Sunday, October 11, 2015

The Morning After...

1) I absolutely love how this Clemson Tiger team flips the page from one week to the next. Dabo Swinney has instilled that mentality in this program, from the top down. The groundwork and foundation he laid since he took over has made the Clemson program rock solid. Folks, we've got a good one on our hands.

2) For the naysayers who felt like Clemson had been conservative or hadn't seen Deshaun Watson impress with his arm, what say you now? I saw an offense that was hungry and aggressive - 537 yards, and that was with the backup playing most of the fourth quarter. Watson threw for 265 yards and 2 TDs, and the offense looked very much in sync. Wayne Gallman had his longest run of his career (66 yards), scored twice, and went over 100 yards for the third straight game. All seven active wide receivers caught passes in the first half. To top it off, tight end Jordan Leggett caught his 3rd and 4th TDs in the last three games. It feels like the offense just started rolling and it's going to be tough to stop.

The Tiger defense suffocated Tech's triple-option Saturday.
Photo courtesy TigerNet.com
3) Can't say enough about the defense. I feel like a broken record every week, but they continually impress me. Holding Georgia Tech to its lowest rushing total, 71 yards, under Paul Johnson is a monumental task. Yes, there were breakdowns in coverage. But, against this style offense which we won't see the rest of the season, and the timing of those breakdowns (up big in the 2nd half) make them easier to handle. Correctable mistakes, for sure. But give Brent Venables and this defense all the credit for what they've done to this point.

4) Sad day on the Plains. Many Sooner fans have grown tired of seeing the same story play out from Bob Stoops. I'll come out and say it, I think Stoops has a sense of entitlement, of which he earned from his first 10 years on the job, but has lost over the past 4-5 years. However, I think he still thinks he's entitled and shouldn't be questioned. The OU beat reporters need to start questioning him or those who make decisions to keep him. Stop right there with the "Well if you get rid of Stoops, who else are you going to get that's better?" If the Oklahoma football head coaching job becomes vacant, there will be plenty of top notch coaches banging down the door. Yesterday was another chapter in the long, embarrassing book of losses for OU under Stoops, particularly since 2010. If the Sooners are headed to another 8-9 win season, expect the chatter to begin.

5) What happened in the great state of South Carolina a week ago will not soon be forgotten. To all my friends and family still dealing with that mess, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Big props to LSU and the people of Louisiana for their hospitality toward South Carolina this week. From the offering of ticket sales revenue back to the University to the billboards welcoming Gamecocks to Baton Rouge to playing "2001" and the USC fight song prior to the game ... Yes, even as a Clemson fan, it meant a lot that you would go to the lengths you did. A sincere "Thank you!" to all in Purple & Gold. 

6) On to more football... Seriously, is anyone going to score on Michigan?!?!

7) When the polls come out later today and Ohio State is still No. 1, just remember the only poll that matters is the one released on Nov. 3. And to be honest, that one doesn't matter either. The only one that does is the final Playoff Committee Poll. So what the coaches and AP poll voters have to say means absolutely nothing. The Buckeyes struggled with Maryland, putting them away late and winning 49-28 at home. ICYMI: Maryland got hammered by West Virginia, 45-6, and was blanked by Michigan, 28-0. Oh yea, and Bowling Green beat Maryland by the same margin as Ohio State. Remember, Florida State did the same underwhelming thing last year and was never ranked No. 1 in the Playoff Poll. #DropTheBucks (Blog note: I'll be releasing my weekly Top 10 beginning Monday)

8) Craziness ensued in the night games. TCU needed a double-digit comeback to win at K-State. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State allowed West Virginia to send their game to OT before the Cowboys escaped Morgantown with the win. FSU dodged another bullet after allowing Miami to take a 4th quarter lead. Michigan State needed a 4th down spike by Rutgers to lock up the Spartans win. That set up the big one in The Big House next week when Michigan State goes to Michigan. 

9) Some other quick hitters: Mark Richt and the Bulldogs "Georgia'd" again. Also, see #4 above. ... The Heartbreak Huskers are at it again. I believe they are trying to find the most excruciating way to lose. ... Texas' win was a big one for Charlie Strong. Could that be the turning point for the Horns? Or will it be the lone bright spot in a bowl-less season? ... FSU remained undefeated and should continue to do so ahead of the Noles' big matchup at Clemson. Dalvin Cook looks every bit as good as LSU's Leonard Fournette. ... Late night in the Pac-12 with Utah fending off Cal to stay undefeated and in the Top 5.

10) Homecoming in Tiger Town next weekend. One of the best times to be on campus. Wish I could be there. Beat Boston College.

-BtW

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