Showing posts with label South Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Carolina. Show all posts

Sunday, September 3, 2017

The Morning After - Winning the Opener

Welcome back to The Morning After, a Sunday staple of BENched. TMA began as a way for me to provide my thoughts on the previous day's Clemson game. It morphed into writing about the national landscape.

A new season is upon us and I'm going with a new format. There will be four quarters and an overtime, followed by "Tiger Tweets."  The first quarter will be all Clemson. The second through fourth quarters will be a look at the most important games from the weekend. Overtime will be some quick hits of the other action. Tiger Tweets will be a condensed game thread of some of my personal favorite tweets about the game.

There are still a few games to go over the holiday weekend. None should really impact the Playoff race, but a couple could turn the burner a little higher on some already hot seats.

1st Quarter
If you read my season-opening post, you know I'm high on my Tigers. It all stems from knowing Dabo Swinney loves the underdog role. With all the offensive firepower gone, pundits across the nation are hesitant to pick Clemson for a third straight Playoff run. That's understandable, but Swinney plays that chip on his shoulder better than most.

Kelly Bryant showed off his arm and his wheels
to lead Clemson in a blowout win over Kent State.
(Photo courtesy AP)
I realize Kent State is not a barometer for this team, but as Swinney mentioned during postgame this team played a relatively clean game. It was good to see Kelly Bryant lead the offense to three straight scoring drives. One of Clemson's strengths is its offensive line (returning four of five starters). Bryant had time to throw and the lanes were wide open to run through. The Tigers were very balanced and played 91 players in the game. Getting the youth playing time will pay dividends down the road. Clemson scored 56 points, gained 665 yards (312 passing, 353 rushing), all four running backs scored a rushing touchdown along with Bryant, and the passing game was on point.

Kent State managed 120 total yards and threw just five passes, completing one for one yard. I don't know why the Golden Flashes stuck to the running game against one of the best defensive front sevens in the country, but it's hard to get a read on the Tiger D when a team is voluntarily one-dimensional.

There is lots of promise for this team. The talent is there, but these next four games to close September are a different animal than what these youngsters have seen at the collegiate level. Clemson has Auburn visiting Saturday, then travels to Louisville, home vs. Boston College, and at Virginia Tech. Buckle-up, Tiger fans.

As always, one game at a time. Beat Auburn.

2nd Quarter
The GOAT (Greatest Opener of All-Time) was quite the DUD. Early on, it looked like we'd have a competitive game. But as it wore on, it was clear the Alabama was a step above Florida State. The Tide stuffed the Noles running game, holding FSU to 40 yards on the ground. Ultimately, offense and special teams blunders doomed the Seminoles. Good teams, like Alabama, take advantage of those mistakes.

Where FSU was impressive was on defense. Despite being put in terrible situations much of the second half, the Noles stiffened up and kept the deficit from growing. Alabama outgained FSU by just 19 yards. Jalen Hurts only threw 18 passes, completing 10 for 96 yards and a TD - seven of those completions and the TD were to playmaker Calvin Ridley. But Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, and Hurts combined for 39 rushes for 168 yards (4.3 yards per carry).

FSU would have had a long way to go to reach an ACC Championship this year before Deandre Francois got hurt. If his knee injury is serious, the Noles may be in rebuild mode with a young backfield. I feel bad for Francois. He's done nothing but get pounded into the ground since he put on that uniform. I hope his career isn't ruined because FSU can't block for him.

I'm also not completely sold that Alabama looks like the best team in the country just yet. In year's past, they destroyed their opening week competition. On Saturday, they struggled and were practically gifted some points off turnovers.

Still, I think both teams will be in the conversation in November.

3rd Quarter
Another team that impressed many but I'm holding back on is Michigan. The Wolverines had a hard time getting things going against a stout Florida defense. Starting QB Wilton Speight threw two pick-sixes that would have sunk Michigan against any other opponent with an offensive pulse. Lucky for the Maize and Blue, this was Florida. Quarterbacks not named Tim Tebow or Danny Wuerffel, umm, aren't good. Somehow, the Gators put up 181 passing yards, but only ran for 11.

