ESPN is so ridiculous. They have no backbone. So Hank Williams Jr said Obama and House Speaker John Boehner golfing is like Hitler and Netanyahu playing golf. Let's ignore the fact that Hitler died in 1945 and Netanyahu was born in 1949. I guess the fact that one is Jewish and the other wasn't too fond of Jewish folks is what he was going for. Of course everybody says he compares Obama to Hitler, because that makes for better news.
I love that Hank said it was a dumb statement and sorry it offended, but also said ESPN stomped on his first ammendment privaleges by pulling his song. He said: "I have made MY decision . . . Me, My Song, and All My Rowdy Friends are OUT OF HERE." ESPN had every right to pull him and Hank has every right to fire ESPN. He will probably get picked up by NBC next year for Sunday night football.
This is just like when ESPN fired Rush Limbaugh because he commented on the most overrated QB of the last 20 years, Donavon McNabb, ""Sorry to say this, I don't think he's been that good from the get-go," Limbaugh said. "I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
At no point did Rush say anything that probably wasn't happening. Anyway, they let him go and they are so soft on anything. ESPN is just a 24 hour commercial for itself. Gameday doesn't go to the best game, they go to the best game on ABC/ESPN. Sports center focuses on sports they carry like the god awful WNBA.
One of the things ESPN does right is Dr. Lou. As much as most of us can't stand his Gamecockness (and once you have it, you can't get rid of it...it's like herpes), I still love his segment Dr. Lou. He was asked, "What is the biggest change from coaching today's players and the players of 40 years ago?" He is THAT old. He said, "The same change in all of society. Everybody now wants to scream about their rights and privileges, when 40 years ago we talked more about our duties and responsibilities." I coach and 9 times out of 10, if a kid gives up a bucket it is because A.his teammate didn't call out a screen B.someone else should have helped or C. someone was supposed to switch with him. Rarely does a kid say, "I'll just do better next time." I'm guilty of it too. I come up with five excuses in my head for why I didn't get something done. As I get older, I try to supress those thoughts and think about how I can just do better next time.
As for BC...
I can't stand that program. I can't stand they are 4-2 against Clemson since entering the ACC. They have no business in the ACC geographically or athletically and Clemson fails to prove that. Even with NFL QB Matt Ryan, at no time did BC have more talent than Clemson. They play smarter and possibly better coached. I was there last year in Chestnut Hill for the embarassing defeat that was the beginning of the end for the 2010 Tigers and for OC Billy Napier. At no point was the crowd a factor. This is also something frustrating for Tiger fans. The only very difficult venues to play in the whole ACC are Clemson, FSU and Va Tech. Maybe UVA, UNC and NC St can be somewhat tough when they are going good. I'll reserve judegement because I have not been there. Duke and Wake are the only other ACC stadiums I have not been to, but I know they are lame. Miami is not as tough you would think.
Anyway, as for Saturday Clemson should romp. Enough with the, "Do they have anything left in the tank?" Most of these kids are teenagers. Do you remember ever being tired when you were a teenager. It is Dabo's job to get these guys up for EVERY game, not just the big ones. That is where Tommy Bowden failed. He believed it was the player's job to motivate himself. This is true to a point, but a coach needs to express the importance of giving maximum effort regardless of opponent. I think Dabo is pretty good at that. He says it's only 12 Saturdays a year. If you can't get up 12 times in a year, something is wrong with you. As much as he will try though, the Tigers will have a little drop off. That said, a drop off still better mean the BC offense only scores at most 17 points. It is a high school offense.
(5-0) Clemson 34 (1-4) BC 17
I had us at 2-3 at this point and still going 7-5, so hopefully Clemson can go at least 5-2 down the stretch.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
4th Quarter
14:14 to go. I swear if Clemson even gets a field goal her they win. Come on boys.
13:36 Get Sammy the ball!!! Daddy wants another shot
13:19 Nice drive. Three and out. Gosh dang it. End this!!!
12:24 Said Beamer ball for the first time, but then said it again 5 seconds later. That is two shots at once. Another awful call. Very clean block called illegal.
11:35 This game is no where near over.
10:55 Who is #12? Great play! Oh, yeah is the true freshman.
10:12 Kick the field goal Beamer. You are not getting a 4th and 4.
9:36 YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:40 Just run the football and punt it
8:15 CLEMSON, quit snapping the damn ball with 20 on the play clock
7:15 “When does the clock really become Va Tech enemy?” Ummmmm 5 minutes ago!
