Clemson rounded out the 2008 regular season on a high note, defeating the rival Gamecocks from South Carolina 31-14 in Death Valley over Thanksgiving weekend. The final score was not even indicative of how lopsided the game really was. If not for some bonehead fumbles and a couple of missed field goals, the margin of victory would have been much greater. The defense picked off Carolina QB Chris Smelley four times, and the offense capitalized by turning that into three touchdowns. It was obvious that Clemson's goal on offense was to run the ball right down the Gamecocks' throat, and they more than succeeded. James Davis and C.J. Spiller combined for almost 180 yards on 40 carries. Davis, one of Clemson's finest players in recent memory, ran in 3 more touchdowns on Senior Day, leaving him just one behind the school record.
The win marked a great turnaround for the Tigers, who won 4 of their last 5 games under coach Dabo Swinney to qualify for a bowl game. The victory over the arch rival Gamecocks might have cemented Swinney's position as the next permanent head coach. As the final seconds ran off, the players lifted a Gatorade-soaked Soaked onto their shoulders as he was serenaded with cheers of "Da-bo Swin-ney!" from the student section. It was the opposite feeling for Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, as he fell to 1-3 against Clemson. It only continues the trend of USC becoming the place where good coaches go to die. The Tigers will begin preparing for their upcoming bowl game and look to quickly determine their future head coach. The next few weeks will be very important in shaping the next 5-10 years of Clemson's football program.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Homecoming Victory
The Tigers responded on a blustery homecoming weekend to deliver one of their best performances of the season against the Duke Blue Devils. Cullen Harper, without question, played his best game in 2008, amassing almost 300 yards passing and finally completing a game without any interceptions. C.J. Spiller continued his standout play since returning from a hamstring injury, with his second 100-yard receiving day and another 70 yards on the ground. James Davis also added two short touchdown runs to help put the game out of reach. The defense held strong all game, rarely allowing Duke to venture into Clemson territory. Once Duke's standout quarterback Thaddeus Lewis left with an injury in the first quarter, it became clear that the Blue Devil offense would pose little to no threat to put points on the board. A special congratulation also goes out to Aaron Kelly, who became the all-time ACC receptions leader. Kelly, who had 10 catches on the day, has led a distinguished career at Clemson and the honor is highly deserved for such a classy and consistent player.
The win moved the Tigers to 2-2 under coach Dabo Swinney, and they must win their remaining two games to qualify for a bowl. Next up is a trip to Charlottesville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers for a, you guessed it, noon kickoff.
The win moved the Tigers to 2-2 under coach Dabo Swinney, and they must win their remaining two games to qualify for a bowl. Next up is a trip to Charlottesville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers for a, you guessed it, noon kickoff.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Noles Put Spear in Tigers
The Tigers fell back below 0.500 for the season with a loss to Florida State that finally put the nail in the coffin for an expected ACC championship. For the first time this season, the loss fell squarely on the defense, as they allowed FSU to rack up over 200 yards rushing and could not get off the field in the second half. Clemson actually came out firing to start the game and opened a quick 10-0 lead. Everything was clicking on offense and the pass rush was getting to FSU quarterback Christian Ponder. That quickly reversed when Cullen Harper threw his 72nd interception of the season (not really, but it seems like that) right to an FSU defensive lineman who returned it for a touchdown. From there, FSU's running game took off and their defense plugged up the line for the remainder of the afternoon. The loss means Clemson's only hope for a bowl game lies in winning their last three games. Next week is homecoming against a surprisingly frisky Duke team, followed by a trip to Virginia and the season-ender against South Carolina.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tigers Finally Fry Eagles
Clemson crossed several major hurdles this past Saturday, as Dabo Swinney notched his first win as head coach and the Tigers beat Boston College for the first time since the Eagles joined the ACC four years ago. The offense came out clicking in the first half and the Tigers quickly built a 17-0 lead that easily could have been more. C.J. Spiller, returning from a hamstring injury, looked like a man possessed. He had big plays running, receiving, and on a kick return, despite missing some time after getting his bell rung on a sideline hit. Spiller's 105 reception yards set a school record for a running back.
