Wednesday February 28, 2007

Headlines I'd Love To See

Headlines I Would Like To See This Spring
Clemson has been through a lot this past academic year from an athletic standpoint. The football team got in the top ten but collapsed down the stretch. The basketball team started out 17-0 before collapsing. Then the AARC blowup hit the scene. In a time where good news is needed I thought about a few headlines I would love to see before the end of the athletic/academic year. It would please me to see the following headlines in my local papers:

Presidential Task Force Suggest Major Changes to Admission Process
I understand that we have a committee to review the Athletic Academic Review Committee and I am hopeful that this group will see through the mess. I have confidence that this group will suggest changes but less confident they will be major. I expect some rhetoric but I also think this group knows that fences need mending so I do expect some straight talk also. I would think the personnel and policy will change.

President, Board of Trustees on Board With Changes
I think we have seen the rhetoric flow and some fairly embarrassing quotes come from some people in this group but I am hopeful that they now understand what they are dealing with. I do not think it is a reach to say that some people's legacies are at stake. This is a major issue and I am hopeful that common sense will prevail.

Tigers Sweep Weekend Series with Gamecocks
The baseball team has not gotten off to a great start but they are winning close games and a sweep of the Gamecocks would help cure any woes. While a sweep may be a little too much to ask I do feel a split is not. It would be nice to see Hinson and Kopp pitch extremely well this weekend.

Korn Shines in Spring Practice
I think the sooner Willy Korn takes hold of the starting quarterback role in Clemson the better. In my opinion Korn could develop into a great one and wouldn't it be nice if it started this spring.

Spiller Picks Up Where He Left Off
C.J. Spiller was unbelievable in his freshman season and I think you will see him continue to improve this season. His role will also expand and he may be the key to this offense. Look for Spiller to get the football more but also look for hi to get the ball in different ways this spring. His track success and a good spring could end the transfer concerns.

Davis Regains Form
At the end of last season James Davis appeared to show affects of his shoulder problem. I also think he lost some confidence. He is healthy and needs to feel like he is the man again. I think this is a very important spring for Davis considering he is playing for a new running backs coach.

Spence Says "Ford To Be Bigger Part of Offense"
I would be shocked if Ford's role is not expanded greatly in 2007. He has the kind of speed that can change the game and I believe he will make huge strides here.

Ford Breaks NCAA Record
Here is another headline I feel pretty confident about. Barring injury I cannot see how Ford will not continue to improve his times in the 60m. He is the favorite to win the national title in the event but I think he breaks the record as well.

Clemson Track Dedicates NCAA Success To Jarrett Foster
Clemson has finished in the top 10 in the country seven times in indoor track and three times in outdoor track. I would love to see the men's track team have another strong finish and once again honor their former coach Jarrett Foster.

Tigers Win ACC in Baseball
I know the league is strong but it would be nice to defend the ACC baseball title in Jacksonville. Unfortunately this could be the only time the Tigers see the Tar Heels all year.

Tigers Emerge From Spring Practice Healthy
The single most important thing for spring practice is to emerge without injuries. This is especially the case following the rash of injuries suffered last year.

Clemson Makes Run in ACC Tournament
I know the Tigers have struggled since starting 17-0 but a nice ACC tournament run would help ease the pain. I am 38 but still feel one day before I die they will win this thing.

West Zone Goal Reached
This is a reach but it would be nice if they had a major donor step up to the plate and give the money to complete phase II of the West Zone project. Hopefully this will happen before Clemson beats UNC in Chapel Hill on the hardwood.

Davis Selected To Hall Of Fame
Jim Davis deserves this honor and it will be a happy day in my household when they announce this. My entire family is crazy about one of the best men to ever coach at Clemson. The Hall of Fame would right a previous wrong.

Ford Selected to Ring of Honor
Danny Ford's name is on the ring of hour with the national title team but he did other things in other years. I say let him stand along and give him his due. The good news is that Ford's main detractor has now stepped aside and is not involved as much in the athletic department's business.

Tiger Coaches Sign Long-term Contracts
Clemson baseball coach Jack Leggett, men's soccer coach Trevor Adair, men's track and field coach Bob Pollack and golf Larry Penley are among the best in the country and I would love to see each rewarded with new long-term contracts.

Tigers Grab First College World Series Title
It will happen one day and again I think sooner rather than later. I really hope that I will be around to see it because it will be incredible.

Please e-mail me the headlines you would like to see and I will publish them in our Friday E-Mail Bag. Please send your headlines to mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey's Blog also brought to you by:

864-834-6060

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency