Monday October 20, 2008

Georgia Tech Review

Georgia Tech Game Review
Here are a few thoughts from Saturday:

*I thought Tiger Walk was fantastic. If you were not there it is difficult to explain just how impressive it was. I think the fans, players and coaches were all impressed and even surprised. If there was any doubt about the unity of the program then Tiger Walk answered that question. I saw coaches and players that were almost in a state of shock. I will agree with a caller to my radio show this morning when he said the only thing he can remember that was as impressive was ESPN Game Day that was here two years ago for the Georgia Tech game.

*I was so excited to see the way Dabo acted at the top of the hill. The look on his face was incredible. He was truly excited to be there and I love how he grabbed the Rock and then reached down to kiss it.

*It made an impression on several people I am close to when the Tigers stayed at the top of the hill instead of dancing their way half way down to the “M” on the rug. The team locked arms and stayed at the hill. It was the first sign we saw of team discipline. I did see the pre-game warm ups too. After the Tigers finished warm ups, Dabo gathered the team around him and after a short speech the entire team turned around and sprinted to the locker room.

*Dabo’s sprint down the hill was pretty cool. I know he had a jolt of emotion and it showed that he loves this place.

*It was refreshing to see a man coach his tail off Saturday. Dabo was emotional and energetic. He got in players faces after mistakes and chest bumped them after big plays. The game can be played with emotion and I think it starts with the head coach.

*I think everyone has seen the Dawson Zimmerman deal by now where Zimmerman loafed off of the field after a poor punt. Dabo then made him sprint back on the field and sprint off again. Discipline.

*I am not about moral victories and this is still a loss. However, this loss feels different. This loss feels like something was invested rather than gained. The season was over before the game started. Clemson was not going to win the Atlantic Division of the ACC this season and pride was the only thing worth playing for. But pride was enough Saturday. I saw unity. I saw a team that had a leader and played hard for their leader. I saw a team that is starting to buy into the “One Clemson” deal. The Tigers had six turnovers and costly penalties. They had the starting quarterback leave the game with an injury in the first quarter. They were without perhaps their top offensive weapon. I saw a bad offensive line and a third down defense prove very costly. However, I also saw a team that played together. I saw someone lead and I saw some pieces beginning to be put back together.

*You can’t turn the ball over six times and still expect to win. The penalties were crucial even though two of them should have never nee called. The running game has a hard time because the offensive line has major issues. The pass protection was not much better.

*On defense, I liked the way Hamlin played as a linebacker and I thought the defensive front played well. However, third down killed Clemson and this defense gave up two bad touchdowns because of poor execution on third down.

*Field position was in favor of Georgia Tech throughout most of the day. Tech did a nice job of keeping the Tigers deep in their own territory. When the Tigers had a few chances to flip the field, turnovers, penalties and negative plays hurt the offense.

*It was nice to see some halftime adjustments. The Tigers came out and outscored Georgia Tech 14-0 in the third quarter as the Tigers scored on their first two possessions of the second half.

*I was discouraged by the running game. Clemson had a hard time moving the ball on the ground and continues to put too much pressure on the passing game and pass protection.

*Thank goodness an open date is upon us. This team and this staff needed it.

*I still can’t believe this football team is 3-4 and 1-3 in the ACC. It’s hard to believe that 52 days ago Clemson was number nine in the country. In my wildest dreams I did not see the Tigers standing here at 3-4.

*I was impressed by everything Dabo has done since last Monday. I think this team will improve as more bodies get healthy. But I also think Terry Don Phillips needs to continue to gather information on all of his potential candidates. I told a friend this morning that I would hope Terry Don’s agenda looks like this in the next few weeks:
1. Gather information on as many candidates as possible before November 15.
2. Between November 15-25 start getting a feel on which candidates would except the job and what type of staff he would put together and what kind of financial commitment he will require.
3. As soon as the season ends, interview Dabo about three or four other candidates.
4. Make a hire in the first ten days of December.

*I am hearing conflicting reports on who is involved in the decision but most of the people I visit with seem to think that Terry Don will have full say in the hire.

*I talked to my “board of directors” (a core group of about eight level headed friends I trust with big Clemson issues) after Saturday’s game and most believe Dabo helped himself more than he hurt himself. Most would have loved to have won the game but saw enough positives from Dabo to feel like he should be a legitimate candidate for the job. Almost all agreed that it is still too early to tell if he will be the next head coach and want to get a better sample size.

*Again, I am in favor if stepping back after the season and making a rational choice in hiring the new coach. But, it felt so good to go “ALL IN” Saturday and support the man who has unified Clemson again.

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