that point on, there has been a gradual decline. And, with Dabo's dogged insistence on isolation, it has become inbred to some extent. We need an infusion of outside blood, and certainly some new ideas on offense. If we just "stay the course" again this offseason, with no coaching changes, then, I do not see next season as having the potential to be a step up, but rather another rung DOWN the ladder of success.
In past times, when Dabo saw the need for changes, he made some hard calls to MAKE those changes. But, now, he seems to be stubbornly refusing to take his own previous advice in what is a definitely similar situation. He has blinders on, and seems determined to cut off his nose to spite his face. It seems that the joy has gone out of it for him, and this is unfortunately trickling down to the players on the team as well. You could see it, most notably, on Will Shipley's face last night. The smile was gone, and tired acceptance of failure replaced it. Clemson no longer seems to go into games EXPECTING to win. Now, it is merely HOPING to win.
Rumour has it that the Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Will Dabo Swinney do the same while the football program that he so carefully crafted moves toward the same fate? I hope not.