Friday August 27, 2010

Friday E-Mail Bag

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey:
You wrote in your blog how FSU and BC have the advantage over Clemson in the division with their conference strength of schedule. With UNC possibly getting ready to lose practically their whole starting defense, do you think the schedules will be a little more even between the three? Also, I hope Ryan continues to improve with each day.

Harold

Harold,
Thanks for the kind words about Ryan. He is thriving. You bring up a good point about the UNC situation as it pertains to Clemson. But the reason I say Clemson has the hardest schedule is they have to go to Florida State and Boston College. Florida State has the easiest because it hosts the Eagles and Tigers. But your point is a good one because UNC might not be the same football team we thought a few weeks ago.

Hey Mickey,
Let me ask you this? When was the last time you got a $15 rate at a luxury hotel? I have traveled the world for a living in my business and racked up over a Million frequent flyer miles and many many hotel rewards, and I can't even FATHOM anything like this for us regular folk! READ my friend. And no the word EXTRA BENEFIT are screaming all through this article. SIX starters and one back up!

Gary

Gary,
I went to the FSU-NC State game in Raleigh on a Thursday night years ago and tried to make it all of the way home that night. My buddies and I were broke as usual and we were looking for a bargain. We did see a billboard for a room for $19.95 but even as broke as we were, we knew better to have stayed in a room for that rate. However, I doubt the Columbia hotel in the news was of this same quality.

Mickey,
It wasn't until I read the article from Sports Illustrated about the Best NFL Players by Number that I realized Perry Tuttle and Dwight Clark were on back to back covers January 11th &18th in 1982. Do you know how many former Tigers have appeared on the cover of SI? By the way, Clark was chosen as the best to wear #87.
Walt

Walt,
Great question. BTW-I did not realize Tuttle and Clark were on the cover on consecutive weeks. I am not sure how many former Tigers have been on the cover. I will ask around but maybe some of our readers can provide some info too.

Mickey,
There's been a lot of discussion over the past few weeks about schedules. In particular, I want to talk about home schedules, since that's what the athletic department is selling as the season ticket package. My complaint with home schedules involves more than 1 "cupcake" opponent, and especially any FCS opponent. For some reason, it seems that a fundamental premise exists in the athletic department that Clemson must have 7 home games every year. I do not agree with this premise; and propose changing this policy to 7 home games every other year. That way, Clemson could schedule quality FBS opponents in a home-and-home agreement for 2 years at a time. Then, the quality and strength of schedule would increase, and I think season ticket sales for those years would also increase. Yes, every other year, Clemson would have 6 home games, and the price should reflect that, but I think playing quality opponents would make up for it. I'm not proposing Clemson schedule all top-25 teams for that other out of conference game. As an example, take the Presbyterian game this year. If that game were replaced with a trip to West Virginia, and a home game versus West Virginia next year, I think more fans would be excited about those 2 games, even though one of the games would be on the road. West Virginia was just my example; it could be Minnesota, South Florida, Texas Tech, Stanford, etc. The potential revenue from televising that game (and national exposure) could offset the loss of the home game revenue. Just a thought. Of course, I have no experience in scheduling major college athletics, so this process could be a lot more difficult than I fathom. But I wonder if this is even attempted by the CUAD.
Kevin

Kevin,
Revenue is the issue. The television money is already decided so this cannot make up the revenue. It is equally shared with every conference member. Therefore, you have to have seven home games almost every year. Home games create revenue and that revenue pays for so much around the athletic department. Simply stated, most schools can't afford to miss out on a home game because of money.

Mickey,
I believe Clemson and USC are playing Auburn on consecutive weekends. After both have played Auburn, please do a comparison blog on how Clemson and USC stack up against a common opponent. I realize it won't be strictly apples to apples, as they may stack the box against us but not USC or vice-versa, so the stats have to be put into context. But I would like to see a review of how Clemson and USC compare to each other and Auburn provides as good a chance as possible until the Clemson-USC game. About the two creampuffs on the schedule...reasonable people can disagree......I realize the rest of college football does this, but I still wish Clemson would have no more than 1 creampuff a year, I enjoy the games more that way.

NJTIGER

NJTIGER,
Thanks for the e-mail. I will try to remember to compare the two in-state schools after USC plays Auburn. Both defenses will have their hands full with road games at Auburn. I too would like to see a better opponent but we all know that presents issues financially.

Mickey,
I just read your blog on Coach Wilhelm. You did a great job of describing Coach to people that have never had the good fortune of meeting him. One of my favorite things about living where we do is running in to Coach walking around the neighborhood. He always takes time to stop and talk and you are exactly right about how sharp his mind is. I am amazed at his ability to remember details from so many years ago. The first time I met him he told me that the house he lives in was originally Press Maravich’s house and then he proceed to tell me stories about Pete and Press for the next half hour.As you mentioned he has been to humble to let Clemson honor him the way that he should be, but I hope the University will think of a great way to honor him soon.
Chris

Chris,
Coach Wilhelm is one of the most interesting people I have ever been around. I really enjoy every conversation I have ever had with him. I am glad you brought out that point about their house. Its crazy to think two legends lived there. Thanks again.

Mickey,
Good job on the Blog. Now that Kyle Parker has signed, what are the possibilities for him moving forward, especially in regards to him playing football at Clemson beyond this season? If he plays baseball in the spring for Colorado, then is it safe to say he could not participate in Spring Practice? Also, would his obligation to minor league baseball end in time for him to come back in time for Fall camp? Seems to me there would be too much overlap for him to play both minor league baseball and college football, and that if he continues to play football after this year that it would have to be at the professional level. That might actually be more feasible from a scheduling perspective than college ball because he would not also have to attend classes, but it really depends on when the minor league season ends. Thank you in advance for your insight on this subject. Also, I continue to keep you, Ryan, and your family in my prayers.

Tigerfan

Tigerfan,
There is a window of opportunity for Kyle to return to play next fall but it is not a big one. He would have to apply for a special waiver from the NCAA. That term waiver has been granted in the past but it is rare. Kyle has even said he is about 99% sure this is his last football season at Clemson.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, The Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, Steve Cato, the Nicolopulos family, Cason Palmer, Scott Jackson, "the Jacksonville, FL guys", Kim Sims, the Coyle familty, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Richard Crawford, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, Steve Williams Jr, Steve Williams III, Kim Thomas, Reid Thomas, Sam Thomas, Linda Wiggs, Emily Claire Young, Dr. Wallace Honeycutt, Stacy Fowler, Kitty Bowers,Julie and Austin Locke.