The Tommy Bowden Game

It really needs no explanation for any die hard Clemson fan. It was a "Tommy Bowden game." That is code for a game in which the Tigers had superior talent all across the field and were heavily favored to win the game but managed to make just enough mistakes to lose. It's happened so many times over the past 10 seasons that it isn't even surprising anymore. Clemson's loss to Maryland was the 7th time in Bowden's tenure that the Tigers have lost at home to an unranked opponent.

This week's mistakes were numerous, but here are just a few:

• Three turnovers, including two from struggling QB Cullen Harper
• A C.J. Spiller touchdown run negated by a holding penalty called on Aaron Kelly
• A failed 4th down with 5 minutes left when the offensive line failed to get a few inches of push on a QB sneak
• Allowing a 70-yard reverse to set up a Maryland touchdown

The 2nd half play calling was questionable at best. After piling up almost 200 rushing yards in the 1st half, Clemson ran the ball six times in the final two quarters. Six. Rob Spence simply has got to go as offensive coordinator, as the entire game plan exists of little more than handoffs and bubble screens. Tommy Bowden continues to let down Clemson fans and the Tigers appear headed for another trip to the Gator or Chick-fil-a Bowl. It is painfully obvious to everyone except for the athletic administration that Bowden has peaked as a coach. It will take a change at the top to get Tiger football over the final hurdle, and it appears that no one with the authority has the cojones to make that decision. At least they have a bye week to think about it.