Yes, Florida was without a lot of suspended players, including its starting running back and star wideout. However, at a place like Florida it's inexcusable not to have backups ready to fill in and take over.

On the other sideline, the stats show Michigan dominated this game. The scoreboard told me it was a nine-point game late in the fourth quarter. How do you only give up three offensive points and find yourself needing a defensive score to seal the deal? Michigan is a young squad and this win will go a long way for confidence-building. I still think Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin are above them in the Big Ten right now.

4th Quarter
I dislike preseason predictions and prognostications (despite myself picking the Playoff teams last week). I think it places expectations on teams that haven't stepped on the field yet. Then, we judge a season-opening game based on those expectations and that's simply not fair. Take USC and Sam Darnold for example. Many anointed Darnold as the Heisman favorite based on last year. They have USC pegged as the Pac-12 representative for the Playoff. Maybe that got to the Trojans heads a bit, as they were deadlocked at 28 midway through the fourth quarter with Western Michigan.

Ohio State is another example. The preseason No. 2 team and favorite to win the national championship by many, trailed 14-13 at halftime at Indiana. The Buckeyes won going away, 49-21. Despite holding the Hoosiers to 17 rushing yards, OSU allowed 420 through the air. It took the offense three quarters to hit its stride, but that happens.

Let's hold off on the hot takes for another couple weeks until we see some of these teams against better competition. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Overtime
Most of the top teams played cupcake games. However, there were some other interesting results. I'll start with South Carolina knocking off NC State. The Wolfpack doubled the Gamecocks' yardage output 504-246, but shot themselves in the foot too many times. Deebo Samuel made some huge plays for USC and Jake Bentley showed off his skillset. But once again, hold your horses. South Carolina got the win, but there are plenty of question marks. NC State took the loss, but much like a season ago, one play here or there can turn this team into a conference contender.

The conference debate was a major talking point in the offseason. The ACC finished 2016 on top, but that quickly went south. Aforementioned FSU and NC State lost to SEC schools, North Carolina lost at home to Cal, Pittsburgh needed overtime to pull out a win against Youngstown State, and Louisville squeaked by Purdue. The Big Ten had the best weekend, getting out of conference wins away from home over Florida and Texas by Michigan and Maryland, respectively. Purdue's loss to the Cards looked respectable and even Rutgers managed to hang with No. 8 Washington for a half.

Like I said, it's a marathon still. Lots can happened between now and conference championship weekend.

Tiger Tweets












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Monday, January 16, 2017

Four Shades of Red

You've read the book - or at least heard of it. Fifty Shades of Grey is one of the top selling books of all-time.

The Clemson Tigers could write their own book, a twist on the original. As Dabo Swinney said during Clemson's championship celebration, “I told the team all year long, you have the pen in your hands and we write the story, we write the ending.”

 That ending would include the final four chapters of the Tigers' National Championship run. The final four games of the 2016-17 season includes wins over South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Ohio State and Alabama. All four teams a shade of red and all four wins delivered a championship. 

 BENched presents excerpts from Four Shades of Red.

 Garnet

 This chapter is the beatdown of epic proportions the Tigers put on the Gamecocks. Final score: Clemson 56, South Carolina 7. The talent gap on the field was evident. Nothing South Carolina could do was going to keep the game close.
Mike Williams carried a Gamecocks defender into the end zone,
one of his three scores on the night.
(Photo courtesy The State)
Deshaun Watson threw six touchdown passes. Mike Williams caught six balls for 100 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. Clemson gained 622 yards of offense, while the defense gave up 218. The starters were removed late in the third quarter.

 The win was the third straight in the series and pushed Clemson's overall series lead to 68-42-4. Watson delivered on a promise he made in high school that he would never lose to the Gamecocks. He finishes his career a perfect 3-0 record with an average margin of victory 24 points. 

 Of course, this wasn't a normal game. This was an in-state rivalry with plenty of hatred on both sides. A shouting match broke out during pregame warmups between the teams. Swinney called a timeout with his starters on the field late in the fourth quarter to honor the seniors one last time in Death Valley, but the Gamecocks didn't take too kindly to that. There's a new motto for South Carolina - never again - referring to the pain felt during the loss. 

