia.

REDEMPTION SONG: That's what Clemson hopes to be singing after a victory against Georgia. According to this story, last season's heartbreaking loss in Athens set the tone for a mediocre season.

SHORT-YARDAGE IMPROVEMENT: Offensive line coach Ron West believes that the Tigers will be able to get those two- and three-yard gains that so often eluded them last season.

LINE 'EM UP: This story focuses on defensive linemen Donnell Washington and Eric Coleman, who, along with the rest of the line, have been under pressure in preseason workouts to bring it up a notch or two.

WHITEHURST A COOL CUSTOMER: Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, a Georgia native, says he's not angry that he wasn't strongly recruited by the Bulldogs while in high school. But it's definitely been on his mind.

BALANCE: That's what Bowden says he's seeking on offense -- equal effectiveness whether running or passing.

DOGS' WOES: They're hurting all over, and they have a brand-new offensive line. I smell an upset.

IT'S NATHAN TIME: Here's a Q&A with offensive lineman Nathan Bennett. Check it out.

CU/GEORGIA MEMORIES: Check out video highlights of the 1986 game, a 31-28 Clemson victory in Sanford Stadium, right here.

NOTEBOOK TIME: The State's notebook leads off with the importance of the Clemson-Georgia game (duh), and includes an item on receiver Curtis Baham's application for pre-trial intervention on a charge of simple marijuana possession. The Greenville News' notebook leads with Baham's legal troubles. Other items include Toure Francis and Eric Sampson having to work their way back into starting jobs (echoed in the Anderson Independent Mail's notebook), plus a run-down of freshmen who could see playing time against Georgia.