Takeaways

Sep 8, 2018, 11:11 PM

1) That was hands down the worst officiated game I've ever seen, on both sides. It actually got comical how in the replays every single time seeing them hold Wilkins, Lawrence, Ferrell, and Bryant. Or on half of the long pass plays seeing a lineman blocking downfield not called. Then again I think they missed some huge push offs on Higgins a couple times, and the ball out of bands was sketchy at best to me.

2) We won even though we played one of the worst games in quite a while. We gave up the most passing yards in 5 years, we were on the road in a crazy environment the entire game, we didn't run the ball well, and went into our patented play not to lose rather than play to win. We lost the TOP, and got "cute" by putting in a ton of backups in the 2nd-3rd quarters. Make no mistake Texas A&M is a good team but that's one of the best games they'll play all season, we get everybody's best shot now, it's the level we're playing at. Again we had a C+ performance on the road, against an SEC opponent who played an A+ game and we still won.

3) Kelly deserves a lot of props, without him we lose that game. His poise early on and late in the 3rd quarter leading to TD drives allowed us to keep control of the game. Still think we could go to the playoff with either guy starting but to win we need a passing threat. The team just looks different with Lawrence in there but I support Dabo for playing Kelly late in that game, we needed the calmness and experience.

4) We're going to be fine. See Auburn games the past 2 years, especially on the road early in the year where we played "not to lose" once again. This experience will definitely build character, and resiliency for the team. Even as we panicked you could tell that Reece and Kirk have watched enough Clemson night road games to know that we have that championship pedigree and culture in full force.

5) Mond is legit, kid played his heart out and I can see why we recruited him.

6) Defense will be fine but Clemson will never be able to have the #1 defense in the country anymore. The coaches have made a conscious decision to have a top 5 defense and play 2-3rd stringers and get them experience in a game and give up TD's every game but develop depth to go to the playoffs. As much as it frustrates me it just is the way it is.

7) We're going to drop to #3. Just let it happen. We win out we're in the playoff, we lose 1 game and win the ACC we're in the playoff. Though I'll still say that personally I think A&M is a better team than South Carolina and our win will be more impactful on our team than UGA's over South Carolina.

8) Look forward to next year's matchup with A&M in the Valley should be a great game and hopefully we'll have Gameday then as well.

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