 Championship won: State. Clemson claimed the Palmetto Bowl trophy.

 Maroon

 The next chapter sees the Tigers head south to Orlando, Fla., for the ACC Championship against a salty Virginia Tech squad. A win puts Clemson into the College Football Playoff. Plenty was on the line and the Hokies were seeking a strong finish to an unexpected ACC Coastal Championship in Justin Fuente's debut season.

 Clemson's offense was clicking early and often, jumping out to leads of 14-0 and 35-14. Watson fired on all cylinders with 288 yards and three touchdowns passing, while rushing for 85 yards and two more scores. 
Deshaun Watson flexes after his final touchdown
in the 2016 ACC Championship Game.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)
However, the Virginia Tech offense wouldn't be held down for long. The Hokies, led by JuCo transfer quarterback Jerod Evans, hit their stride and closed the gap late. Consecutive scores by VT made it 35-28 early in the fourth quarter. Watson led the Tigers on a scoring drive to extend the lead back to 14, but the Hokies quickly scored again to get within seven.

 Then, with Virginia Tech driving to tie it, Cordrea Tankersley picked off his second pass of the game to seal the deal. Clemson won the game 42-35. Watson earn his second straight Championship Game Player of the Game honors and the Tigers claimed back-to-back conference titles for the first time since winning three straight from 1986-88.

 Championship won: Conference. Clemson claimed the ACC Championship trophy.

 Scarlet

Clemson was selected the No. 2 team in the College Football Playoff with a 12-1 record. Their opponent, No. 3 Ohio State, which finished the season 11-1. The two teams were matched up in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, one of the two semifinal sites this season.

 Controversy over the Buckeyes' selection was plentiful. Ohio State finished tied with Penn State atop the Big Ten East Division, but the Nittany Lions went to the conference title game because of their head-to-head win over OSU. Penn State won the conference championship, but was left out because of a September loss to Pittsburgh.
Clemson's defense proved too much for JT Barrett
and the Ohio State offense.
(Photo courtesy azcentral sports)
Many thought Urban Meyer and Ohio State would be out to prove they belonged. That never came to fruition. The Buckeyes struggled to move the ball against Clemson's stout defense and missed two field goals in the first quarter. Slowly, but surely, the Tigers began picking up yards and found the end zone once. Then again. And again in the second half. When it was all over, the scoreboard read 31-0.

 Like a boa constrictor, Clemson squeezed the life out of the Ohio State sideline. Once again, it was a night Watson would not be stopped. He accounted for three scores and never wavered after two interceptions. Clemson's defense, though, was the story, blanking the Buckeyes for the first time in over two decades. The Tigers racked up 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, and held Ohio State's vaunted rushing attack - which entered averaging nearly 260 yards on the ground per game - to just 88 yards.

Championship won: Bowl and Semifinal. Clemson claimed the Fiesta Bowl trophy along with a CFB Playoff Semifinal award.

 Crimson

This was the rematch many predicted in July and August. Alabama was the overwhelming pick as the No. 1 team in the land. Just on the Crimson Tide's heels were the Tigers, selected No. 2 in the preseason. 

 Bama rolled to a 14-0 lead and seemed to have the game where it wanted. Watson was still trying to figure out the flow of the game. The Tigers didn't have an answer for running back Bo Scarbrough. Then, a short screen pass to Deon Cain went for 44 yards and opened things up. Clemson scored to cut the deficit in half before the intermission.
Deshaun Watson celebrates his final pass of his collegiate career,
a National Championship-winning touchdown to Hunter Renfrow.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)
The second half was full of spectacular plays on both sides. Honestly, it could be a book all on its own. From Hunter Renfrow's touchdown saving tackle after a Clemson fumble to OJ Howard streaking down the sideline uncovered again to several Mike Williams athletic catches to Jordan Leggett's acrobatic grab to a Jalen Hurts' go-ahead TD with two minutes remaining to the final punctuation mark, a Renfrow touchdown with one second left. Three crucial drives were made in the final five minutes of the game. Each resulting score caused the lead to change hands. 

