CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Final thoughts on the Georgia game

Final thoughts on the Georgia game


by - Senior Writer -

Respect.

Respect is something that’s hard to earn and easy to lose. For an ACC program trying to push its way into national consciousness and prove it belongs with the big boys of the Southeastern Conference and with ACC foe Florida St., respect isn’t something that comes easy when all of the talk and platitudes are thrown in the direction of others.

It’s also hard to earn that respect when you get embarrassed on the national stage.

A friend of mine sent me a message this week, and said he was sick and tired of other programs getting respect, especially when Clemson had bowl wins over LSU and Ohio St. to lean on over the past couple of seasons. It was his hope that a win over Georgia in Athens would restore some of the luster to the program, piggybacking on the win over Ohio St. in the Orange Bowl.

All of that went out the window in listless third and fourth quarters in Sanford Stadium on a steamy night in Georgia, respect ebbing and flowing away with each Georgia run and every failed third down conversion by a Clemson offense that spent the entire second half inside of its own twenty.

The unfortunate thing for Clemson fans and for the Clemson program as a whole is that bowl games don’t tell the whole story. They are good for gaining momentum heading into the final recruiting stretch and feeling good about yourself heading into the offseason, but real respect is won and earned during the battles waged during the regular season, when one win might mean the difference between a chance at a division title or a chance at playing in one of the big games at the end of the regular season.

In that regard, Clemson has not passed muster. The Tigers have a 1-7 record against their rivals – FSU and South Carolina – since the beginning of the 2010 season.

Making it even worse is the fact that when Clemson loses, it sometimes loses in spectacular fashion.

Since the beginning of the 2011 season, the Tigers have lost nine games. All nine of those games have resulted in double digit losses, and in seven of those contests Clemson’s highly-regarded offense has failed to produce the kind of time-killing drives that keep games close. Turnovers and quick three-and-outs have put the onus on Clemson’s defense, and the game quickly deteriorates into the kind head-scratching contests that leave fans sick at their stomachs.

But it isn’t all on the offense. There have been the failures of the defense to stop South Carolina on third down, to stop almost any running quarterback, and there have been special teams miscues aplenty.

Double-digit losses

Aug. 30, 2014 -Georgia 45, Clemson 21

Nov. 30, 2013 – South Carolina 31, Clemson 17

Oct. 19, 2013 – Florida St. 51, Clemson 14

Nov. 24, 2012 – South Carolina 27, Clemson 17

Sept. 22, 2012 – Florida St. 49, Clemson 37

Jan. 4, 2012 – West Virginia 70, Clemson 33

Nov. 26, 2011 – South Carolina 34, Clemson 13

Nov. 19, 2011 – N.C. State 37, Clemson 13

If you’re keeping score at home, that works out to an average score of 41.67 to 20.22. Yep, that cringeworthy stat works out to 375 points for the bad guys, 182 for the good guys over nine contests. That’s not just losing, that’s losing on a grand scale. Yes, the numbers are skewed by the debacle in the Orange Bowl, but they all count. Florida St. has averaged 50 points per game over the last two seasons, and South Carolina has scored 31, 27 and 34 in their last three wins.

What causes this kind of implosion when it matters most? Talent? Heart? Mental toughness? Something has to be amiss somewhere, and with a road game at Florida St. in a few weeks and a challenging home stretch that includes North Carolina and Louisville, a road date at Georgia Tech and the season-ending finale against South Carolina, the Tigers have to find a way to get over the hump at some point.

This team has shown heart and mental toughness during big games – the win over Georgia last season, the win over LSU, the hold against Ohio St. in the most recent Orange Bowl and more than a few ACC games over the last few seasons.

But when it goes sideways in a loss, it goes sideways quick.

Admit it, losing by a 31-27 score or 27-23 would have been easier to take Sunday morning than seeing that 45-21 number? You can say you went into the opponent’s stadium (Clemson is 11-13 in true road games under Swinney since 2009) and came out feeling respectable. For 50 minutes or so of Saturday’s game, the Tigers went toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs, but once again, the wheels came off.

At some point, the wheels have to stop coming off.