6:05 YEEEEESSSSS!!! Holy crap this is fun!! TD for Bellamy puts Tigers up 23-3
And no more notes for the last six minutes. Why?!?! Because I was hammered (totaled 7 shots over the course of the 2nd-4th quarters) and calling every Clemson fan I know. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty good. Shouting into the phone on every play. What a great win for the Tigers. Largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent on the road. Most importantly 2-0 in the ACC and FSU is 0-1. I liked that the defense did not let a bad quarterback beat them. They came up and stuffed the run for the most part and forced a bad QB to make a play.
Today's victory brought to you by Jamison. It's PAWsitively delicious.
This is of course the most fun I've had following Clemson since 2000. Of course that year Clemson was 8-0 going into the Ga Tech game and it all came crashing down. Not to jump ahead, because Maryland and UNC are not gimmees, but Clemson could possibly go into Atlanta with both teams 8-0 and both ranked in the top 10. It kills me to root for the Rambling Wreck, but both teams at 8-0 would be great for exposure and for the whole ACC. Here's hoping.
While searching for a Jamison picture I spotted this one, couldn't get it any bigger, but visit the link. I think that's me, but I don't remember wearing that hoodie.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/320556769937?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
13:36 Get Sammy the ball!!! Daddy wants another shot
13:19 Nice drive. Three and out. Gosh dang it. End this!!!
12:24 Said Beamer ball for the first time, but then said it again 5 seconds later. That is two shots at once. Another awful call. Very clean block called illegal.
11:35 This game is no where near over.
10:55 Who is #12? Great play! Oh, yeah is the true freshman.
10:12 Kick the field goal Beamer. You are not getting a 4th and 4.
9:36 YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:40 Just run the football and punt it
8:15 CLEMSON, quit snapping the damn ball with 20 on the play clock
7:15 “When does the clock really become Va Tech enemy?” Ummmmm 5 minutes ago!
6:05 YEEEEESSSSS!!! Holy crap this is fun!! TD for Bellamy puts Tigers up 23-3
And no more notes for the last six minutes. Why?!?! Because I was hammered (totaled 7 shots over the course of the 2nd-4th quarters) and calling every Clemson fan I know. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty good. Shouting into the phone on every play. What a great win for the Tigers. Largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent on the road. Most importantly 2-0 in the ACC and FSU is 0-1. I liked that the defense did not let a bad quarterback beat them. They came up and stuffed the run for the most part and forced a bad QB to make a play.
Today's victory brought to you by Jamison. It's PAWsitively delicious.This is of course the most fun I've had following Clemson since 2000. Of course that year Clemson was 8-0 going into the Ga Tech game and it all came crashing down. Not to jump ahead, because Maryland and UNC are not gimmees, but Clemson could possibly go into Atlanta with both teams 8-0 and both ranked in the top 10. It kills me to root for the Rambling Wreck, but both teams at 8-0 would be great for exposure and for the whole ACC. Here's hoping.
While searching for a Jamison picture I spotted this one, couldn't get it any bigger, but visit the link. I think that's me, but I don't remember wearing that hoodie.http://compare.ebay.com/like/320556769937?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
HALFTIME Just showed the pail right before the third quarter. That’s a shot. Still no BEAMER BALL reference. Has he not earned the respect of ESPN. He is only down 7 with a QB who probably wouldn’t start at Byrnes HS.
13:44 Va Tech RB Wilson scares the crap out of me. He is a more powerful CJ Spiller.
13:10 Great open field tackle by Tig Willard. Second of that series. I love that kid!!
12:55 Seven yard punt by the punter. Ummmm. Opposite of Beamer Ball.
12:32 We are about to break this Sh%$ wide open.
10:42 And we just did. Big throw to D. Allen. 17-3 TIGERS!!!! HELL YEAH!!! ANOTHER SHOT!!! MIGHT GET UGLY UP IN HERE!!
Announcer: “Tahj Gibson’s 13th TD” Who the F is Tahj Gibson?
10:42 I LOVE THE COFFIN CORNER KICKOFFS!! Very close to being out of bounds and their ball at the 40 though..
10:36 Good, get pass happy Va Tech. you win if you give the ball to Wilson. Logan sucks a ton.
9:42 Another blown call. No interference. FIRE RON CHERRY!! I CAN”T STAND HIM. HIS CREW CALLS EVERYTHING!! HE IS AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:55 Just announced Breeland will not return. Shocker. He got knocked more silly than Lady Gaga costume.
8:01 TACKLE!!!! WR screen on 2nd and 20 and could have been tackled for only a two yard gain, yet a Hokie gained 15.
7:44 3rd and 1! Yeah!!! That’s right!!! PUNT THE BALL!!!! Apparantly Mike O’Cain is like Mike Spense and doesn’t want his best players in there on the most important plays. Little known fact. Mike O’Cain has a scalding hot daughter. She worked at Monterays when he was Clemson’s OC. Ignore the fact she was 17 at the time.
6:20 Score on this drive and the game is over.
