2014: What was, and what could have been (Long)

Dec 4, 2014, 12:30 PM

As the regular season has come to a close, I've been doing some reflecting on 2014 and what a truly bizarre year it was for Clemson.

From the early QB competition in the spring and Kelly's dismissal, to the rout of the chickens, and every injury/sack/touchdown/turnover in between, 2014 will be one to remember, in both good and bad ways.

It has been thrilling to see us win with our D for a change. I loved this group last year, and it's pretty clear that they lived up to the lofty expectations. It's also clear that Venables is the X-factor here, and our talent will continue to thrive under his tenure in years to come.

I'm going to miss seeing #3 and #50 lining up on the line next season, but I don't think I will miss anybody more than Stephone Anthony. The guy is an absolute rock in the middle, and seeing his speed in running down opponents is poetry in motion. He is always in the right position, and always makes the big plays when we need them. He is a humble, determined leader, and represents everything that Clemson linebackers should be. It's a d@mn shame he got that bogus targeting call...having to miss his last home game and half of the bowl game is a crime.

Despite his loss, I think Boulware is ready to takeover without any dropoff...kid is an animal who gets after the football with a mean streak.

On the other side of the ball, we had more ups and downs than I've ever seen before. In fact, I'm going to go ahead and say that we had as much of a chance to go undefeated this season as anybody else.

I know Stoudt paid his dues and earned the right to start at UGA, but after Watson's two brilliant throws to Williams and Peake, he never should have come out. I am convinced this cost us the game. I'm also still disappointed in the 4 starters suspended for that game as well....no doubt Peters and Crawford would have made a difference, and Beasley was much needed as well.

From that point on, Watson should have been under center the whole time. I know it only took a quarter or so at FSU, but as we saw, every single play matters.

Speaking of FSU, I still feel sick to my stomach when I see highlights from that game. Let's recap all the things that went against us....

1. Stoudt underthrowing Leggett for TD early
2. Lakip missed FG
3. Lakip missed second FG
4. Seckinger being half a yard short of goal-line on
pass from DW
(immediately followed by)
5. Davidson being in on goal-line, but no review
(Immediately followed by)
6. Snap over DW's head
7. Alexander's lone blunder, falling while Greene scores
8. Davidson fumble
9. 4th and inches in OT

If one, just ONE of these disastrous plays goes our way, we win the game. Sickening, but what's done is done

Watson's injury could have spelled disaster, but it was good to see our D pick up the slack and win some nail-biters. That being said, it's pretty clear that Wake, BC, and Syracuse would have been blowouts with DW, and Louisville might not have come down to the last play.

GT was, simply put, an anomaly. I honestly can't think of a worse loss in recent memory, except maybe NCST in 2011. Keep in mind that, without TWO pick 6's, this game is still within 1 possession. I don't think I need to say more, but I'm still mad that an inferior GEORGIA TECH team will play in the Orange Bowl over us. We beat Tech with Watson 10 times out of 10.

The win over the coots was a long time coming, and I think it will be a long time before they even sniff a W against us again. It was really cool to see all the young guys firing on all cylinders when it mattered most. I will also say that Watson might be the only athlete who can still "fire on all cylinders" with a torn ACL. Incredible.

Sooo......this leaves me to where I am now....reflecting on what was and what could have been. I certainly think this is a top-10 caliber team, and those who have seen us play at our best won't deny that. I know an OB berth is all but a longshot, but I still hope the committee sees we are a different team with Watson playing.

We are better than the Russell Athletic or Citrus bowl, but if that's where we end up, I'd love to kick the snot out of Auburn or a Mississippi team or Mizzou.

All in all, another great season in Tiger Town. Despite some setbacks, the future now looks brighter than ever. I think we will have at least one playoff appearance and a National Championship within the next 5 years.

Go Tigers!

Message was edited by: CU2013®

Message was edited by: CU2013®

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I never said DW should have started. Heck, I was prepared to redshirt him and ride Cole and Kelly all season. But after a quarter, it was clear who the better QB was. This isn't just my opinion - go back and watch the game. Watson hit all the throws over 10 yards that Cole over/under threw. Watson showed to be much more of a threat running the ball and had the linebackers guessing. If our offense doesn't go 3 and out drive after drive after drive in the late 2nd and 3rd quarter, maybe our defense isn't as gashed come the 4th. Maybe we have more than 21 points on the board at that point as well.

I'm not saying that UGA was a pushover. Maybe they were the better team. They were playing at home, so that was working against us as well. But we had an opportunity to win the game and it just didn't go our way. What's wrong with me saying we had just as good of a shot to win as UGA did?

Furthermore, why do I get the impression that my comments are rubbing you the wrong way? "What you think doesn't make it fact...back the arrogance train up a bit...." What are you talking about? Did I offend you by offering my own perspective? Sheesh, you sound like a butthurt dawg fan with an inferiority complex.

Think whatever you want to think. Watson gave us the best chance to win that game. I'm not saying it was Dabo's fault because I agree that it was a difficult position to be in and you gotta trust your senior QB to win the opener on the road.

That still doesn't change the FACT that DW was just as much the better QB on Aug 30th as he was last Saturday. If you disagree, then maybe you're the one "living in a make believe world in your mind"

2014: What was, and what could have been (Long)

All great points. Agree with prett much everything you said

Thanks! I agree with you there

Spot on***

Yep..thX for the '14 memories & your time compiling it & thoughts!

Gracias

Nicely done...one item to add about the FSU ClusterF###

Wow, don't know how I managed to forget that

but as you mentioned make just 1 or 2 of the other

Not even close

Yep..playing #1 comes once a century & beating them a lifetime!

hopefully we'll have another shot***

Excellent post! Thanks.***

Thanks for the feedback

Re: 2014: What was, and what could have been (Long)

Thanks!

if DW could've beaten UGA, then why didn't he beat FSU?

I get it, we were inexperienced and on the road

"questionable personnel decisions" - "just the facts" -

You are missing the point

Re: 2014: What was, and what could have been (Long)

You didn't get the memo??

welcome back Shane***

Re: You didn't get the memo??

What could have been... Without the great coaching job

Agreed...UGA couldn't overcome same adversity last year...

Good post, the good thing about the FSU game

I agree

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