Other observations

*Where were the tight ends? We heard during fall camp that Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
So. Tight End
#16 6-5, 251
Navarre, FL

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was a matchup nightmare, and that Stanton SeckingerStanton Seckinger
RS Jr. Tight End
#81 6-4, 241
Isle of Palms, SC

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and Jay Jay McCulloughJay Jay McCullough
RS So. Tight End
#89 6-3, 248
Fort Mill, SC

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had made huge strides. The tight ends were going to be a weapon. Saturday, that group had two catches for no yards, and it’s hard to remember if a tight end was even a target. Once the defense got the Clemson offense on its heels late, they started bringing the house, and I thought a way to combat that would be to send the tight ends or receivers on quick slants and quick patterns that can cause the defense to hesitate a second. We never saw it. The slant isn’t a huge part of what Morris tries to do, but it might have helped Saturday.

*Special teams. Georgia head coach Mark Richt wasn’t afraid to use Todd Gurley – arguably the nation’s best player – on special teams, and he provided the kind of spark that can change momentum. Meanwhile, another kick return in a big game cost Clemson. On punt return, Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Sr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 193
Spartanburg, SC

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is steady, but Richt used freshman Sony Michel, and he looked like he was always a step away from taking one to the house. It makes a difference having that kind of threat back there.

*Youth. Richt wasn’t afraid to use some of his talented freshmen at big moments – Isaiah McKenzie got his touches, as did Michel. Another freshman running back, Nick Chubb, ran over the Clemson defense late. In all, Georgia played seven true freshmen in the contest, including tight end Jeb Blazevich. Meanwhile, Clemson barely used Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 209
Loganville, GA

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and Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
Fr. Running Back
#26 5-10, 211
Thomasville, GA

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was a no-show. Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 190
Oldsmar, FL

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had a catch, and Demarre KittDemarre Kitt
Fr. Wide Receiver
#8 6-1, 183
Tyrone, GA

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was open on one pattern. Would it have been better to see what the freshmen could do? Perhaps Richt felt comfortable doing that considering they were at home. However, if the freshmen are as talented as we’ve heard, they need to play.