5:31 Of course you don’t get a first down. Called J and here was my quote when Sammy didn’t get the 3rd and 3, “Get it, come un F%$%, D%$# it, what the hell, Get thD%$# first down!!” He got off the phone soon after.
5:05 MEEKS!! Big pass break up. Defense was realing.
4:11 ANDRE BRANCH!! PLAY OF THE GAME. It’s over now. Tigers are going to drive here to put it away!!
Watching bama f up a td play. My quote, “You are a joke of human being. You are an embarrassing a%$hole!”
3:19 Clemson drives here and scores they win. Uhhhhh. 1st down loss of 6!! D$%% it! Anyone notice how much more I curse with some booze in me.
0:44 Wilson almost had a 2 and 25, but gained 15!! I am so scared of him. Sick athlete.
0:00 One more quarter. Up 14. Don’t F this up. This is your time TIGERS!! Lot of explanation points when I booze too.
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLD ON!!!! DON’T PLAY NOT TO LOSE!! (Editor’s note: I would change this double negative, but it’s funny).
13:44 Va Tech RB Wilson scares the crap out of me. He is a more powerful CJ Spiller.
13:10 Great open field tackle by Tig Willard. Second of that series. I love that kid!!
12:55 Seven yard punt by the punter. Ummmm. Opposite of Beamer Ball.
12:32 We are about to break this Sh%$ wide open.
10:42 And we just did. Big throw to D. Allen. 17-3 TIGERS!!!! HELL YEAH!!! ANOTHER SHOT!!! MIGHT GET UGLY UP IN HERE!!
Announcer: “Tahj Gibson’s 13th TD” Who the F is Tahj Gibson?
10:42 I LOVE THE COFFIN CORNER KICKOFFS!! Very close to being out of bounds and their ball at the 40 though..
10:36 Good, get pass happy Va Tech. you win if you give the ball to Wilson. Logan sucks a ton.
9:42 Another blown call. No interference. FIRE RON CHERRY!! I CAN”T STAND HIM. HIS CREW CALLS EVERYTHING!! HE IS AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:55 Just announced Breeland will not return. Shocker. He got knocked more silly than Lady Gaga costume.
8:01 TACKLE!!!! WR screen on 2nd and 20 and could have been tackled for only a two yard gain, yet a Hokie gained 15.
7:44 3rd and 1! Yeah!!! That’s right!!! PUNT THE BALL!!!! Apparantly Mike O’Cain is like Mike Spense and doesn’t want his best players in there on the most important plays. Little known fact. Mike O’Cain has a scalding hot daughter. She worked at Monterays when he was Clemson’s OC. Ignore the fact she was 17 at the time.
6:20 Score on this drive and the game is over.
5:31 Of course you don’t get a first down. Called J and here was my quote when Sammy didn’t get the 3rd and 3, “Get it, come un F%$%, D%$# it, what the hell, Get thD%$# first down!!” He got off the phone soon after.
5:05 MEEKS!! Big pass break up. Defense was realing.
4:11 ANDRE BRANCH!! PLAY OF THE GAME. It’s over now. Tigers are going to drive here to put it away!!
Watching bama f up a td play. My quote, “You are a joke of human being. You are an embarrassing a%$hole!”
3:19 Clemson drives here and scores they win. Uhhhhh. 1st down loss of 6!! D$%% it! Anyone notice how much more I curse with some booze in me.
0:44 Wilson almost had a 2 and 25, but gained 15!! I am so scared of him. Sick athlete.
0:00 One more quarter. Up 14. Don’t F this up. This is your time TIGERS!! Lot of explanation points when I booze too.
COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLD ON!!!! DON’T PLAY NOT TO LOSE!! (Editor’s note: I would change this double negative, but it’s funny).
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
2nd Quarter
13:21 Can anyone catch a FREAKING FOOTBALL. That would be our fourth drop. Boyd is putting a lot of tough throws on the money. Somebody make a play!!
11:16 IT’S ABOUT TO BE 3RD AND TEN AND THEY CALL ANDRE BRANCH FOR A GENTLE SHOVE ON THE QB OUT OF BOUNDS. I LUCKILY THREW A BLANKET. IT WAS THE FIRST THING I COULD FIND. THIS IS THE WORST CREW IN THE COUNTRY!
10:44 That was disappointing. On 3rd and 16 three Tigers waited at the first down marker to hit the QB. I know he is big, but you have to attack.
9:344 Big stop for the D. Va Tech special teams is down. Perfect punt to down on the one and the guy runs into the endzone with it. Thus the lack of Beamer ball comments. Changing rules: Half shot on every Sammy catch and/or Clemson score. GO SAMMY!!
9:02 Couldn’t find hat. Remembered I threw it during personal foul tirade. Found it under coffee table. Life is good. Need my lucky shirt and hat on at all times.