It was a fitting end for Watson to hit Renfrow for the game-winning score. It was fitting that Clemson ran an onside kick and recovered it. It was fitting that Watson took the game's final snap for a kneel down. 

 Clemson won its first title in 35 years. The Tigers scored 35 points. Clemson won by a final margin of 35-31 - four points. The Tigers' MVP wears No. 4. The storybook ending was written. As Swinney said, “And what an ending they wrote Monday night in Tampa.”

 Championship won: National Championship. Clemson caps the season as the unanimous No. 1 team in both the AP and Coaches Polls. That earned the Tigers the CFB Playoff National Championship trophy and the Coaches Crystal Ball trophy.
The 2016 National Champion Clemson Tigers celebrating on stage in Tampa, Fla.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
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Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Morning After... Another State Championship!

1) What Clemson and South Carolina fans witnessed Saturday night was complete and utter domination. One team was focused, talented and eager to put a whippin' on its rival. The other just wanted to get out of dodge as soon as possible. The Gamecocks could not match up with the Tigers man-for-man.
(Photo courtesy Clemson Athletics)
2) Deshaun Watson likely finishes his career in Death Valley the way he started it. In Watson's first career home start, he threw six TD passes against North Carolina. Saturday night, he tossed six against South Carolina. The young man has had a career worthy of every award and record he's earned. I've been critical of him and I don't apologize for that. There are still flaws in his game, but at this time, it's just nitpicking at things I wish were perfect. Well, Deshaun Watson ain't perfect. Nobody is or ever will be. But Watson is as close to perfect as Clemson's ever had at the QB position.

3) A year ago, Mike Williams stood on the sidelines with a neck brace. Williams might want to get his back checked out this time as Gamecock defenders dangled off him all night. He made NFL-type catches and showed by Mel Kiper has him as the No. 1 WR in the upcoming NFL Draft. His first TD was a thing of beauty. His second was unreal. Williams carried the Carolina defender eight yards into the end zone. You have to see it to understand how awesome of a highlight that was. Williams was a man among boys.
4) Incredible defensive performance by the Tigers to boot. USC freshman QB Jake Bentley looked like he belonged in high school. He finished 7-of-17 for 41 yards and an interception. Bentley only played one half, supposedly injuring his knee. Will Muschamp said there was nothing wrong with him other than he wasn't comfortable pushing off throwing, but Muschamp didn't want to put him back in the game. The Gamecocks had 218 yards, were 4-for-14 on third downs, and had just 14 first downs (Clemson had 41). Again, there was very little South Carolina could do to find any mismatches on the field. The Tigers were just better all around.

 5) I'm going to do a little bragging here, and also set the record straight. I've heard nothing but a bunch of whiny sour grapes coming out of the mouths of Gamecocks - coaches, players and fans. You got beat. Deal with it. Stop trying to act like you didn't do any trash talking all week. Stop trying to act like you didn't rub it in during your five-game winning streak. Stop trying to act like your players are perfect little angels and Clemson's are the scum of the earth.

Clemson's players didn't say much this week and let their play on the field do the talking. They very well could have said a lot, considering they'd won two in a row in the series. After the game, a third straight win, they didn't hold back. And good for them. They're right. South Carolina has been, is, and always will be the little brother in this state. Clemson does run the state. The 56-7 thrashing makes that pretty clear. As does the 68-42-4 series record. Get over it.

6) Michigan and Ohio State might have been a good game that went to double-overtime, but color me unimpressed. It was 17-17 at the end of regulation. Neither offense looked competent. Ohio State's kicker missed two chipshot field goals. Michigan fumbled at the one-yardline and threw two costly INTs - one returned for a TD and one that set up a short TD drive. Ohio State was 3-of-16 on third downs. Michigan had 91 rushing yards (2.1 yards per rush). I realize it was a huge game with big ramifications, but neither team was impressive. The rest of the nation will tell you it was a classic - and it was - and that both teams are deserving of high rankings and praise. That's great. Just not from this guy.

