Show-Off Or Show-Up?

I hate letdowns.

I entered last week’s N.C. State contest fully expecting the ‘real’ Clemson Tigers to make their long-expected appearance. And I was let down. That’s not to say I’m unhappy with a win. I’m not that bitter – I’m not even remotely bitter, I hope. But like any true fan, I’m impatient. I’m conditioned to want results now, and when they don’t happen, well…

I don’t mean to suggest I saw no positives last week. There were plenty. I continue to be impressed with C.J. Spiller’s running this year. What a difference adjusting your style makes. Tyler Grisham is just Superman; there’s nothing on the field he won’t do, he hits people, and he dishes out as much punishment as he takes. Aaron Kelly re-emerged as a big player with several clutch receptions; I was most impressed with his yards after contact. Jacoby “Flash” Ford had maybe his finest game as a Tiger. He is the ‘X’ factor in our offense.

Even the offensive line looked a bit better than the two weeks prior. They blocked better as a unit. The 13-play, 96-yard clock-eating 4th quarter drive to ice the game was the first preview of how special Cloy, Walker, Smith, Lambert, and Austin could be in the future.

But I’ll be honest – I expected better.

I’m still scratching my head at our linebackers. Our defensive line still gets pushed back too easily. When did our normally sure-handed running backs get a case of the fumbles? Are we committed to zone coverage or man-to-man? Whichever it is, can we please shore up the middle of the field so QBs don’t sit back and pick us apart all day?

The good news is, Tommy Bowden felt the same ire I did after watching the game film. Considering his unflappable nature, the fact that a 27-9 ACC win raised his dander says quite a bit. His response? Turn up the heat in practice. Go out in full gear all day and make our guys feel the sense of urgency. “If someone gets hurt, they get hurt.”

My response?

I refer you to the brilliant commercial slogan conjured up by the fine folks at Hyundai Motor America:

“DUH. DUH.

DUH-DUH-DUH. DUH.”

Sorry, Coach. The renewed dedication to intensity is appreciated, but it should have been there since the start of the season. Going all out in practice is the norm, not the exception, whether you win or lose.

So we’ll see if a booster shot of attitude cures the Fighting Tigers’ ails as they step out of conference to tangle with their second pack of Bull dogs this year: South Carolina State.

PREDICTION

I’m breaking format this week. Rather than a positional analysis, I will merely check off the big highlights and get straight to my prediction.

The Canines sport a 2-1 record, kicking the drool out of heavyweights like Bethune-Cookman and Benedict after getting blanked by Central Florida in their opener. Offensive line looks to be their strong point, as well as a pair of fast, marquee backs in Will Ford and Travil Jamison. Defense is pretty stout with its Clemson ties. Xavier Littleberry at DE considered the Tigers at one point in time. Markee Hamlin, brother of Clemson’s Michael Hamlin, anchors their safeties.

At the risk of sounding arrogant, this is a match-up Clemson should – and needs to – win handily. Tackling needs to improve dramatically. Linemen need to blow people off the ball. In short, let’s see how well Clemson’s renewed commitment to toughness pays dividends as the Fighting Tigers put a muzzle on the mutts.

FINAL SCORE: Clemson 42, S.C. State 10

That’s all for now. Be safe, and enjoy the game. GO TIGERS!!!