8:24 Bad pick!! Don’t throw at the all-american!!
7:25 D is stuffing the run. That is huge. (That’s what she said).
Beamer says I can keep doing this after all these years because, “We recruit great kids.” Really Frank. Vick runs a dog fighting ring. Deangolo Hall just complained his head coach was to blame for calling a blitz even though his ass was the one that got roasted on a game winning play.
If Va Tech gives the ball to Wilson every play they probably win. Put 9 in the box!!
4:44 Good timeout by Tigers. 3rd and goal at the 2. I think you have to sell out on the run and hope they don’t pass. If they do pass they aint very good at it. What will they do…..uh they will jump. Now 3rd and 7. Probably pass, but draw scares me.
4:35 FG attempt for Va Tech. Watch fake!! BEAMER BALL!! If I say it do I get to drink? It’s good. No fake. And Sammy with no catches in the second quarter? I can’t get my drink on!!
4:00Boyd rattled after pick. Two straight awful throws. 3rd and 10
3:44 Ellington finally catches a ball and picks up a huge 3rd down. Biggest block in the back not called.
3:04 Watkins not nearly as dominate when there are great athletes on the other side of the ball. He is still very good. It is only a matter time.
Half shot for me!!! Huge 3rd and 8 catch for Sammy!!
1:48 HALF SHOT!! TD!! ANDRE!! RUN IT DOWN THERE THROATS TIGERS!!!
Not that anyone cares, but clicked over and the Tampa Bay Rays lead 1-0 early. Great night thus far.
Is there any better jingle than “NAPPA KNOW HOW! NNNNNAPPA KNOW HOW!” I don’t think so.
And you do care about this! Gamecocks lose!! To the same team Clemson shellacked at home.
Please cover this kick!! They do and get a three and out.
1:11 Tahj still a little jumpy. Not on the money right now. Missed Nuke on a big gainer.Go deep here on 3rd and 1! Wuss. Took the Qb keeper.
0:30 Another Clemson ad. Oh my God!! They keep getting worse. I thought Raw Raw Research was the worst ever, but now Clemson is one spirit and say “Bring It On”. Really. We quoted a cheerleading movie.
At half up 7. I’ll take that. Our QB and our protection will improve. Their QB is just bad. Clemson has been a pretty good 2nd half team and I think it will be okay.
Enough with the Freaking first time ever we would beat a ranked teams for the 3rd straight week like we are pathetic for not doing it. Note to ESPN, no ACC team has ever done it. Very few teams have probably ever done it.
11:16 IT’S ABOUT TO BE 3RD AND TEN AND THEY CALL ANDRE BRANCH FOR A GENTLE SHOVE ON THE QB OUT OF BOUNDS. I LUCKILY THREW A BLANKET. IT WAS THE FIRST THING I COULD FIND. THIS IS THE WORST CREW IN THE COUNTRY!
10:44 That was disappointing. On 3rd and 16 three Tigers waited at the first down marker to hit the QB. I know he is big, but you have to attack.
9:344 Big stop for the D. Va Tech special teams is down. Perfect punt to down on the one and the guy runs into the endzone with it. Thus the lack of Beamer ball comments. Changing rules: Half shot on every Sammy catch and/or Clemson score. GO SAMMY!!
9:02 Couldn’t find hat. Remembered I threw it during personal foul tirade. Found it under coffee table. Life is good. Need my lucky shirt and hat on at all times.
8:24 Bad pick!! Don’t throw at the all-american!!
7:25 D is stuffing the run. That is huge. (That’s what she said).
Beamer says I can keep doing this after all these years because, “We recruit great kids.” Really Frank. Vick runs a dog fighting ring. Deangolo Hall just complained his head coach was to blame for calling a blitz even though his ass was the one that got roasted on a game winning play.
If Va Tech gives the ball to Wilson every play they probably win. Put 9 in the box!!
4:44 Good timeout by Tigers. 3rd and goal at the 2. I think you have to sell out on the run and hope they don’t pass. If they do pass they aint very good at it. What will they do…..uh they will jump. Now 3rd and 7. Probably pass, but draw scares me.
4:35 FG attempt for Va Tech. Watch fake!! BEAMER BALL!! If I say it do I get to drink? It’s good. No fake. And Sammy with no catches in the second quarter? I can’t get my drink on!!
4:00Boyd rattled after pick. Two straight awful throws. 3rd and 10
3:44 Ellington finally catches a ball and picks up a huge 3rd down. Biggest block in the back not called.
3:04 Watkins not nearly as dominate when there are great athletes on the other side of the ball. He is still very good. It is only a matter time.
Half shot for me!!! Huge 3rd and 8 catch for Sammy!!
