Missed Opportunities

by Mickey Plyler - Radio Host - Tue Oct 22 09:10:26 GMT-04:00 2013

Missed Opportunities

I hurt for a lot of reasons Saturday night. It didn't feel good to watch the quarterback that I admire struggle. I hurt for the staff that I know put a lot into the game. I hurt for the fans that were looking forward to such a big game to continue the march in a magical season. It hurt to watch the other team celebrate and take over our stadium in the fourth quarter.

But the biggest hurt is the lost opportunity. My teams have lost before and will lose again. Losing always hurts and is never acceptable, but I am not afraid to lose. What I am afraid of is missing a great chance.

Life presents so few great opportunities, so when you get one you better take advantage of it. We are never really promised another opportunity.

Now in this case, I do think that Clemson will have another opportunity to shine and in my mind that will come again this season. However, the first loss every year hurts pretty badly because the special season is usually lost with it.

In late October of 2014 I cannot sit here and tell you that I know the future. Who knows if the future playoffs in college football will benefit Clemson or have a negative effect on the program. I also don't know what the future holds because there is always turnover within a football program.

Will Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile or Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
View Full Profile get a head coaching job in December?

I think Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Jr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile is leaving for the NFL but what about Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Jr. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile , Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
Jr. Linebacker
#42 6-2, 235
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile and Grady JarrettGrady Jarrett
Jr. Defensive Tackle
#50 6-1, 290
Conyers, GA
View Full Profile ?

Who will win the quarterback spot in January, Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Jr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 205
Dublin, OH
View Full Profile , Chad KellyChad Kelly
RS Fr. Quarterback
#11 6-2, 210
Buffalo, NY
View Full Profile or Deshaun Watson?

Question marks surround every program in the country. Even the big boys face that every year. Who would have thought Southern Cal and Texas could struggle like this? In August, would you have thought that the loser in the Georgia-Florida game next week would be 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the conference? Would you have thought that Missouri would have a two game lead in the SEC East? This past off-season would you have guessed that even though FSU lost all of that NFL talent and more than half of its coaching staff they came out even better?

The issue is the uncertainty of it all. That’s why Saturday night really hurts. Clemson was in prime position to win the ACC's Atlantic Division. The Tigers would have been favorites to win the league as well, and at least for another week Clemson would have been in the top five in the country.

Missed opportunities are what hurt more than anything else. It would have been nice to avoid that miss, if only for one more week.

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