In the second half, the Tigers tried their hardest to give the game away and suffer another excruciating loss to BC. Clemson started the implosion with a Cullen Harper interception to set up a quick touchdown. On the next possession, punter Jimmy Mayners looked like he was walking in quicksand and BC easily blocked the kick and returned it for a touchdown. The Eagles pulled ahead shortly thereafter, as another interception led to a quick touchdown drive that put the home team up 21-17. The scene looked all too familiar for Tiger fans. In past seasons, Clemson easily would have folded and lost the game. This time Swinney's team made a quick turnaround and scored on a touchdown pass to Aaron Kelly to retake the lead. The defense, which played stellar all game long, held BC on their final possession to secure the victory.
The win broke a three-game losing streak and returned Clemson's record to 0.500 on the season. It was definitely a step in the right direction, but turnovers and untimely penalties continue to put Clemson behind the proverbial 8-ball. The Tigers continue their road journey next week against Florida State, in the first non-Bowden Bowl in 9 years.
In the second half, the Tigers tried their hardest to give the game away and suffer another excruciating loss to BC. Clemson started the implosion with a Cullen Harper interception to set up a quick touchdown. On the next possession, punter Jimmy Mayners looked like he was walking in quicksand and BC easily blocked the kick and returned it for a touchdown. The Eagles pulled ahead shortly thereafter, as another interception led to a quick touchdown drive that put the home team up 21-17. The scene looked all too familiar for Tiger fans. In past seasons, Clemson easily would have folded and lost the game. This time Swinney's team made a quick turnaround and scored on a touchdown pass to Aaron Kelly to retake the lead. The defense, which played stellar all game long, held BC on their final possession to secure the victory.
The win broke a three-game losing streak and returned Clemson's record to 0.500 on the season. It was definitely a step in the right direction, but turnovers and untimely penalties continue to put Clemson behind the proverbial 8-ball. The Tigers continue their road journey next week against Florida State, in the first non-Bowden Bowl in 9 years.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Breaking Down the Candidates
No mention of McCain or Obama here. With another bye week in October (good job schedulers), we'll briefly discuss the eligible candidates for the Clemson head coaching position. Here goes:
1. Dabo Swinney, Interim Head Coach, Clemson
Pros
Has served on Clemson staff for the past six seasons; recruited many of the current players; will get a chance to rally the team over the remainder of this season.
Cons
No previous head coaching experience; not a "name" guy; reputation riding on this season's finish
2. Will Muschamp, Defensive Coordinator, Texas
Pros
In-your-face personality and superior motivator; has been known to bleed on players (seriously); has recruited in the South for both Texas and Auburn
Cons
No previous head coaching experience; will be a hot commodity in the offseason, especially if Texas wins National Championship
3. Lane Kiffin, ex-Oakland Raiders Head Coach
Pros
Served as offensive coordinator for high-powered USC teams; young and has a positive personality
Cons
Fired as Oakland head coach after 1+ seasons; very hot commodity on market; already mentioned for opening at Washington
4. Bill Cowher, ex-Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach
Pros
Super Bowl winning coach; greatest chin ever; lives in the South; would make all of my dreams come true
Cons
Just wishful thinking here. Clemson isn't going to pony up $5 million per year to get him.
That's just a few of the candidates in what is sure to be an extensive coaching search for Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips. The rumor mill is already circulating and things should begin to clear up following the season's conclusion on Thanksgiving weekend. It remains to be seen what other high-profile jobs will be open and what coaches will be available. Without a doubt, it is shaping up to be a wild offseason in Tiger Country.
1. Dabo Swinney, Interim Head Coach, Clemson
Pros
Has served on Clemson staff for the past six seasons; recruited many of the current players; will get a chance to rally the team over the remainder of this season.
Cons
No previous head coaching experience; not a "name" guy; reputation riding on this season's finish
2. Will Muschamp, Defensive Coordinator, Texas
Pros
In-your-face personality and superior motivator; has been known to bleed on players (seriously); has recruited in the South for both Texas and Auburn
Cons
No previous head coaching experience; will be a hot commodity in the offseason, especially if Texas wins National Championship
3. Lane Kiffin, ex-Oakland Raiders Head Coach
Pros
Served as offensive coordinator for high-powered USC teams; young and has a positive personality
Cons
Fired as Oakland head coach after 1+ seasons; very hot commodity on market; already mentioned for opening at Washington
4. Bill Cowher, ex-Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach
Pros
Super Bowl winning coach; greatest chin ever; lives in the South; would make all of my dreams come true
Cons
Just wishful thinking here. Clemson isn't going to pony up $5 million per year to get him.