1:48 HALF SHOT!! TD!! ANDRE!! RUN IT DOWN THERE THROATS TIGERS!!!
Not that anyone cares, but clicked over and the Tampa Bay Rays lead 1-0 early. Great night thus far.
Is there any better jingle than “NAPPA KNOW HOW! NNNNNAPPA KNOW HOW!” I don’t think so.
And you do care about this! Gamecocks lose!! To the same team Clemson shellacked at home.
Please cover this kick!! They do and get a three and out.
1:11 Tahj still a little jumpy. Not on the money right now. Missed Nuke on a big gainer.Go deep here on 3rd and 1! Wuss. Took the Qb keeper.
0:30 Another Clemson ad. Oh my God!! They keep getting worse. I thought Raw Raw Research was the worst ever, but now Clemson is one spirit and say “Bring It On”. Really. We quoted a cheerleading movie.
At half up 7. I’ll take that. Our QB and our protection will improve. Their QB is just bad. Clemson has been a pretty good 2nd half team and I think it will be okay.
Enough with the Freaking first time ever we would beat a ranked teams for the 3rd straight week like we are pathetic for not doing it. Note to ESPN, no ACC team has ever done it. Very few teams have probably ever done it.
Monday, October 3, 2011
VA TECH!!!
What a great picture!! We know your agony #20, but now it is your turn.Decided to do a running commentary of the game Saturday. Holy crap what a win! Now the defense is showing signs of life.
Earlier today: Was scanning the TV for the early games and found Air Force v. Navy. Then came to channel 4. They have Jason Aldean (very good country artist) singing one of his best songs, but the changed the words like Monday Night Football to fit the game. Was getting pretty excited, little bit of goose bumps and then…. Wake Forest versus Boston College…. Oh yeah!! Wow that is a great game.
Pre game notes - I am going to take a shot every time the announcers say “Beamer Ball” or show Bud Foster’s stupid lunch pail.
Hate when we wear all white on the road. Looks like we are wearing long johns.
14:56 Oh, my god RON CHERRY!! He might be the worst official in the nation. Sidebar: At the Clemson/FSU game in '09 Ron made an awful holding call or as I like to just call it a Cherry. As soon as he did it, I yelled, "Ron Cherry, you co@#sucker!" Not proud of it and my buddy leaned over and said, "you can't say co$%sucker in this section." Kids everywhere, but I just can't stand him as an official.
PUBLIC ENEMY #1Ron is off to his usual start. Easily could have called running into the punter, but called the personal foul. First down Clemson.
13:00 1st Great start. Back to back three and outs. Three dropped passes. That’s more than the whole season thus far. Clemson is handling the cold weather just great.
12:35 1st Va Tech just going to spread the field and RUN!!
10:12 1st Temperature drops below 50 and nobody can catch!! Unbelievable. Pick for Clemson on a dropped slant that my sisters would have caught.
8:43 1st Great coverage on a punt. Watching Va Tech return a punt gives me the same feeling when I am up on a tall building. Total and utter fear!
6:14 Huge play. Clemson forces a fumble and returns it to the 3. But wait, a flag. Hold on Andre Branch. On the replay it shows Andre just deck someone and lay on top of him. Oh, Ron Cherry!! NO big deal, just a 56 yard penalty.
5:30 Ron Cherry on my screen again. He is getting more air time than Talhj Boyd. That is not a good thing.
Ellington’s second drop. Can’t throw to him anymore.
5:26 Holy crap! A faked bubble screen that is perfectly thrown. That will help the screen game later.
4:28 Sammy with another BIG TIME catch!! It’s nice having an NFL receiver as a freshman.
2:12 Cat Man made a FG!! You couldn’t have slipped one of Sammy Watkins dread locks between the ball and the upright. Looked way right off his foot. 7 would have been nice but points are always good. Gotta stack the box and make the Va Tech QB beat you.
1:50 Holy huge hit on the kickoff. Too bad the Clemson guy Breeland took all of the impact. He is concussed and will not return I would bet.
:50 1st Big three and out. D is flying around. Va Tech surprisingly has a terrible punter and only nets 30. And a good TE drag for a 1st down. End of the quarter. Dominated by the Tigers, yet only 3 to 0. No references to Beamer ball. Taking a shot anyway!
2nd Quarter tomorrow, 3rd Wed, and 4th Thurs.
Just to forewarn, the writing deteriates as Clemson improves!!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Something in these hills
So, instead of talking about what to expect in Blacksburg, because I don’t know, I wanted to go another direction. Instead of talking about the keys (as ALWAYS they will be turnovers and special teams), I want to talk about the greatness of Clemson as a place.
