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| (Photo courtesy TigerNet.com) |
'Twas the night before the Palmetto Bowl and Spurrier could not be found.
For he quit on the Gamecocks midseason, knowing they wouldn't be bowl bound.
The helmets were hung in the locker rooms with care
In hopes that tailgating and football soon would fill the air.
The players were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of touchdowns danced in their heads.
And Dabo in his sweatshirt, and Brent with his cap
Ready to send the Gamecocks on their way to a long winter's nap.
When gameday arrived the fans came in a swarm
Waving their white towels to the tune of 'Sandstorm.'
Away from the tunnel, Dabo led his troops
With the eye of the Tiger ready to put the chickens back in their coops.
The coin flipped at high noon and the Tigers won the toss.
They deferred to the second half and let the defense show Carolina who's boss.
Perry Orth knew Pharoh Cooper was pretty awesome
But he was about to be sacked again by Shaq Lawson.
Deshaun Watson took over with two healthy legs this time
He glanced across the field behind his offensive line.
More rapid than eagles, his playmakers they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Gallman! Now Scott!
Block for them Mac Lain!
On, Ray-Ray! On, Peake!
On Leggett and Cain!
Across the goal line! Hold onto the ball!
A touchdown for you, a touchdown for you, a touchdown for all!"
Just like they did to the Hurricanes in Miami
Clemson marched up and down the field with a fury.
So up to the line of scrimmage they stood
With the Wayne Train on the tracks ready to bring the wood.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard from the booth,
"South Carolina is terrible, and that's the cold hard truth."
As I pumped my first while the first half ended
My Gamecock Facebook crowd told me I would be unfriended.
Dabo addressed the team saying the halftime score didn't matter
But he paused for a moment when he heard such a clatter.
The Garnet and Black faithful were exiting Williams-Brice loudly
While Tiger Band shook the Southland and the orange-clad fans cheered proudly.
Watson's eyes stayed focused on the Palmetto Bowl trophy
He gathered his teammates and huddled them closely.
"We have two quarters to go, so don't get complacent.
Now, let's go out there and make a statement!"
The Paw on his helmet gleamed in the autumn light
Another touchdown he threw for the orange and white.
He had the Tigers on the precipice of something never done before
A 12-0 season and on the doorstep of Clemson lore.
He held up four fingers, the same number on his chest
Dabo knew he recruited one of the best.
One final touchdown for the nail in the coffin
No doubt about it, this team was "All In!"
The clock ticked away and as soon as it hit zero
The scoreboard operator turned off the power and thought he was a hero.
It didn't matter much for the damage was done
Clemson came to Columbia and left the same way - still No. 1.
Away to the corner of the end zone to be with Tiger Band he sprang,
His arms around Coach Swinney the alma mater they sang.
But I heard Watson exclaim, before he ducked out of sight
"We've got bigger goals to accomplish. I'll see you in Charlotte Saturday Night!"
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