Why 2016 meant so much, an older Tigers perspective.

Sep 12, 2019, 7:06 PM

The "Just take a breath" post got me thinking about our 2016 Championship, and why it evoked such strong emotions. For me, it is like this: (This is a long poast, but hey, it covers a lot of ground)

I was at Clemson from 1972 thru 1976, a period which could arguably get votes as the worst in program history. I still cringe at the memory of "I'm Hootin' for Hootie" bumper stickers. No, young Coots, this had nothing to do with Darius Rucker's band.

Then, later, along came Pell, who got things started, then Danny Ford, who led us to our first Natty in 1981. A joyful time, but almost before the ink was dry on the stories, here came probation to put a damper on things. But, Danny survived those years, and had Clemson on the national stage for several years, although unable to duplicate that 1981 magic. Seemingly always at odds with the Trustees and AD, fighting for dollars to keep the program moving forward, then suddenly, Danny was gone.

Then came the doldrums, Clemson once again mired in mediocrity, the First Golden Era only a fading memory. Finally, a BOWDEN was hired. Surely he would be our ticket to return to greatness. Alas, he only returned us to respectability, but ultimately to being referred to by a word so heinous, it was synonymous with choking away games, a national punchline. But, he suggested his replacement, a young coach who he had rescued off the real estate scrapheap and returned to coaching. "Give Dabo a shot."

It took that coach a six game audition, and a few seasons to get his train really rolling. A disappointing bowl loss in 2010, followed by a season deflating major bowl embarrassment in 2011. But then, the seminal moment, a last second bowl win over LSU in 2012. I had that EUREKA monent when Cat-Man made that kick, YES, CLEMSON IS BACK! You couldn't have proved it to anyone outside the Clemson program, but I knew, I KNEW at that moment, "CLEMSONING" was dead.

So, from that moment, the vibe around the program was different. It still took awhile, and the arrival of a legendary guy named Deshaun Watson on the scene, for Clemson to finally really start to climb the national mountain again. 2015, achingly close, but no cigar. Then, that night in Raymond James Stadium. 2016 season. Legendary final drive to win it all. National Champions again, at last.

So, for this older Tiger, 2016 was oh, so sweet, because this time, there are no storm clouds on the horizon. Our program is exemplary. The powers that be are 100% in lock step with the football program. The worst thing anyone can find to say is that our Head Coach is too religious, and he shouldn't be "preachng" to his charges. Really?

1981 will always be special, because it is like our "firstborn". And, Danny Ford will always be Saint Danniford to me. But 2016 was the signal to the football world that not only was Clemson back, but this time, we intend to hang around for a long, long time, doing it the right way, and doing it better than anybody else has ever done it. Go, Tigers.

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Between watching the Bowden Dynasty last night and the post you mentioned today, I’ve been very reflective on my time spent as a Clemson Football fan. I am so aligned with your take on the 2016 championship.

I can remember watching that LSU game. The drive for the TD, the return to almost midfield and then the 3 and out for LSU. I said to myself....don’t you dare come back and win this game. Like you I had the best feeling of what it would mean for the future.

I also remember going to Phoenix and watch the Tigers lose that game in the 4th quarter. They were the better team to that point, but we’re just too tired and too thin on defense. But recruiting, good performance and player rotation would mitigate that going forward. You could just see that that was going to be the future after that game.

Then Tampa as you mentioned. It was that mountain...climbed...and so the right way in so many aspects. It was just a relief and joy that had started from Pell to that moment. Undeniably the most very very happy, very very proud moment of my fandom to date.

Anyway. Thanks for the post. I’m with you.
And I’m a believer in the best is yet to come.

Message was edited by: NorthwestPurple®

Why 2016 meant so much, an older Tigers perspective.

I hope we are doing it the right way.

Re: I hope we are doing it the right way.

I believe so and I want to believe so. Either way,

Re: Why 2016 meant so much, an older Tigers perspective.

I too, graduated in 1976 (architecture) and those 4 years...

76 I’m very glad you posted this. Our timeline is very close.

+1 for the very very happy, very very proud***

Excellent perspective...thanks for posting. My

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