Joe Sherman does a better job than me:
“There is something in these hills that brings together and binds together and holds together men and women of all persuasions, of all heights, sizes, weights, and cultural backgrounds - something that cuts across every difference, spans every gap, penetrates every wall - something that makes a man or a woman stand taller, feel better and say with a high pride to all within earshot, "I went to Clemson."
There is something in these hills that you and I can't define and others can't understand. A wave of warmth always surges through me when "outsiders" say, "I don't know what it is about you Clemson people, but your undying love for Clemson is admired by everyone I know."
There's something in these hills and I suspect that's what it is - the ability of an institution through the unending dedication and greatness of its people - its administration, its faculty, its staff, its students and alumni - to impart to all it touches a respect, an admiration, an affection that stands firm in disquieting times when things around it give impressions of coming unglued.
Yes, there's something in these hills where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness.”
That’s only half the poem and if you went to Clemson and haven’t read the whole thing in a while, I highly recommend.
The point is I was wandering around on Friday and the campus was its usual gorgeous self, the weather was amazing and I wanted to grab each student walking by and shake them and make them understand, “Never take this for granted!! This is the greatest four to eight years of your life!! You will never have this much free time again!! You will never have this little responsibility!! You will hopefully never be this poor again, but who cares!!”
This from a person who loves his job and loves his new wife (at least for now) and can’t complain about anything (other than the sad state of our federal govt.). All that said, my years at Clemson were AWESOME!! I lived with three of my best friends and a kegerator. It doesn’t get much better than that.
A few recent stories as well to show the awesomeness of the place. I got my diploma reframed after it took a tumble off the shelf. They quoted me 60 to do the etched glass again. I get there and she sees the picture is scratched up. Get’s me a new picture. Has to do more matting to make it fit and then charges me $50. I got more stuff and it was less than the quote.
Friends of ours were sold fake tickets by a scalper (obviously not a Clemson local) and the athletic department was nice enough to give them free tickets.
Speaking of free tickets, Clemson gave free tickets to anyone from FL that year hurricanes kept destroying that state, so my parents got four free tickets.
Got a burger, fries and a pint of yuengling for $5 at TDs. It’s as if this town is stuck in the 70s with its prices.
Last April, I was rolling through Clemson and had some time to kill, so I marched up to Dabo’s office and asked him if, as a fellow coach, I could ask him some questions about running a program and recruiting. He took 15 minutes of his day to sit down with me and answer some questions. That is pretty awesome.
It is a wonderful place. It puts me in a good mood just being there. I have nothing but fond memories of my time there, except for the heart wrenching football defeats and the entire Larry W. Shyatt era I had to endure. I made a ton of lifelong friends and memories. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend a trip. If you have been, I highly recommend you get up there for a game this year, because there is something in those hills. Hopefully an ACC Championship is added to those hills this year too.
Oh yeah, and:
Va Tech 30 Clemson 27
But what the hell do I know? Usually the optimist that is wrong, now I am the other
way and loving it!!
Also, enough with all the scary defensive stats from Va. Tech. Their d is probably pretty good, but it won't be top 5 at the end of the year. If it was a great d, they would be #1 in every stat, because no big boy school has played an easier schedule than Va Tech. No one.
Joe Sherman does a better job than me:
“There is something in these hills that brings together and binds together and holds together men and women of all persuasions, of all heights, sizes, weights, and cultural backgrounds - something that cuts across every difference, spans every gap, penetrates every wall - something that makes a man or a woman stand taller, feel better and say with a high pride to all within earshot, "I went to Clemson."
There is something in these hills that you and I can't define and others can't understand. A wave of warmth always surges through me when "outsiders" say, "I don't know what it is about you Clemson people, but your undying love for Clemson is admired by everyone I know."
There's something in these hills and I suspect that's what it is - the ability of an institution through the unending dedication and greatness of its people - its administration, its faculty, its staff, its students and alumni - to impart to all it touches a respect, an admiration, an affection that stands firm in disquieting times when things around it give impressions of coming unglued.
Yes, there's something in these hills where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness.”
That’s only half the poem and if you went to Clemson and haven’t read the whole thing in a while, I highly recommend.
The point is I was wandering around on Friday and the campus was its usual gorgeous self, the weather was amazing and I wanted to grab each student walking by and shake them and make them understand, “Never take this for granted!! This is the greatest four to eight years of your life!! You will never have this much free time again!! You will never have this little responsibility!! You will hopefully never be this poor again, but who cares!!”
This from a person who loves his job and loves his new wife (at least for now) and can’t complain about anything (other than the sad state of our federal govt.). All that said, my years at Clemson were AWESOME!! I lived with three of my best friends and a kegerator. It doesn’t get much better than that.
A few recent stories as well to show the awesomeness of the place. I got my diploma reframed after it took a tumble off the shelf. They quoted me 60 to do the etched glass again. I get there and she sees the picture is scratched up. Get’s me a new picture. Has to do more matting to make it fit and then charges me $50. I got more stuff and it was less than the quote.