7) Rivalry weekend produced a lot of thrills and upsets that no one saw coming. NC State knocked off North Carolina, Missouri over Arkansas, Air Force over Boise State, Texas Tech over Baylor, and Arizona over Arizona State ... All of those took place before Saturday. Then, there was Georgia Tech over Georgia, Kentucky over Louisville, Mississippi State over Ole Miss, Oregon State over Oregon and Vandy over Tennessee. Gotta love it.

8) The Heisman race is back open. Here are the serious contenders: Lamar Jackson, Louisville; Deshaun Watson, Clemson; Dalvin Cook, Florida State; Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma; Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma. That's it. Jackson has stumbled his past two games to allow the other contenders to close the gap. I still think he will be the winner, but it won't be as large of a margin as previously thought.

9) The ACC finished 3-1 over the SEC for the second straight season in in-state rivalries. Over the past three seasons, the ACC teams (Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Louisville) are a combined 10-2 against South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky. ... Every Power 5 conference has a championship game next weekend - four actual championship games (ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC) and one by luck (Big 12). ... The Playoff Committee ranking comes out Tuesday and I will warn everyone now: Michigan will be ranked No. 4 this week. The Committee isn't likely to drop Michigan behind Washington at this point because the overall body of work favors the Wolverines. And a double-overtime road loss to the No. 2 team in the country doesn't do much to warrant a big drop anyway. However, conference championships are not factored in this week. After this coming Saturday, they will be and that's where Michigan (and Ohio State) will likely drop if Clemson and Washington win their conferences.

10) After Virginia Tech's 52-10 over Virginia, Hokies defensive end Ken Ekanem said, "This was a statement game, to tell Clemson that we're coming." Bring it, turkeys. Beat Virginia Tech.

-BtW
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Friday, November 25, 2016

This is OUR state

67-42-4.

That is Clemson's record against South Carolina. The Tigers own a 25-game lead in a series that is the second longest running rivalry game in the country (107 straight games; trails Wisconsin-Minnesota currently at 109).

The Palmetto Bowl rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina takes a backseat to no one. Sure Alabama-Auburn or Ohio State-Michigan or OU-Texas have had more meaningful games in their series history. But the hatred between fans of the Tigers and Gamecocks is on equal footing as those rivalries.

Clemson currently owns a two-game winning streak. It comes on the heels of a South Carolina five-game streak. That was a first in the rivalry's history. 

You see, Clemson is used to beating South Carolina. The Tigers have had a four-game or more winning streak eight different times through the years. The Gamecocks have done it twice. 

Clemson's longest streak is seven (1934-40). The Tigers have had two four-game streaks since 1997. 

South Carolina's longest is the five-game streak it had from 2009-13. Prior to that, the only streak to reach four wins was from 1951-54.

USC or Carolina, as it's known throughout the state of South Carolina, won the first game of the series in 1896. That year was the fourth for USC's program and the first at Clemson. Carolina won 12-6. That's the last time the Gamecocks led the series. Clemson won four in a row and 13 of the next 16 (two SC wins and one tie). Clemson blanked South Carolina nine times in those 13 wins, allowing a total of 31 points. The Tigers reigned supreme and haven't looked back in the series.

Until the last decade, the Gamecocks were a sub-.500 program all-time. They'd won one conference title (1969 ACC Championship) and one SEC East title in 2010. They were a middling program, usually picked behind the SEC East powers (Florida, Georiga, Tennessee) and just ahead of the cellar dwellers (Vanderbilt and Kentucky). 

Clemson won the 1981 national championship and currently owns 15 ACC championships - tied for most in the league with Florida State - along with six other conference championships from previous affiliations. Of course, the Tigers played for it all again last year.

If you're from the Palmetto State, you must pick a side.
But this game means everything in the Palmetto State. Families are split. You're born into it and you don't have a choice. You're either a Tiger or a Gamecock. You live with folks on either side. You go to school with friends of both teams. You work alongside the enemy.

For 364 days a year, you're reminded about that last November encounter - or you're the one doing the reminding. Then, that 365th day comes and everything reaches fever pitch. Whether in Williams-Brice Stadium or Death Valley, fanbases on both sides converge for a day of tailgating, football ... and hate.

