Sunday sermon: The game that matters

Nov 11, 2012, 9:41 AM

"Let us throw off everything that hinders ... and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

One race will come to an end next week.

By the time the Sons of Clemson take the field Saturday, we'll all know whether or not the ACC title game is in reach.

You didn't REALLY expect me to beat FSU, did you?

Well, actually, I think we already know. That Maryland team that proved little more than cannon fodder for the Tigers is the only thing standing between FSU and a near-certain coronation in Charlotte in December. And they kick off at noon. Which means, by about 12:30, the issue should be settled.

That leaves Clemson without a hope of repeating as ACC champion. And with the Wolves literally at the door in what likely will be the toughest game since we fell in Tally so many weeks ago.

So, how do we run this last leg? Do we daydream about what might have been ... or worse, do we focus on feathers another week hence?

Or do we use next Saturday's showdown with the Wuffies for its proper purpose....revenge and foretelling?

2011: Boy, Tajh, you sure are easy to catch!

I'm sure I don't need to remind folks about what a wretched game we suffered against NC State last year. Tahj was in his full-blown Doughboy phase, our guys had forsaken the playbook for press clippings, and we were absolutely convinced that nobody could stand against our mighty offensive machine.

In short, we quit running the race. We were Usain Bolt breaking into a jog 20 meters from the finish, blowing kisses to the crowd.

NC State made us pay for that. We were awful, and the Wuffies played like gangbusters. The No. 8 Tigers played more like No. 2 becoming the first Top 10 victim of Tom O'Brien at State, and we didn't sniff the end zone until about two minutes remaining in the game.

It was, without doubt, the most frustrating game last year ... and one I hope gets brought up repeatedly during preparations this week.

Not South Carolina. Not a possible Sugar Bowl game. Not the untold possibilities and wealth and glory of the BCS.

Because without this game, none of those matter.

As fans, we get to luxuriate in long-range hopes and dreams. We get to read the tea leaves and worry about what Oklahoma and La. Tech mean.

I may not be Usain Bolt, but I'm running hard.

But those aren't the games that matter. State matters. State is ALL that matters.

Everything rises and falls on Saturday at 3:30. After that, we're either looking at what could be ... or what might have been.

I don't want to look at what might have been. And, after the lessons of last November, I believe our guys won't be in a mood to wave to the crowd before we hit the finish line.

We didn't come this far to falter, Tigers.

Finish the race.