Wednesday October 10, 2007

Dead Horse

Dead Horse
We are passionate people. We love Clemson and we love Clemson football. I think most readers of this blog feel this way and I think almost everyone agrees that they want to see the program improve.

Where we disagree is what is wrong and how to fix it.

I have heard:
A-Our special teams are awful.
B-Our offensive line is awful.
C-Our play calling is awful.
D-Our head coach is awful.

I think some agree on some of those issues and some agree on all points.

So, how do you fix it?

I have heard:
A-Fire Bowden now.
B-Fire Rob Spence now.
C-Fire Andre Powell now.
D-Wait until the end of the year and fire Bowden.
E-Keep Bowden.
F-Throw the ball downfield.
G-Run the ball more.

I think some agree with some of those points and other agree on most.

So, if you fire Bowden who will you hire?

I have heard:
A-Rich Rodriguez
B-Jim Grobe
C-Bobby Petrino
D-Bud Foster
E-Dabo Swinney
F-Ron Zook
G-Paul Johnson
E-Jimmy Johnson, Danny Ford, Bear Bryant or Bill Walsh

In summary, I see that we all think there are different problems and different solutions. Allow me to give my two cents on the problem issue in today’s blog.

The special teams the last two weeks have been a major issue and the reason Clemson lost those two games. Clemson gave away 22 points in the special teams in Atlanta and 14 more against Virginia Tech. I agree with the camp that says Bowden’s special teams have been bad but I disagree that they are to be blamed on every loss.

Here is where I put the blame on the losses over the last two seasons:

Virginia Tech 2007 (41-28)-The Hokies scored on a punt return, a kick-off return and an interception return. Virginia Tech jumped out ahead of Clemson and shut down the running game. Tech dominated Clemson’s offensive line.

Georgia Tech 2007 (13-3)-Clemson missed four field goals, got a punt block that led to a touchdown and fumbled a punt that led to a field goal. Also the Tiger receivers dropped more balls in one game than I can remember.

Kentucky 2006 (28-20)-The Tigers offensive game plan was a terrible mistake. Clemson was facing a bad rushing defense but limited the carries by James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Turnovers hurt but the offensive game plan was awful.

South Carolina 2006 (31-28)-The Tigers’ defensive staff tried to play nickel coverage against South Carolina’s 20 look (three wide outs and two backs). The Gamecocks pounded the running game and had 500 yards of total offense. Clemson’s tackling was pathetic that day.

Maryland 2006 (13-12)-Red Zone offense was 0-4 on touchdowns and the Tigers had to settle for four field goals. Clemson moved the ball until they got inside the red zone then the Terps shut down the offense.

Virginia Tech 2006 (24-7) -The Hokies’ defense shut down Clemson’s running game with an eight man front and Clemson’s passing game was off. On defense, Clemson could not tackle Brandon Ore and he pounded his way to over 200 yards.

Boston College 2006 (34-33)-Special teams again. The Eagles hit on a kick-off return for a touchdown and several others that led to great field position. A missed extra point ended any chances in overtime. Also Clemson could not pressure Matt Ryan.

The last two years Clemson has lost seven football games. In my opinion there have been different reasons for losing each one. Sometimes it has been the offense. The Tigers have lost games in which they were held to three points, nine points and 12 points. Sometimes it has been the defense. Clemson has given up 41, 34 and 31 in losses. Several times it has been the special teams. We have seen kick-off returns, punt returns, blocked punts and even missed extra points that have contributed to losses.

However, in my opinion there is one common denominator in each of the seven losses—toughness.

Let’s look at each loss from a toughness standpoint:
Virginia Tech 2007-No one can argue that Clemson was the tougher team last Saturday. Look in the training room today. Tech punished Clemson.

Georgia Tech-I doubt anyone can argue that Clemson was tougher than Georgia Tech 10 days ago. I believe the Yellow Jackets were more physical than the Tigers.

Kentucky-I thought Kentucky was tougher both mentally and physically. They wanted that game more than Clemson.

South Carolina-The Gamecocks were again tougher physically and mentally. They wanted it more and came from a two touchdown deficit. South Carolina’s backs broke tackles all day.

Maryland-One of the few advantages the Terps had on that day was toughness. Maryland was huge up front and out hit Clemson.

Virginia Tech-Is this one even up for argument? The Hokies hit Clemson in the mouth last year and the Tigers looked intimidated.

Boston College-I thought Boston College was the more physical team and I thought they were the tougher team that afternoon. BC’s linebacker Jollon Dunbar was a beast.

My main point is that sometimes in sports things happen. There are very few constants in athletics. In basketball, there are going to be days that you don’t shoot the ball well but defense is a constant. In golf, some days your timing is off and you may drive it bad or your iron game may be off but that is why your short game is so important because that should be there most days. In baseball, you may have a slump at the plate but your defense can carry you every day. And in football there will be days where your quarterback is off or your kicker is having a bad day. Sometimes the game plan is not perfect. Sometimes in football you drop balls as a receiver. But toughness should always be there.

I have beaten this thing to death with three blogs in the last week on the subject but I am tired of seeing opponents push Clemson around. I am tired of seeing opponents hit us in the mouth and we back down. I am ready to see a Clemson defensive back lay out a receiver. I am ready for another David Dunham hit. Give me a dominate offensive line.

Bring back the tough Tigers!

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