Friends of ours were sold fake tickets by a scalper (obviously not a Clemson local) and the athletic department was nice enough to give them free tickets.
Speaking of free tickets, Clemson gave free tickets to anyone from FL that year hurricanes kept destroying that state, so my parents got four free tickets.
Got a burger, fries and a pint of yuengling for $5 at TDs. It’s as if this town is stuck in the 70s with its prices.
Last April, I was rolling through Clemson and had some time to kill, so I marched up to Dabo’s office and asked him if, as a fellow coach, I could ask him some questions about running a program and recruiting. He took 15 minutes of his day to sit down with me and answer some questions. That is pretty awesome.
It is a wonderful place. It puts me in a good mood just being there. I have nothing but fond memories of my time there, except for the heart wrenching football defeats and the entire Larry W. Shyatt era I had to endure. I made a ton of lifelong friends and memories. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend a trip. If you have been, I highly recommend you get up there for a game this year, because there is something in those hills. Hopefully an ACC Championship is added to those hills this year too.
Oh yeah, and:
Va Tech 30 Clemson 27
But what the hell do I know? Usually the optimist that is wrong, now I am the other
way and loving it!!
Also, enough with all the scary defensive stats from Va. Tech. Their d is probably pretty good, but it won't be top 5 at the end of the year. If it was a great d, they would be #1 in every stat, because no big boy school has played an easier schedule than Va Tech. No one.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
What a fall so far?
So the Rays make the playoffs in thrilling fashion. My fantasy team "The Fighting Ron Pauls" is 2nd out of 12 teams. My Bengals bet (1-2)is looking okay needing them to lose at least 10. And most importantly (well, the bet is pretty important) is the fact that Clemson is 4-0 and not your normal playing of patsies 4-0.
The Rays are such a clutch franchise. Always seem to come up with the big hit when they need to. How wonderful was it to watch the great defensive outfielder and former Ray Carl Crawford fall on his face instead of throwing out the winning run for the Red Sox. This to cap off a pathetic year in which his On Base Percentage was only .289 and hit only 11 HRs and only 18 stolen bases. He can run like the wind and only stole 18 bases? Scott Van Pelt opposite Stuart Scott's ridiculous bow tie said "Tonight is why sports are better than anything else...always."
All these great games and I was already going to think up a list of greatest Clemson games since the turn of the century. Here's the thing though. I'm going to list them in their greatness at that moment. Not looking back, but their greatness when they happened. Of course, sadly, in retrospect none of these wins were very big, but many of them were exciting when they happened. This list was harder to compile than I thought. Not because there are that many wins, but because there are so many factors, exciting finish, beating ranked opponent or big rival, could lead to ACC title (never does!). Anyway here goes:
Honorable Mention
2001 at NC St. 45-37 Woodrow Dantzler probably played the greatest game a QB can play. Look up his stats. It's gross.
2003 Peach Bowl Tenn 27-14 Domination of a SEC opponent
2005 Texas A@M 25-24 Great game to start year. Kicker actually made kicks, 6 of them!!
2007 at So. Car. 23-21 Last second drive and kick for the win.
Drum roll please.....
10. 2011 #21 Auburn 38-24 They may be average this year, but they were national champs last year and they were up 21-7.
9. 2003 at So. Car. 63-17 Always nice to beat your rival this bad in their building.
8. 2003 #8 FSU 26-10 Finally beat FSU after a decade of them dominating the ACC. Was good to get that monkey off the back.
7. 2009 FSU 40-24. Helped to eventually clinch first Atlantic Division crown. In retrospect FSU was awful that year, but who cares. McDaniel destroyed Ponder's shoulder after picking off a ball and pointing right at him. It was great. Sorry about your shoulder though Christian.
6. 2001 at #9 GT 47-44 OT Woodrow was awesome. JJ McKelvey had like 23 catches. Best decision ever to drive to this one. The big wins are always a little sweeter on the road.
5. 2006 #13 GT 31-7 Clemson was #12 and Gameday was in Clemson. The building was rocking. Did not remember this, but the game was only 7-0 at half. I sure remember this being a butt kicking from the start.
4. 2011 # 11 FSU 35-30 Maybe this one will not be as big when we look back, but they are always way more exciting when you are still undefeated. There is always that what if this is finally our year to do something special? Plus the whole last 5 minutes were exciting and surreal.
3. 2000 #14 NC St 34-27 Beat a very good Phillip Rivers led Wolfpack team to go 6-0 and move to #4 in the nation. Felt like Tommy Bowden had something going, but wahhwahh.