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Subject (Replies: 113) Author
spacer New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
TigerNet News®
spacer Totally agree on everything, esp the Tight ends......
Iwantthe80sback®
spacer Re: Totally agree on everything, esp the Tight ends......
smuurph84
spacer We were up 10 in the 4th in Tallahassee two years ago. Then
tiger_swimmer®
spacer we were up 14 & 10 in the 3rd, they took a 4 point lead into
deadsolidperfect®
spacer yep, sorry. 7 mins left in the 3rd, then the wheels came off***
tiger_swimmer®
spacer good convo t_swim, no need to apologize...***
deadsolidperfect®
spacer EXCELLENT, David! Does this game remind anyone of 2012
designtiger®
spacer Need to remove Adam for punt returns..
OneChristianGuy
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Doubleb78
spacer I had told my dad( who does not follow closely but watches
Iwantthe80sback®
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Twon2012
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
bingo1
spacer any update on the "new wrinkle"? i think it was malzahn's
deadsolidperfect®
spacer The common denominator in those nine losses
Ram
spacer Jekyll and Hyde is losing to Duke and Wake Forest, not Top
Scott_Rhymer®
spacer agree scott, but there's something not right about that
deadsolidperfect®
spacer Jekyll and Hyde also applies to
Ram
spacer the tale of 2 halves...
deadsolidperfect®
spacer Re: Jekyll and Hyde is losing to Duke and Wake Forest, not Top
pawz61
spacer Re: Jekyll and Hyde is losing to Duke and Wake Forest, not Top
pawz61
spacer I disagree. We go toe to toe with Ohio State, Georgia, LSU
tigerdrummer®
spacer Re: The common denominator in those nine losses
RockyHoward
spacer And he works for Dabo
Ram
spacer Re: The common denominator in those nine losses
slumdog
spacer Was Batson on leave against GA last year or
Tiger5
spacer Re: The common denominator in those nine losses
cutiger1984
spacer Re: The common denominator in those nine losses
pawz61
spacer Hope Swinney retires at Clemson which will mean that
Tiger5
spacer Re: The common denominator in those nine losses
pawz61
spacer Re: The common denominator in those nine losses
sanwt
spacer You tell em coot***
tigerking79
spacer You saw exactly what everybody else saw, and it is
Smiling Tiger®
spacer Re: You saw exactly what everybody else saw, and it is
slumdog
spacer Re: You saw exactly what everybody else saw, and it is
CreoleTiger
spacer Forgot 'thin.'
ClemsonPoker489®
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Prowling_28
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
aintnoclmson®
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
92TigerJohn
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
TigerAidan
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
sgary25
spacer It appears we 'get lucky' when we beat a good team...
STERLING®
spacer I think this article in of u t best articles David***
nick0104
spacer Just saying.....
Prime T. Tiger
spacer Re: Just saying.....
turfman
spacer Re: Just saying.....
ruatiger®
spacer They torched us on perimeter w/ toss-sweep. Same as last yr.***
Razzmatazz
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Sleeptom66
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
CDef
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Ga Tyger
spacer Very True Stats BUT
etigeratl
spacer "At some point, the wheels have to stop coming off."
CDef
spacer Now everybody go thumbs down Hood
GunTotnTigr
spacer excellent read Mr. Hood
boricuatiger
spacer Re: excellent read Mr. Hood
slumdog
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
clemsonbret
spacer very good commentary***
jackorange®
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
41rcook
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
baldfan4life
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
slumdog
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
slumdog
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
GDub
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
aintnoclmson®
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
41rcook
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
slumdog
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
macveen
spacer You are sooooo right.
cutig80
spacer COOT!!! COOT!!! YOU'RE A COOT!!! GET OFF THE BOARD COOT!!!
I4CUTigers
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
tiger james
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
tkhuff1
spacer You forgot Oct. 29 2011 Georgia Tech 31 Clemson 17
camdentiger09
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
GaTigerAlum
spacer The difference is coaching
clearwater
spacer Re: The difference is coaching
slumdog
spacer The difference is coaching
clearwater
spacer The difference is coaching
clearwater
spacer Re: The difference is coaching
GaTigerAlum
spacer Re: The difference is coaching
rwwjr
spacer Re: The difference is coaching
Spartan78
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
ProudTigerMom
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
tigerpaw68®
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
I bleed orange
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
tigtag1
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Tigerchick00
spacer Yes, I agree. Great article***
tigerpaw68®
spacer This article is classless and worthless.
TJ1
spacer Re: This article is classless and worthless.
ur_drunk_uncle
spacer Re: This article is classless and worthless.
slumdog
spacer Re: This article is classless and worthless.
TJ1
spacer I'll be the first to say the Morris can be stubborn in his play calling
Lilnaitch
spacer Re: I'll be the first to say the Morris can be stubborn in his play calling
FORESTTIGER
spacer They will be, but you have to sign OL talent every year.
85grad
spacer Re: I'll be the first to say the Morris can be stubborn in his play calling
slumdog
spacer The only thing classless is your response...
Tall_Tiger_Two
spacer Re: The only thing classless is your response...
TJ1
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
powerman®
spacer One step at a time, Davie.
ClemsonTiger1988®
spacer Re: One step at a time, Davie.
slumdog
spacer David- Thanx for risking yer press access 4 honest critique!
Razzmatazz
spacer Lack of depth often causes late-game blowouts.
Razzmatazz
spacer Re: Lack of depth often causes late-game blowouts.
slumdog
spacer Sadly, UGA could have scored 3-7 more pts in closing minute.***
Razzmatazz
spacer FSU isn't a rivalry game***
tigerking79
spacer Should just change your name to Skyisfalling Hood...
tigerking79
spacer Re: Should just change your name to Skyisfalling Hood...
baldfan4life
spacer Re: Should just change your name to Skyisfalling Hood...
slumdog
spacer Just a pattern on his part to freakout over every single...
tigerking79
spacer Re: Just a pattern on his part to freakout over every single...
marklee
spacer A very fair, truthful, & factual assessment It may be scary
CUTIGR69
spacer Personally, I find is Blog disturbing...
sinastax
spacer We used to work the middle of the field more when we had
TigersAndCubs
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
tigerdiscgolfer63
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Luckydog006
spacer Re: New Story: Final thoughts on the Georgia game
Bluedog51