The moment those orange-clad fans spot garnet clothing, you'll hear a familiar refrain: "Cock-a-doodle-do! Cock-a-doodle-do! Carolina Gamecocks to hell with you!" A Gamecock fan will reply back with a "Clem-sucks!" And the back-and-forth spewing goes on all day.

Rivalry jokes are aplenty. Stories of games are recounted at annual family gatherings, such as Thanksgiving. It's all in good fun, ribbing your family members for their latest loss.

One day a year, though, it's all hate. The build-up to this week starts with quotes from players and coaches. It boils to highlight videos from previous years. Thanksgiving dinners are prepared and predictions are made at the table. Other games serve as an appetizer to ours. Saturday arrives and you could cut the tension in the air like a hot knife through butter.

We've won too much in this series and have too much riding on the line to let our feathered friends from Columbia ruin our season. That record, 67-42-4, is that way for a reason.

Rivalry? No. That's just a cute moniker because we share a backyard.

This is domination. This is our state.

Beat the Gamecocks.

-BtW
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PTF: Prediction Time Friday - Week 13 (Rivalry Week)

Savor the leftovers and kick back on the couch. Rivalry Week is here! This is the best week of the college football season, as hate fills the air. Your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers are either with you or against you. There's nothing like these heated games. Throw out the records, throw out the statistics. With 365 days of bragging on the line, expect the unexpected. After this, we'll be on to championship weekend. But there are lots of scores to settle. Onward with the picks!

2016 BENched PTF Record
Last Week: 10-1
Game of the Week Pick: 4-4
Overall: 107-44 (.709 win %)
*Rankings below reflect the CFB Playoff Top 25

Friday

 NC State at North Carolina - Carolina-State Game (UNC leads 66-33-6)
(Line: North Carolina -10.5)
Not the best game of the weekend, but a solid rivalry here. NC State needs a win to become bowl eligible. Carolina needs a win to have a chance at the Coastal Division title (the Heels still have to wait on the Virginia Tech game on Saturday). The Wolfpack have come oh so close several times this season. The difference in this one will be UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Heels 27-21

Arkansas at Missouri - Battle Line Rivalry (Mizzou leads 4-3)
(Line: Arkansas -8)
This has never been much of a rivalry, but the SEC is trying to make it one. The Razorbacks knocked off Mississippi State on the road last weekend, a first in the Beilema era. Mizzou pretty much stinks. Hogs 34-17

No. 16 Nebraska at Iowa - Heroes Game (Nebraska leads 29-14-3)
(Line: Iowa -1.5)
An intriguing game for Nebraska as the Huskers need a win and a Wisconsin loss to clinch the Big Ten West. Iowa has already taken down Michigan a few weeks ago. The Huskers are ranked, but the Hawkeyes are favored. Huskers 23-20

 TCU at Texas - (Texas leads 62-23-1)
(Line: Texas -3)
Is Charlie Strong out or is he staying? Will his players play for him or are they tired of the season-long drama? TCU is coming off its worse loss in a long, long time, so the Horned Frogs might be desperate. So might the Longhorns trying to either save Strong's job, or send him off on a positive note. Both teams clinch bowl eligibility with a win, though TCU has one more opportunity next weekend. Horns 45-34

 No. 5 Washington at No. 23 Washington State - Apple Cup (UW leads 70-32-6)
(Line: Washington -6)
The most interesting Apple Cup probably ever. Wazzu hosting UW with the Pac-12 North on the line. The Huskies are arguably the more talented team, but the Cougs are led by the unheralded Luke Falk. Washington needs the win to remain in Playoff contention. WSU would love nothing more than to spoil that opportunity. What a game this should be on the Palouse! Huskies 38-37

 Baylor vs. Texas Tech - at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas - BUTT Bowl (Baylor leads 37-36-1) 
(Line: Baylor -5.5)
OK, so it's called the BUTT Bowl unofficially - Baylor's initials BU added to Texas Tech's TT. But that's just too funny not to use here! Anyway, the Bears have lost four straight since starting 6-0 this season. Their last three losses have come by 21 points or more each. Texas Tech was just blown out by Iowa State 66-10. What in the world is going on in Lubbock? Bears 44-42