That's just a few of the candidates in what is sure to be an extensive coaching search for Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips. The rumor mill is already circulating and things should begin to clear up following the season's conclusion on Thanksgiving weekend. It remains to be seen what other high-profile jobs will be open and what coaches will be available. Without a doubt, it is shaping up to be a wild offseason in Tiger Country.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The More Things Change . . .
This past Saturday marked the first game in the post Tommy Bowden era for the Clemson Tigers. Interim head coach Dabo Sweeney promised big changes both on and off the field and delivered mixed results at best against visiting rival Georgia Tech.
The Different
Sweeney's biggest changes probably came before the game even started by instituting the "Tiger Walk," a player procession from the athletic training facility just outside the stadium over to the team locker room. Fans lined to streets to cheer on the team and hopefully unify the students/alumni and players. Before kickoff, Sweeney stood at the top of The Hill, kissed the rock, and charged down onto the field with his team in tow. It was easily the most fired up a coach has been at Clemson in the past ten years. It was refreshing to see the head coach act as a leader and not standing off to the side planning his family jet ski trip for later that afternoon. On offense, Clemson pulled just about every play out of the bag. There were deep passes, reverses, options, some I-formation, spread formation, etc. You have to at least give Sweeney and co-offensive coordinator Billy Napier credit for trying. The "Chosen One," redshirt freshman Willy Korn, also made his first start ever at quarterback.
The Same
Unfortunately, a much different philosophy delivered the same result, as Clemson dropped its third straight conference game. The offensive line is so atrocious it makes me want to puke. They continue to open zero holes for running backs and barely allow the quarterback time to turn his head around before having to evade the pass rush. The Korn era was over almost before it began, as he was knocked out of the game on just the third series with a bruised shoulder when a Tech defender slammed into his arm mid-throw. Even with Korn, the offense sputtered to make any first downs. Cullen Harper relieved Korn, and threw two second-half TDs to Aaron Kelly (who the coaches finally remembered they had). Every other drive seemingly ended in a turnover, of which Clemson committed six. The most inexplicable one had to be the reverse option pass thrown by senior receiver Tyler Grisham. Grishman was all but tackled when he made the unconscionable mistake of trying to complete the trick play anyway, only to toss the ball right to a Tech defender who returned it for a TD. The defense again kept the Tigers in the game despite all of the offensive miscues. However, Vic Koenning's refusal to blitz on 3rd down and long continues to result in back-breaking conversions and big plays for the opponent. Tech scored a touchdown on a 3rd an 18 when a receiver was left unguarded on the sideline in Koenning's zone defense and converted a 3rd and 16 with a simple run up an empty middle of the line that led to their other touchdown.
At the end of the day there was still optimism about the future of the program, and Sweeney will get at least five more games to prove he is the man for the job. He may have to win every one to convince the school administration of that. The Tigers will have another bye week to regroup and come up with a better offensive game plan before heading on the road to face Boston College and Florida Stage.
The Different
Sweeney's biggest changes probably came before the game even started by instituting the "Tiger Walk," a player procession from the athletic training facility just outside the stadium over to the team locker room. Fans lined to streets to cheer on the team and hopefully unify the students/alumni and players. Before kickoff, Sweeney stood at the top of The Hill, kissed the rock, and charged down onto the field with his team in tow. It was easily the most fired up a coach has been at Clemson in the past ten years. It was refreshing to see the head coach act as a leader and not standing off to the side planning his family jet ski trip for later that afternoon. On offense, Clemson pulled just about every play out of the bag. There were deep passes, reverses, options, some I-formation, spread formation, etc. You have to at least give Sweeney and co-offensive coordinator Billy Napier credit for trying. The "Chosen One," redshirt freshman Willy Korn, also made his first start ever at quarterback.
