Wednesday October 10, 2007
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Wednesday October 10, 2007
Dead Horse Where we disagree is what is wrong and how to fix it. I have heard: I think some agree on some of those issues and some agree on all points. So, how do you fix it? I have heard: 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: 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: 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!
The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency
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Toughness is learned from those in leadership positions. It starts from the top and trickles down....if that is the/a major issue, they either a change in personality has to take place or a change in leadership.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=60052>Justwannaread</a> on October 10, 2007 at 11:42 AM EDT #
Tammy Bowden
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=7575>otisman</a> on October 10, 2007 at 11:44 AM EDT #
"Sometimes it has been the defense. Clemson has given up 41, 34 and 31 in losses."
The Clemson defense gave up 20, 28, and 31. Special teams and pick-6 TD's don't count against the defense.
And in all your losses, we were the less physical team. To quote Remember the Titans, "Attitude reflects leadership."
I guess that sums up my thoughts.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=10912>ClemsonZJ</a> on October 10, 2007 at 11:44 AM EDT #
Toughness is important, MP. And you are right the CU Tigers in past few years have had too little of it. But smartness and desire play into the equation also---we need all three and we need them NOW.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=1564>bbrown cren</a> on October 10, 2007 at 11:44 AM EDT #
Mickey, I'm sure you've seen the doctored up "Kick Coverage" photo that's floating around the internet. Basically, it has 3 or 4 Barney dinosaurs dancing around the field, while VT smokes another long return. I'd like to get that blown up poster sized, and hung in the locker room. Maybe a little sarcasm illustrating the lack of toughness would get some guys fired up.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=18560>ThePorch</a> on October 10, 2007 at 12:32 PM EDT #
Mickey, I'm sure you've seen the doctored up "Kick Coverage" photo that's floating around the internet. Basically, it has 3 or 4 Barney dinosaurs dancing around the field, while VT smokes another long return. I'd like to get that blown up poster sized, and hung in the locker room. Maybe a little sarcasm illustrating the lack of toughness would get some guys fired up.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=18560>ThePorch</a> on October 10, 2007 at 12:34 PM EDT #
Won't see a tough Tiger football team while TDP and Tommy Bowden are in charge. Neither have the stones to challenge the team to act like men.
Pathetic.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=758>Shlomo</a> on October 10, 2007 at 12:34 PM EDT #
TOUGHNESS and TB should not be uses in the same sentenance!We will never be a tough team as long as TB is coach. We have just been DOMINATED by 2 straight teams!! no excuses! We are in bad need of leadership @ the top! O how I wish for a coach and admin that had some `nads!!!
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=4777>Litefoot</a> on October 10, 2007 at 12:52 PM EDT #
Well, we are going to have TB back for the second half, so we Tiger fans have a choice - support him and the Tigers to win or not. In last 4 years, I have seen TB with his back to the wall, come out swinging and lead to 2 great second halves. So I support TB and our TIGERS TO COME OUT FIGHTING IN SECOND HALF OF SEASON. If it is a great second half, I support TB coming back, if not, I agree a great new coach is in order! GO TIGERS, BOUNCE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=47090>captron</a> on October 10, 2007 at 12:59 PM EDT #
I really believe the "toughness" issue will be addressed this offseason with a change in coaches. Hopefully this change starts at the TOP!!!
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=930>CUTIGER3</a> on October 10, 2007 at 12:59 PM EDT #
Regarding the Maryland game last year, there's another factor...the "soft zone" coverage in the secondary that virtually concedes short completions. When MD got the ball back with a min or so left in the game, needing only a FG to win...I waited to see how we'd line up on defense.
As soon as I saw our DBs about 10 yds off the line of scrimmage, I turned off the TV and went outside to do some yard work. The game was over. I knew that MD would easily dink and dunk their way down the field to get into FG range.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=1636>dark side+of+the+moo</a> on October 10, 2007 at 01:54 PM EDT #
Why can't we hire BILL COHWER???
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=56059>awatts</a> on October 10, 2007 at 02:26 PM EDT #
Remember the way Reggie was running in the SC game last year? Tough. He got yanked. Not much value placed on toughness in that decision, which was a microcosm of Bowden's mindset. He went with the percentages and the numbers rather than reading the hear of one of his players.
