Tigers known for its Tiger Paw footprint; Wildcats need to leave their footprint at Clemson

The Clemson Tigers are known for its Tiger Paw footprint and they certainly have left plenty of them behind after successful collegiate wins in all sports at one time or another. But tonight, it's the Arizona Wildcats who need to leave their footprint behind as they take on the Tigers in a basketball game at Clemson. The Wildcats have certainly gotten off on the right foot this season with an 8th in the country ranking and a 6-0 record.

Tonight, in front of a national TV audience and an up-close-and-personal hostile hometown crowd, Arizona needs to prove to the collegiate basketball world that they're worthy of the early-season accolades.

In short, the Wildcats need to put their foot down against the 5-2 Tigers, hit the outside shot, score from underneath and come away with their 7th win of the season. A showdown with unbeaten Florida awaits next week at McKale Center and the game will be a must-see affair. But first things first. Arizona has been in front of the ESPN cameras before on a hostile court, or field (if you're talking football) and have come away on the short end of the stick.

Tonight's game is not a must-win. After all, it's the victories in the PAC-12, which are just around the corner, that matter the most. But still, tonight is a big opportunity to showcase just how good the 2012-13 Wildcats are. Come on, 'Cats. Stomp the Tigers!

Photo: We need a lot of the above from Nick Johnson (#13) tonight at Clemson.