The Same
Unfortunately, a much different philosophy delivered the same result, as Clemson dropped its third straight conference game. The offensive line is so atrocious it makes me want to puke. They continue to open zero holes for running backs and barely allow the quarterback time to turn his head around before having to evade the pass rush. The Korn era was over almost before it began, as he was knocked out of the game on just the third series with a bruised shoulder when a Tech defender slammed into his arm mid-throw. Even with Korn, the offense sputtered to make any first downs. Cullen Harper relieved Korn, and threw two second-half TDs to Aaron Kelly (who the coaches finally remembered they had). Every other drive seemingly ended in a turnover, of which Clemson committed six. The most inexplicable one had to be the reverse option pass thrown by senior receiver Tyler Grisham. Grishman was all but tackled when he made the unconscionable mistake of trying to complete the trick play anyway, only to toss the ball right to a Tech defender who returned it for a TD. The defense again kept the Tigers in the game despite all of the offensive miscues. However, Vic Koenning's refusal to blitz on 3rd down and long continues to result in back-breaking conversions and big plays for the opponent. Tech scored a touchdown on a 3rd an 18 when a receiver was left unguarded on the sideline in Koenning's zone defense and converted a 3rd and 16 with a simple run up an empty middle of the line that led to their other touchdown.
At the end of the day there was still optimism about the future of the program, and Sweeney will get at least five more games to prove he is the man for the job. He may have to win every one to convince the school administration of that. The Tigers will have another bye week to regroup and come up with a better offensive game plan before heading on the road to face Boston College and Florida Stage.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Bonus Post: Bowden Fired!
In a special bonus post this week, I'm pleased to finally report the termination of head coach Tommy Bowden. Over the years, Bowden has seemingly had more lives than Rasputin, pulling out job-saving victories over highly ranked opponents time and again. One too many losses against clearly inferior teams finally proved to be his undoing, as Bowden and Clemson came to agreement to end their relationship during his 10th season. This morning, Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips issued an ultimatium that the Tigers win the ACC Atlantic Division. As soon as that was no longer mathematically possible, Bowden would be released from his contract. Tommy thought about this challenge and ultimately decided that it would be best to end his association with Clemson now under his own terms.
Make no mistake, Bowden has done a lot for Clemson. He took an ACC also-ran team and elevated into the occasional Top 25 appearance and qualified for a bowl game in all nine full seasons (Clemson refused all bowl invitations in 2005 after a season-ending brawl with rival South Carolina). Bowden also ran a relatively clean program and graduated players at one of the highest rates of all FCS schools. There is no doubt that Bowden leaves Clemson as a much better place than when he arrived. However, it was clear he had lost control of the team and comments from current players C.J. Spiller and Cullen Harper indicated as much.
For the remainder of the season, it will be up to former WR coach Dabo Sweeny to rally the team around Willy Korn and salvage a bowl appearance. Sweeny has been named the head coach on an interim basis, and it remains to be seen who the permanent replacement will be. Offensive coordinator Rob Spence was also (thankfully) relieved of his duties. For the first time in a while, there is optimism about the long-term future of Clemson football. For Tiger fans, October 13, 2008 will always be Bowden Liberation Day.
Make no mistake, Bowden has done a lot for Clemson. He took an ACC also-ran team and elevated into the occasional Top 25 appearance and qualified for a bowl game in all nine full seasons (Clemson refused all bowl invitations in 2005 after a season-ending brawl with rival South Carolina). Bowden also ran a relatively clean program and graduated players at one of the highest rates of all FCS schools. There is no doubt that Bowden leaves Clemson as a much better place than when he arrived. However, it was clear he had lost control of the team and comments from current players C.J. Spiller and Cullen Harper indicated as much.
For the remainder of the season, it will be up to former WR coach Dabo Sweeny to rally the team around Willy Korn and salvage a bowl appearance. Sweeny has been named the head coach on an interim basis, and it remains to be seen who the permanent replacement will be. Offensive coordinator Rob Spence was also (thankfully) relieved of his duties. For the first time in a while, there is optimism about the long-term future of Clemson football. For Tiger fans, October 13, 2008 will always be Bowden Liberation Day.
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