Replies: 9
| visibility 1
|
Orange Blooded [2383]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1882
Joined: 11/30/98
|
A Clemson Team to Remember
Nov 24, 2004, 10:40 AM
|
|
You know, Clemson football can be hard to figure out.
Consider this team:
They had a lot of talent, but they underperformed for most of the season. They kept beating themselves, making mistakes that cost them ballgames.
The fans questioned the strength of the coaching staff. With so many mental mistakes on the field, how could these guys be well coached?
It seemed like every week they were involved in a nailbiter. More than half their games were decided by 7 points or less.
They lost, in utterly humiliating fashion, to Duke!
Yet through it all, you could see grit, character, and talent in these kids. There were few seniors on the team, and most major contributors were underclassmen.
At the end of the year, South Carolina came to Death Valley sporting a better won-loss record than the Tigers, who stood at 5-5. The Gamecock fans expected a dominant performance by their team.
But that eleventh game was where the Tigers put together their best performance of the season. They completely controlled their rivals from Columbia, scoring more than 25 points and holding the Gamecocks under 10.
The frustrating Tiger team ended the regular season on a positive note, but despite being above .500 at 6-5, they did not get to go to a bowl game.
So they looked to the next season. They had reason to be optimistic. They were returning a very good QB, two fine RBs, solid offensive and defensive lines, and a fine secondary, not to mention athletic linebackers.
Yes, that 1980 Clemson team is certainly worth remembering. Certainly today.
Here's to next year. Go Tigers!
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1970]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4187
Joined: 10/12/03
|
Nice post***
Nov 24, 2004, 10:43 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [38514]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 47162
Joined: 10/28/02
|
It's all about heart...
Nov 24, 2004, 10:45 AM
|
|
When this team shows up with heart they are capable of playing with anybody and being a very, very good team. This needs to be displayed every game and passed on from year to year. They need this heart every game, not just when their backs are to the wall. The events of this past weekend MAY go a long way to cement this attitude in the team. They've got to play every week with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove!
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1189]
TigerPulse: 88%
Posts: 1815
Joined: 9/24/03
|
Awesome post!!!***
Nov 24, 2004, 10:51 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recruit [83]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 55
Joined: 12/4/01
|
Great Post!***
Nov 24, 2004, 10:51 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Varsity [245]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 344
Joined: 2/9/03
|
Awesome***
Nov 24, 2004, 10:51 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enthusiast [145]
TigerPulse: 93%
Posts: 185
Joined: 9/13/04
|
Re: A Clemson Team to Remember
Nov 24, 2004, 10:57 AM
|
|
Great Post !! I'm just sad we have to wait till September to kick it off again.
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [4341]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4968
Joined: 8/6/02
|
Thank you.
Nov 24, 2004, 11:05 AM
|
|
That definately puts things in perspective on an otherwise less a than steller season. We got most all the ingredientsof that team but I wonder about the intangables that we seem to lack such as a QUIET confidence. The same confidence that we have @ Miami but leave @ home against teams such as Wake, Duke and GT. You have to KNOW you are going to beat these teams and go out and do it. One thing I did like about Holtz is USuCk always beat teams they were supposed to. But unlike us, the first time they were popped in the mouth, they fold like a tent. Bottom line; We are closebut we need to bring an air of confidence and not cockiness.
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2383]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1882
Joined: 11/30/98
|
The intangibles
Nov 24, 2004, 11:12 AM
|
|
You're right, the intangibles are something you can't manufacture. All I can say is that the 1980 team didn't seem to have that "quiet confidence" either (witness the 17-point HOMECOMING loss to Duke!), at least until the final game. The fact that this year's team still stalled its own potential touchdown drives in the second half troubles me a bit, but if the team can develop the confidence you speak of by next September, we could see something special.
|
|
|
|
|
null [889]
TigerPulse: null%
Posts: 1839
Joined: 1/12/03
|
Well done!***
Nov 24, 2004, 11:41 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replies: 9
| visibility 1
|
|
|