Just wanted to let you know there are fans of Tommy Bowden still out there. I will concede they are probably 40 or older like me and realize there is more to life than whether or not your team (or in my case Alma Mater) wins 10 games every year.

I attended Clemson when Danny was king and those were great days in Clemson football history, however, I would not sacrifice a solid program with talented youth learning to play in big time college football for BCS appearances and a program in a constant state of disarray.

I understand that your website is your lively hood and you have to pay the bills like the rest of us, so writing about the controversial issues surrounding the Tigers sells. But it is disheartening for a guy like me and many others to see the negativity surrounding this season (and seems like every season). We still have 6 more games to play for Pete’s sake! I grew up a Clemson fan through and through in Greenville, SC, and sure, I am disappointed when we lose, but I do not denigrate our coaches like some of our fans. I was embarrassed last Saturday night when my kids, wife and I sat there watching the first half unfold (disappointed of course) and had to listen to several irate “fans” (and I use that term loosely) curse our team and coaches. I am willing to bet that most people who go on tirades about the play calling, poor tackling and special teams play have never strapped on a helmet with 11 other guys and tried their best to play as one cohesive unit while another team with equal talent came at them with the same determination. Any one can call a game after it has been played.

It will be interesting to see how the season shakes out for all the teams…I personally think Tiger fans will be very surprised.

One last thing, while most of these so called Tiger fans left the stadium Saturday night, I stood there with a few others, and proudly sung our great universities Alma Mater. Something I will continue to do no matter the outcome. For those that are that upset I recommend you discontinue your IPTAY membership and make room for the Tiger faithful that support there school through the good and bad times. I could use the better seats! Oh, by the way, I am a McFadden donor who drives from Roanoke, VA, for the games and plan to increase my level as soon as possible no matter what our Athletic Department decides to do at the end of the season.

Just thought you needed to hear from the other side of the fence.

First off, love the blog! It keeps me connected to Clemson football while I no longer live in earshot of Death Valley. These are my concerns about the current Clemson coaching situation. I have never been a Fire Tommy kind of guy and I don't know that I would agree with getting rid of him now, but I have noticed over the last few seasons (and really throughout Bowden's tenure at Clemson) is that our teams are neither tough, nor do they particularly play with a lot of enthusiasm. I was pleasantly surprised during the first half of the Florida State game this year, as the team came out firing on all cylinders and really taking the fight to FSU, but since then, I would argue, every team (with the exception of NC State, who looked outmanned) that has taken the field against us has come with more intensity and toughness. In both the ULM and Furman games, those teams left it all out on the field and were at times unstoppable on offense. My question is, do you think Bowden (who I understand is not really a flip the Gatorade table in the locker room kind of guy) is able to instill that in his teams, when it would seem that he is more comfortable with trying to outsmart and out finesse opposing teams and coaches? I really miss the days of smashmouth football. Keep up the good work!

I'm sick and tired of hearing all this fire TB crap. I agree with you on one thing, who do you hire? Will you be able to pay them? I like TB and respect the way he handles himself and the things he's done for the University. The Hatfield & West days aren't that far behind us and I don't ever want to go back there! But, let's just say for conversation that at the end of this year or next TB decides to get out of coaching, he has mentioned not making it his life like his father's. Some names are interesting like Paul Johnson, the guy at USF and a few other big time assistants. I want to mention two names and get your honest opinion and if they would get a shot or at least an interview:

Bobbie Johnson - Clemson grad, former asst., fiery, intense, may do well without such tight academic restrictions

George O'Leary - Great game day coach, building nice program at UCF, would love to stick it to GaTech.

Ed Orgeron - I know, why leave the SEC? It's Ole Miss and yes he's a grad but he's also hell on wheels and he's got a hand full of rings to prove it!

Norm Chow - Isn't Norm Chow supposed to be mentioned for every job! Make sure your sarcasm meter is on!

Charlie Strong - Big time asst., Nat. Champ, used to be mentioned frequently. Would CU entertain the thoughts of a black coach?

The thing I think most of the haters don't realize is if a new coach comes in and wins with 3-4 recruiting classes already in place how do you determine how much of it is coaching and not just luck? We've got the players in place and I can hear the people now, "they won with Tommy's players."

I can't wait to get your opinion and to see my Tigers play again!! GO TIGERS!!!

A very large portion of Tiger Nation remembers the 80's....we had a "hot seat" coach back then too....remember ? 1980 was not a pretty picture for that coach, but look what happened in '81 !!!

I know, I know....things were different back then. This is a new century and a different ACC and a different overall landscape in College Football.......what a quandary !!

My advice to our current AD and Head Football Coach......how 'bout ya'll sit down and evaluate the entire staff? Perhaps it would be less expensive to hire a new offensive line coach, a new running backs coach, and, oh, I don't know, perhaps a Special Teams Coach with proven credentials......and, by the way, make sure the new assistants have "some nasty in them" !!

See ya'll at the Valley......this year and many years after !! I love it too much to throw in the towel !

First off, really enjoy the blog. I'm down here in Georgia and don't get to hear the radio show anymore but this keeps me close to Clemson as much as I can. I have two questions/comments for you. First, I agree that our team was pushed around Saturday in a bad way and has been pushed around for quite some time in certain games. I don't believe that we have "soft" players, but I feel that our offensive scheme is "soft". We just don't seem to punish teams when we run block. How do you feel? Do you think it's Spence's scheme or do you think, in fact, that our players lack the toughness of some other schools? Also, I read today about South Carolina changing their admission standards to agree more with Spurrier's wining. I think this is highly unfortunate and shows a lack of priorities. They let Spurrier tell them what to do and as long as they're taking 80% special admission recruits, they'll have few restrictions to go after star players. I'm glad Clemson doesn't do that and if we get a new coach after this season I hope he continues to produce players that graduate. What do you think about USC's decision?

Thanks,

What I witnessed on Saturday was appalling. I saw players giving up on interception and kick-off returns. I saw what I took for an oh-well, nonchalant attitude. Teams used to fear playing in the Valley. I say plenty of opposing running backs and QB's carried off the field. Terry Kirby comes to mind. It used to be said that Clemson was a tough SEC team playing in the soft ACC. We are not even the toughest team in our division much less the conference.

Well, it is time for drastic action. Until the team (not just the offense or just the d) is willing to give a 100%, until they are ready to punch someone in the mouth, unless they are willing to fall on the sword ... no ROCK, no Orange, no Purple, and no Hill. If Bud Foster can take away the Lunch Pail, then Frank Howard can take back his ROCK and Tommy Bowden should take back the Hill. Clemson Players should enter the field from the dressing room. When they get back their attitude, they can get back their hill.

How is that for motivation?