2. 2009 at #10 Miami 40-37 OT Felt like this game could get the program over the hump. Great win over good opponent and exciting finish.
1. 2000 So. Car. 16-14 It was cold as crap. It was one of the few where Clemson didn't clutch defeat from the jaws of victory. Clemson did the opposite. The Catch II- Rod Gardner with a subtle push off and a huge catch to set up game winning FG. I was on the hill so it all happened right in front of me.
I ABOUT TOOK A DUMP ON THE HILL WHEN THIS HAPPENED!! Of course I didn't think our kicker would make the FG either!!
Note:
I have been at all of the top ten games, but one. Maybe being there skews my list a good bit? The only one I missed was for a wedding! One of the best weddings I've ever been to and we did watch the whole 2nd half on a white curtain (game was projected on to it). I spent the rest of the night yelling "Dabo has turned the corner!" and singing "Daaabo, Daabo Swinney" to the tune of the Top Gun theme played by the DJ. I also rapped Young MC Bust a Move. It was a great night.
The Rays are such a clutch franchise. Always seem to come up with the big hit when they need to. How wonderful was it to watch the great defensive outfielder and former Ray Carl Crawford fall on his face instead of throwing out the winning run for the Red Sox. This to cap off a pathetic year in which his On Base Percentage was only .289 and hit only 11 HRs and only 18 stolen bases. He can run like the wind and only stole 18 bases? Scott Van Pelt opposite Stuart Scott's ridiculous bow tie said "Tonight is why sports are better than anything else...always."
All these great games and I was already going to think up a list of greatest Clemson games since the turn of the century. Here's the thing though. I'm going to list them in their greatness at that moment. Not looking back, but their greatness when they happened. Of course, sadly, in retrospect none of these wins were very big, but many of them were exciting when they happened. This list was harder to compile than I thought. Not because there are that many wins, but because there are so many factors, exciting finish, beating ranked opponent or big rival, could lead to ACC title (never does!). Anyway here goes:
Honorable Mention
2001 at NC St. 45-37 Woodrow Dantzler probably played the greatest game a QB can play. Look up his stats. It's gross.
2003 Peach Bowl Tenn 27-14 Domination of a SEC opponent
2005 Texas A@M 25-24 Great game to start year. Kicker actually made kicks, 6 of them!!
2007 at So. Car. 23-21 Last second drive and kick for the win.
Drum roll please.....
10. 2011 #21 Auburn 38-24 They may be average this year, but they were national champs last year and they were up 21-7.
9. 2003 at So. Car. 63-17 Always nice to beat your rival this bad in their building.
8. 2003 #8 FSU 26-10 Finally beat FSU after a decade of them dominating the ACC. Was good to get that monkey off the back.
7. 2009 FSU 40-24. Helped to eventually clinch first Atlantic Division crown. In retrospect FSU was awful that year, but who cares. McDaniel destroyed Ponder's shoulder after picking off a ball and pointing right at him. It was great. Sorry about your shoulder though Christian.
6. 2001 at #9 GT 47-44 OT Woodrow was awesome. JJ McKelvey had like 23 catches. Best decision ever to drive to this one. The big wins are always a little sweeter on the road.
5. 2006 #13 GT 31-7 Clemson was #12 and Gameday was in Clemson. The building was rocking. Did not remember this, but the game was only 7-0 at half. I sure remember this being a butt kicking from the start.
4. 2011 # 11 FSU 35-30 Maybe this one will not be as big when we look back, but they are always way more exciting when you are still undefeated. There is always that what if this is finally our year to do something special? Plus the whole last 5 minutes were exciting and surreal.
3. 2000 #14 NC St 34-27 Beat a very good Phillip Rivers led Wolfpack team to go 6-0 and move to #4 in the nation. Felt like Tommy Bowden had something going, but wahhwahh.
2. 2009 at #10 Miami 40-37 OT Felt like this game could get the program over the hump. Great win over good opponent and exciting finish.
1. 2000 So. Car. 16-14 It was cold as crap. It was one of the few where Clemson didn't clutch defeat from the jaws of victory. Clemson did the opposite. The Catch II- Rod Gardner with a subtle push off and a huge catch to set up game winning FG. I was on the hill so it all happened right in front of me.
I ABOUT TOOK A DUMP ON THE HILL WHEN THIS HAPPENED!! Of course I didn't think our kicker would make the FG either!!Note:
I have been at all of the top ten games, but one. Maybe being there skews my list a good bit? The only one I missed was for a wedding! One of the best weddings I've ever been to and we did watch the whole 2nd half on a white curtain (game was projected on to it). I spent the rest of the night yelling "Dabo has turned the corner!" and singing "Daaabo, Daabo Swinney" to the tune of the Top Gun theme played by the DJ. I also rapped Young MC Bust a Move. It was a great night.
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