In other words, I think you're right. It's not an problem that can't be corrected, though...Get it right Tommy, cause lots of us would rather not start over when we look like we're sooooo close. We want to be good, and we want you to be the Coach...now sack up.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=47270>MDT1GER</a> on October 10, 2007 at 02:38 PM EDT #
Remember the way Reggie was running in the SC game last year? Tough. He got yanked. Not much value placed on toughness in that decision, which was a microcosm of Bowden's mindset. He went with the percentages and the numbers rather than reading the hear of one of his players.
In other words, I think you're right. It's not an problem that can't be corrected, though...Get it right Tommy, cause lots of us would rather not start over when we look like we're sooooo close. We want to be good, and we want you to be the Coach...now sack up.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=47270>MDT1GER</a> on October 10, 2007 at 03:09 PM EDT #
Porch,
could you post a link to the Barney kick coverage photo? I can't seem to find it.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=21417>cucheme</a> on October 10, 2007 at 04:38 PM EDT #
The reason the offense is not tough is because of the sissy, finesse offensive plays that they run. Bubble screens, tunnel screens, stretch running plays, etc. Hit 'em in the mouth with straight ahead running plays with a few intermediate to deep passes thrown in here and there. What happened to draw plays, isolation plays, middle screens, belly plays, etc? And Clemson's man on man blocking this year is much better than that zone blocking scheme. If you want to get tough, have a tough game plan where you go right at 'em.
I don't know about toughness on defense, but they have been looking tough on defense in the past few games, and really looked tough in the first game against Florida State. And there are a lot more tough individual players on defense than there are on offense.
I am really getting to where I like Spence's offense less and less for that reason. Too much gimmicky stuff, not enough tough stuff. Come on Rob, stick it too 'em. That's why Coach Ford's teams were so tough. KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. Nothing fancy, just here we come, see if you can stop us.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=35191>gotigers72</a> on October 11, 2007 at 02:43 AM EDT #
The reason the offense is not tough is because of the sissy, finesse offensive plays that they run. Bubble screens, tunnel screens, stretch running plays, etc. Hit 'em in the mouth with straight ahead running plays with a few intermediate to deep passes thrown in here and there. What happened to draw plays, isolation plays, middle screens, belly plays, etc? And Clemson's man on man blocking this year is much better than that zone blocking scheme. If you want to get tough, have a tough game plan where you go right at 'em.
I don't know about toughness on defense, but they have been looking tough on defense in the past few games, and really looked tough in the first game against Florida State. And there are a lot more tough individual players on defense than there are on offense.
I am really getting to where I like Spence's offense less and less for that reason. Too much gimmicky stuff, not enough tough stuff. Come on Rob, stick it too 'em. That's why Coach Ford's teams were so tough. KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. Nothing fancy, just here we come, see if you can stop us.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=35191>gotigers72</a> on October 11, 2007 at 02:43 AM EDT #
"Tough" is not going to happen as long as that bufoon/oaf TDP abd TB are in control. TB is in over his head and based on his articles in the O and W, TDP seems ignorant. He states the obvious and does so very poorly. TB is off to himself on the sidelines. Most coaches meet their players when they come off the field. TB is a good man, but not really a bigtime college coach. WE don't need another Tommy West, who was tough. We need a Bobby Petrino,the guy at Boise State, Rich Rod.,
We have wasted too much time and money on TB.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=65163>Ocho</a> on October 11, 2007 at 04:32 PM EDT #
"Tough" is not going to happen as long as that bufoon/oaf TDP abd TB are in control. TB is in over his head and based on his articles in the O and W, TDP seems ignorant. He states the obvious and does so very poorly. TB is off to himself on the sidelines. Most coaches meet their players when they come off the field. TB is a good man, but not really a bigtime college coach. WE don't need another Tommy West, who was tough. We need a Bobby Petrino,the guy at Boise State, Rich Rod.,
We have wasted too much time and money on TB.
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=65163>Ocho</a> on October 11, 2007 at 04:33 PM EDT #
Why can't we hire Herbsreit?
Posted by <a href=http://tigernet.com/view/profile.do?id=26131>fowlerj43</a> on October 12, 2007 at 12:25 PM EDT #