I love sports, and I love a good debate.

I am a no-nonsense person who believes that sugarcoating is for pansies. I have no problem speaking my mind, and that usually pisses a lot of people off. Of course, pissing people off is not my intention, but it's often a byproduct of honesty & realism.

I am a very critical fan b/c I expect the best. Clemson was an elite program once, and we will not get back to that status w/anything less than the highest of expectations. & I know you "Sunshine & Puppy dogs" posters LOVE to misinterpret this and vilify me (and others who have high expectations) for this, but consider this. Expecting the best does not mean that I expect the players to be machines & produce 12-0 regular seasons/National Championships every year. That may make you feel better about yourself & sleep better at night, but you couldn't be further from the truth.

Yes, I boo and criticize when the coaches and/or team underperform, but on the flip side, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who cheers louder than I do when everyone's giving it their all. Note that I said "underperform". That does not mean "when they lose". Just like it is possible to go 1/2 speed and still win, it is also possible to give it your all and still lose. I have ZERO problems with losing if the team/coaches give it their all. A perfect example of that is the 3OT game against Miami in 2005 (which I was in attendance). I can count numerous personal examples of giving something my best shot & failing, but I've never been proud of times where I didn't give it my all...regardless of the outcome. It is the times where it is plainly obvious that the coaches have not prepared the team, or the players are not playing up to their abilities...that is what I have a problem with. Anything less than 100% is unacceptable! Again, before you criticize that statement, go back and read where I said that it is possible to give 100% & still lose...I have no problem with that. Don't get it twisted. It may be easier for you to vilify me/us for high expectations, but you are being intellectually dishonest.

It's called the Pygmalion Effect, people. Look into it...

I catch a lot of flack for this mentality, but it's usually from "cheerleader fans". Quite honestly, even though they're entitled to their own opinions, I couldn't care less what they think b/c "cheerleader fans" are a blight far worse than a poor coach or subpar athletes. "Cheerleader fans" dilute the expectations of a program and allow a team to wallow in mediocrity. I've got news for you "cheerleaders", sports are about competition and achievement, not feelings. If you don't like what I have to say, trust that I will not lose one minute of sleep if I offend your delicate sensibilities. If you have a personal problem with me, or would like to discuss something further with me, rather than clutter the board w/meaningless/destructive fighting, you can email me @ schitzngrins@gmail.com. (& to those who would think it funny to spam that address, don't be too proud of yourself, that's a secondary email address)

With that being said...

LET'S GO TIGERS!!!