Tiger Source Preview: The Big Picture |
The 1-4 start is not good. I am not here to try to tell you that there is anything positive that has come out of it. However, I am an optimist and like Ronald Reagan said I believe Clemson’s “best days are still ahead”. Let’s look at the bigger picture and our advice to each factor: 1. Clemson. Charlottesville, VA in the past few weeks. In recent years, I have been to every ACC school and every SEC school with the exception of Vanderbilt and Arkansas. Most of those schools have better facilities, but that is short term. When the West Zone project is complete that will not be a factor anymore. Clemson has so many natural advantages. There are few atmospheres like Death Valley. Clemson is also a terrific village. It is home to terrific people. There are few campuses that have the natural beauty of Clemson with Lake Hartwell at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Joe Sherman said it best, "There's something in these hills." Our advice: Let Clemson be Clemson. The leadership at Clemson needs to understand that Clemson is not Duke or Harvard. It is Clemson and you should be proud of what Clemson is about. You should be proud of why Clemson is here. 2. Terry Don Phillips. vision. He understands Clemson and Clemson people. Phillips is a football guy that understands the game and the environment in college football. He is also a strong personality that will stand up to those in the administration and on the board that need to be stood up to. He is a man of action and a man who is proactive instead of reactive. Our advice: Terry Don needs to stay strong. Stand up for what you believe in. Lead do not follow. I have full confidence that you will fight for everything you believe in. 3. The West Zone. Bill D'Andrea is another bright guy that understands football. He will make this project happen because it has to happen. Failure is not an option. D'Andrea will make this happen. Former players like Jeff Davis and Rodney Williams are examples of strong personalities that will help make this happen. The West Zone is a team effort and the people behind it are united. Our advice: Billy D and his folks have to work relentlessly. This project will be the legacy of many who are involved. Your tireless work will prevail and Clemson will be better because of it. 4. People. that phrase. The Clemson people will take this program back to the level it belongs. Our advice: Clemson people need to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Those that want to complain and moan on the internet and sports talk radio are part of the problem. The ones that chose to not come to the games are part of the problem. If you boo then you are part of the problem. The ones that support the program with their time, effort, energy and money are part of the solution. The ones that go to the away games are part of the solution. The fans that let players play, coaches coach and athletic directors lead are part of the solution. The ones that truly love Clemson in good times and bad are part of the solution. Two weeks ago I wrote a column on the state of the program. In it I said the short-term outlook is not good because the problems on both lines of scrimmage and the difficulty of the schedule. The column also stated that the long-term is brighter because of the young offensive linemen. That column also focused on football. This article focused on the bigger picture. In summary, I have two questions for you: Do you truly love Clemson? Do you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution?
I have been to College Station, TX, Tallahassee, FL, and
This is a strong athletic director with a great
We all have heard the phrase "Clemson people." I understand
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