TigerNet Talk: Big Thursday

by TigerNet Staff - Thu Oct 25 09:53:33 GMT-04:00 2012

From 1896 to 1959 Clemson's biggest game of the season was played on a Thursday, 'Big Thursday'. The Clemson and South Carolina game was an annual event which took place in Columbia and the state stood still for the game of the year.

This game might not feature the Tigers and the Gamecocks, but it's definitely a 'Big' Thursday for Clemson as they try to erase years of poor performances during mid-week games. The Tigers are 2-9 on Thursday nights in the modern era of college football, You could say Thursday nights have turned into Thursday nightmares.

Tonight Clemson travels to Winston-Salem to hopefully exorcise the Demon Deacons and prove to America on a national stage that Clemson isn't going to put it on cruise control against anyone. I expect Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile ' offense to keep their foot on the pedal until late in the evening. Clemson's offense is loaded with game changers and they should continue their outstanding play.

On the other side of the football Clemson's defense needs a complete game. Unfortunately, this group of Tigers are on pace to set records- and not in a good way. This team has given up an average of 420 yards per game and are only 19 points away from giving up two hundred points on the season.

Two hundred points is one of those magical numbers Clemson should focus on from a defensive standpoint at the beginning of every season. If you can stay at or around two hundred for a season you are going to win a lot of ballgames and give yourself a shot at the national title. I agree that the game has changed since the 1980's, but I'd put that number on the board in August and I'd chart it all season to give the defense additional motivation. The message is sent that "garbage" points are not accepted.

Spencer ShueySpencer Shuey
RS Jr. Linebacker
#33 6-3, 230
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile seems to be emerging as a leader for this defense. Which is a position no one had actively taken thus far. Add to that the additional experience the defense has after playing together and we should see improved numbers against better competition down the stretch.

Let's face it, Clemson is better than Wake Forest in all phases of the game. On top of that, Clemson was pushed to the brink by Wake Forest last year and Clemson will not take them lightly. This team also realizes that you can't let a less than stellar environment dictate how you play. They are genuinely excited about what they are able to do with the football.

I've said all year that if you want to be considered an elite team you must pound teams like Wake and Duke on the road. Clemson enters phase one of that mission tonight and I expect sweet dreams for Tiger Nation.

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