Monday October 01, 2007

The Egg Has Been Laid

The Egg Has Been Laid

In driving home from the game Saturday I mentioned several times that the Tigers “laid an egg” earlier in the day.

My wife responded, “I have never heard that phrase. What does it mean?”

“They tanked it,” I replied.

“What does that mean?” she asked again.

I could not explain it any better than an online slang dictionary that explained laying an egg as “To fail, especially in a public performance.”

Now the question will be is the only time or just the first time this team “lays an egg.”

As far as what happened Saturday, I think there is enough blame to go around. In my opinion the offensive line did not do a great job of picking up Tech’s aggressive blitz package, the wide receivers had multiple drops (eight by some accounts), the backs did not pick up blitzing linebackers well, the quarterback was not quite as sharp with his throws, etc.

However, the main blame can be placed on the Tigers special teams.

Exhibit A-Four missed field goals equals 12 points.

Exhibit B-The punt returner fumbles at the Tigers 33. Tech is held on the next three plays but hits a 41-yard field goal. A three-point gift.

Exhibit C-A blocked punt gives Tech the ball at the Tigers 8-yard line. The Yellow Jackets score the only touchdown of the game. A seven-point gift.

Exhibit D-A personal foul roughing the punter penalty was called on the Tigers on fourth and 10.

That is 22 points alone in the special teams. But the offense and defense also contributed to the egg laying.

Offense Exhibit A-The wide receivers and backs dropped multiple balls all day. I have read somewhere that the official total was eight but it sure seemed like much more in person.

Exhibit B-The quarterback played fairly well with his throws but the offensive line, tight ends and backs did not do a great job of protecting him throughout much of the day. Tech had six sacks and 13 tackles for loss.

Exhibit C-The quarterback was not quite as sharp as he had been in the first four games. He missed some open receivers.

Exhibit D-Tech shut down Clemson’s running game as Davis was the only back that hit the holes hard but he was banged up and did not play as often as he should have. Aside from Davis the Tigers had minus-26 yards rushing.

Exhibit E-I am not sure what the offensive game plan was. Field position, down and distance and drops had a lot to do with that and Davis’ injury did as well but I am still not sure what the plan was.

Defensive also contributed to the egg laying.
Defense Exhibit A-The defense is placed in bad field position with the blocked punt and Tech took over at the eight but Clemson stops the Jackets until a pass interference call gives them a second chance and a first and goal at the two yard line.

Exhibit B-Tashard Choice pounded the Tigers for the tune of 135 yards and Clemson had no answer even though everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the ball.

In the end, I can think of enough blame to go around for the entire team. The special teams were pathetic and the offense was anemic. The defense played well enough to win the game but they could not overcome the special team issues.

In the first four games the receivers caught the football very well so how could you see that coming Saturday?

Lost in some of this is Tech. The Yellow Jackets had their backs against the wall and they came out fighting. I know it is not popular but you have to give Tech some credit. But Clemson is better than Tech and if they would have played its B- game they would have defeated the Jackets.

Now we have more questions than answers.

Is James Davis badly injured?

Why has C.J. Spiller been so ineffective?

What is the best combination along the offensive line?

How long will the dropsies hang around?

Which parts of the special teams are permanently broken and which ones can be fixed?

How many more back-breaking penalties will occur?

Will this team put it in the tank like last year or will they come out swinging against Virginia Tech?

Stay tuned.

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