Friday Email Bag

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Fri Oct 07 09:44:33 GMT-04:00 2016

Friday Email Bag

Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Hi Mickey

This past week reminds us all of the week after ND game last year. We won the game but the national conversation seems to center on our opponent and the fact that they are not out of the NC run.

Question - does the sport media truly believe that Clemson is so good in the Valley that a loss there should have little affect on our opponent's national standing?

Is this second national conversation about our opponent's "almost come back and win" a sign of respect or disrespect to Clemson?

I, like many others I imagine, am tired of the post game slant of the national media - especially since we heard almost the same conversation about a year ago. I would appreciate your sharing your thoughts on this.

Go Tigers

Pam

Pam,

Thanks for the email. You made a great point. I guess it is the ultimate sign of respect when losing in Death Valley gets you respect. One thing I think some may have forgotten is the fact that Louisville was a two point favorite going into the game. Did the media watch the 28-10 halftime lead? Did they notice the two touchdowns in the final eight minutes to win? Did they forget Clemson turned it over five times and still beat number three?

I think you are on point with this one. Maybe we have gotten to the point where losing to Clemson means something.

Mickey –

When the recruits (and their parents) come to games on unofficial visits is Clemson allowed to provide any perks such as a place to stay, meals and game tickets? If not, are the kids allowed to stay with players per NCAA rules? Given the lack of availability and cost of hotel rooms in and around Clemson it would be tough for the families. Thanks for the blog – great stuff.

California Tiger

California Tiger,

Thanks for the kind words. On unofficial visits schools can provide tickets to the game and some food and drinks. On official visits they can provide lodging. Clemson did not have any official visitors last week. Schools are limited to 56 official visits each year and the prospects are limited to one official visit each to five different schools, but can take unlimited unofficial visits.

Mickey,

I have seen many memorable games in the 55 or so years that I have been going to Clemson football games at home, on the road and at Bowl games. One of my earliest memories was the 40-35 game against Virginia in 1966 when Jimmy Addison threw a pass down the sidelines that Jackie Jackson took 75 yards to score for the win. The 1981 win against Georgia was and still is near the top of great home games as was the 2003 win against Florida State to break the losing streak to the Noles.

In Bowl games, the win in Jacksonville against Ohio State probably is only outdone by the National Championship in Miami which is certainly the highlight of all the games I have seen until maybe last Saturday night. My wife and I got to our seats behind the Clemson bench about 45 minutes before kickoff and were blown away that the stadium was almost full and the unbelievable crowd never stopped until the game was over. I will admit that I was unsure if Lamar Jackson would be too much for the Tigers and thank goodness despite playing 99 plays the defense got the late stops and the cream rose to the top as Deshaun led the offense to the victory that will never, ever be forgotten.

This week's game Friday at Boston College is a huge challenge and getting back down to earth after the Louisville game has to be a top priority and a slip cannot happen. Winning out is critical for Clemson because they have no more games against Top 10 teams unless we make it to the ACC Championship game against a highly ranked team and every game truly is the season now. Louisville has their game at Houston in November and the winner is very likely to be in the playoffs if they both hold serve until then. How about a rematch against Louisville for the National Championship?

Andy

Andy,

I was at each of those games except the 1966 Virginia game and I agree with you about the atmosphere. It was like nothing I have ever seen.

I think the staff had a big challenge preparing the team this week due to the physical and emotional toll last week. However, I trust this staff and team. I think they will be ready to play.

I actually think Clemson could lose in Tallahassee but still win the ACC and make it in the playoffs. I think an ACC title and a head-to-head win over Louisville would trump Louisville's bid for the playoffs. If they both make it I wouldn't mind playing them again. As long as Clemson doesn't turn the ball over five times, Clemson is better than Louisville.

Mickey,

Great scene up here in Philadelphia Saturday night. The Philadelphia Area Clemson Alumni Club always meets a bar called the Fieldhouse to watch the football games. Saturday night was one of the best turnouts ever as we had almost 100 people watching the game on a giant projector screen.

The crowd was great in Death Valley for sure but the passion for the Tigers extended well beyond the stadium Saturday night. I saw something on ESPN that Clemson/Louisville was one of the highest rated games in the last few seasons. I wish I had been there but kudos to the Alumni Clubs around the country for creating an amazing atmosphere even away from campus.

Reed

Reed,

I need to come to Philadelphia soon. I haven't been there since I was a kid but loved the area. Glad you guys had a blast! Bubba Britton does a terrific job with the Clemson clubs. Hope y'all can make it to Boston this week.

Mickey,

Please give us some 40-times for the faster players.

Bill

Bill,

I asked an assistant coach that question and he said Mark Fields is the fastest player in his opinion. I don't know there official times, but Fields is thought to be the fastest by at least one coach.

Mickey,

Outstanding game against Louisville last Saturday, surely not for the weak hearted. So proud of our team for fighting till the final whistle, Lamar Jackson is a hand full, that's a definite!

My question is, if Clemson gets to the Florida State game unbeaten, and were to lose that game, and Clemson & Louisville finish the conference with 1 loss each, is Clemson in the ACC Championship game because of the head-to head win against Louisville?

Also, what would be the scenario if they each had one loss, Florida State to Louisville, Louisville to Clemson, and Clemson to Fla. St. ?

Thanks,

KO Tiger

KO Tiger,

Yes, if Louisville and Clemson end the season at 7-1 in the ACC, Clemson would win the division based upon the first tie-breaker which is head-to-head. Since Clemson beat the Cardinals last week, the Tigers would own that tie-breaker.

Florida State already has two losses in conference this season to Louisville and North Carolina.

Mickey,

What I fear a lot is some fans of Clemson are spoiled rotten because we have climbed the ladder to be a top 10 team. I’m afraid that when we lose a game or 2 , and we will, these fans will be calling for Dabo’s head. If that does happen, Clemson will look as ridiculous as LSU when they fired Les even though he was the most successful coach LSU ever had. LSU looks insane with what they did to Les. I feel that a NC State, Virginia, Boston College, or whoever , would be wise to hire Les Miles right away.

I would be interested in your opinion on all of this.

Thanks,

Sam

Sam,

The standards have been raised at Clemson and expectations are through the roof. There will be a time where Clemson disappoints and goes 9-3 or 8-4, but I doubt that will be this season. Also, Dabo has built a lot of equity here. He has a much bigger buffer than Miles had at LSU. College football can be cruel to coaches. They are making so much money now that the expectations are ridiculous. All it takes is a few mistakes and a bad quarterback and great programs can take a downward spiral pretty quick.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

src="https://2cic.b-cdn.net/t/ads/plyler/allstate_logo.gif" border=0>

border=0>

Prayer List

The prayer list is a medium for our community to recognize those that are in need. If you would like to add someone to the list, please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com. Please let me know when it is appropriate to remove a person off the list.

Those who need our prayers include: Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got Igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S., Daniel Rosborough, the Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L., Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Perrin Seigler, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, the Nicolopulos family, "the Jacksonville, FL guys," Kim Sims, the Coyle family, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, the Thomas V. family, Emary Claire Young, Kitty Bowers, Julie Locke, the Scheider family, Lauren Kittles' family, Frank Gentry, Stacey McKeown, Dale Childs, Larry Lentz, Jr., Carl Sharperson, Scott Hannon, William Perry, Tyler Swaney, Lillian, Mark Feit, David Frame, the family of Matthew M. Watson, the Dowis family, Alan Putnam, the Olivers, Lee Tate, Ronnie Abrams, Eddie Greene, the Jackson family, Bill Vader, Jim Taylor, Tina DeWitt, Rock Horne, Bobby Wayne Thomas, Emma and Danielle Carothers, Robert Ditty, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith, Millie Heatley, Lynn Martin and family, Michael Pinson, Jake David family, Angie Crowley, Ira,Poly Wells, Dr. Muriel Bishop, Jack Cunningham, Emily Jefford Meister, Zachary Stoller, Aaron Clackum, Pat James, Cortney Moore, William Moore, Angelia and Savannah Anderson, William Ross, Scott Johns, Frank Carroll, Brandon Thompson, Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders, Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Amanda Peake, Chip Turner, Nick Collins, Allen Steen, the Sturkey family, the Lance family, Nick Chrisley's family, Allison Williams, Lt. Kyle Walker, Summer and Joel Johnson, Nicole O'Donnell, James O. Johnson, Joy Pruett and family, Bill Schmidt, Jack Bailey, Gardner Family, Charles Turner, Kathy Bartholomew, Ray Sanders, David and Robin Blocker, Kenneth Kowe, Lauren Sielicki, Jenna Phipps, Mark Lawrence, Jonathan and Jacki Sullins, Peter Laboy, Kat and Carlisle Jones, Elizabeth Galloway and family, Anita McDonald, Willard Harryman, Liz Surratt, Molly Senn, Jackie Shearer, Richard Sellers, Tim Drisdelle, Dawson Bourne, Susan and Mike Brown, Julie Goodman Marshall, Willard and Dorothy Harryman, Justin Jernigan, Jack Cunningham, Mia Daughtery, Skylar, Joseph Thomas, Mrs. Nelis, Jeanne Thompson, Sean Rowell, George Parker, Levon Kirkland and family, Catherine Sewell, Randy Davenport, David Vaughn, Keith Dalton, B.T., Bill Hilbig, Rita Elrod Hammond and family, Jim McKeller, Tony Alewine, Sharon Storck, Dick Baird, Richard Bagnal, Dustin and Brittany Peurifoy, Jan Allan, Gregg and Sylvia Lewis, Travis Hamrick, Kaki Harmon, Jammie McKellar and babies, Karen Edwards, Jackson Lindsey, Cathy Hutson Gregg, Kristin Heckman, Jennifer Johnson, Lyndsie Johnson, Emily Davis, Hayes Davis, Judy Towe, Johnny Towe, Ken Brown, Elaine Brown, Rhonda Thompson, Tim Davis, Jacob Greinke, Jack Finley, Richard and Clara Crawford, Israel, Frankie Allen, Bobby Allen, the Wessinger family, the Parsons family, Todd Price and family, Rosemary A Flynn, Dr. Mickey Shealy family, Mr. Gillespie, Bobbi Nicholson, Dr. Matt Stower, Tyler Kemmerlin, Parks Hutto, Patrick DeStefano, Robert Summerville, Michelle Richey, Julie Moore, Ashley Fitch, Drew Moore, Allison Williams, Nicholas Wickiser, Lena Wright, Elizabeth Bruner, Hammond Family, Elaine G. Duvall, Addison Grace, Bennie Cunningham, Kevin Orcutt, Alan Finley, Keith Wells, Steve Byrd, Jessica Hernandez, Wayne Mullins, Rita Alexander, Tony Osterman, family and friends of Gary Cooper, Derk Denton,Tim Vacek, Mike Vacek, Jerry Brown, Phil Compton, Alma Jean Sullivan, Lindsey Motley, Riley Cook, Dwayne Wood, Eileen Haslam, Larry Nimmons and family, Chrissy Adams, Annie Gregory, Amy Black, Will Black, Evelyn Smith, Sam Smith, Dixon Family and our great country and the men and women in uniform that protect and serve it every day, plus their families.