CLEMSON — CLEMSON – Tommy Bowden has never worried much about public perception. And he isn’t starting now. Clemson’s coach didn’t seem fazed when told of negative reaction to his contacts with three head coaches – including Alabama’s Nick Saban – following the Tigers’ 34-10 season-opening loss to Alabama.

“I’ve called them my whole life,” he said. “I’ve never professed to have all the answers, and that’s a confirmation. I surely don’t make decisions based on public reaction. If I did, I’d be removed.”

Bowden said his habit of calling coaches dates back to his days as an offensive coordinator and a young head coach at Tulane.

“If (an opposing) coordinator ever left and went to another school, I’d call him. I’ve always done that,” he said. “As an offensive guy, I want to know if I have any down and distance tendencies, hashmark tendencies, field position tendencies, formation tendencies.”

Bowden said Saban returned his call Monday on his cell phone.

“I saw 205 (the central Alabama area code), and I pretty much knew that was him,” Bowden said.

Saban told Alabama reporters he understood why Bowden sought him out.

“Even though you feel great when you have success, you also have been on the other side of that and know how they must feel and some of the issues and problems they have to deal with relative to getting their team back,” Saban said. “He wanted to know if there was anything specific that we had about them that might be able to help them improve as a team in the future and any advice. But it was really nothing else other than that. I think that too much can be made of one game.”

He added that he also talked with former Clemson coach Danny Ford – who now lives in Pendelton – before last week’s game, seeking perspective on what Alabama football and Alabama traditions meant. Ford, of course, played and coached at Alabama before coming to Clemson.

INJURY UPDATE: Starting bandit end Ricky Sapp remained limited Wednesday by what is being officially termed a bruised right knee. Bowden said he would have more information on Sapp’s status against The Citadel today. If Sapp can’t play, redshirt freshman Andre Branch and sophomore Kourtnei Brown would replace him. Defensive line coach Chris Rumph said that sophomore Jarvis Jenkins would likely start at defensive tackle, and junior Kevin Alexander is expected to start again over freshman Da’Quan Bowers at the other defensive end slot.

GAME ON : Saturday’s game remains slotted for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. The approach of Hurricane Hanna had Clemson officials examining contingency plans, but Hanna’s track toward a North Carolina landfall should leave good weather for this weekend.