 Arizona State at Arizona - Territorial Cup ('Zona leads 48-40-1)
(Line: Arizona State -3)
The Wildcats and Sun Devils duel in the desert for a rivalry lacking intensity this season. Arizona State can only become bowl eligible with a win. Arizona is just 2-9. No gold coming out of the Copper State this time. ASU 31-26

 Saturday

GAME OF THE WEEK
JT Barrett and the Buckeyes look to upend
Michigan's shot at the CFB Playoff.
(Photo courtesy The Lima News)
No. 3 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State - The Game (Michigan leads 58-47-6)
(Line: Ohio State -6.5)
This one is known as The Game and this year, it is the game of the weekend. No. 3 Michigan pays a visit to arch-rival No. 2 Ohio State. With the winner eyeing a Playoff berth, this one means more than most years. In 2006, a similar event occurred in Columbus and the Buckeyes emerged with a thrilling win. Michigan will likely be without starting QB Wilton Speight. A win sends the Wolverines to the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State can only win and hope Penn State loses later in the day. Still, the Buckeyes would be in the conversation for a Top 4 spot. All signs point to a Buckeye win, creating chaos for the Playoff Committee. Bucks 30-17

Georgia Tech at Georgia - Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate (UGA leads 65-40-5) 
(Line: Georiga -4)
Mark Richt ain't on the sidelines in red and black anymore. He coached UGA to a 13-2 record against the Yellow Jackets. The Bulldogs, now under Kirby Smart, defeated Auburn and North Carolina, but have a loss to Vanderbilt and narrow wins over Nicholls, Missouri and UL-Lafayette. Tech bounced back from a three-win season to reach seven so far, including an upset in Blacksburg over Virginia Tech. Outside of that, however, the Jackets have basically beaten everybody they should've and lost to everyone better. Dawgs 20-17

Kentucky at No. 11 Louisville - Governor's Cup (Series tied 14-14)
(Line: Louisville -26)
A year ago, Louisville fell behind Kentucky 24-7 before storming back with 31 straight points to win 38-24. Lamar Jackson is the Heisman front-runner and the Cards had an extra couple days to digest their loss at Houston. I doubt this one is close, but we all know anything can happen in these rivalry games. Cards 56-28

 Virginia at Virginia Tech - Commonwealth Cup (VT leads 55-37-5)
(Line: Virginia Tech -18.5)
All the Hokies have to do is beat Virginia and they'll travel to Orlando next week for the ACC Championship. Seems pretty easy, as VT has dominated this series, winning 12 in a row. Three of the last four, however, have been by four points or less. Lane Stadium will get to celebrate a Coastal championship along with winning the Commonwealth Cup. Hokies 34-13

 Michigan State at No. 7 Penn State - Land Grant Trophy (MSU leads 15-14-1)
(Line: Penn State -12)
If Ohio State beats Michigan and that game ends just prior to kickoff in Happy Valley, the whole stadium will let James Franklin and the Nittany Lions know. All Penn State has to do is take down three-win Sparty. MSU gave Michigan and Ohio State fits, although both of those games were in East Lansing. Penn State is seeking its first-ever trip to the Big Ten Championship Game. Nittany Lions 24-14

 No. 13 Auburn at No. 1 Alabama - Iron Bowl (Bama leads 44-35-1)
(Line: Alabama -17)
Two weeks ago, this looked like a clash of SEC West titans once again. Then, Auburn looked inept at Georgia. Alabama doesn't have to win this game, but you and I both know Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide faithful feel otherwise. Both defenses are tough, but the edge has to go to Bama and its ability to wear teams down over four quarters. Tide 34-21

 Mississippi State at Ole Miss - Egg Bowl (Ole Miss leads 63-43-6)
(Line: Ole Miss -8)
The Egg Bowl has lost some luster due to both teams fading fast in the last year. An Egg Bowl win gives Ole Miss another bowl trip, while Mississippi State would love to have the Rebels staying home for the holidays too. Freshman Shea Patterson will be baptized by fire in this heated rivalry. He could be the key to an Ole Miss win. Rebs 28-24

 Minnesota at No. 6 Wisconsin - Paul Bunyan's Axe (Minnesota leads 59-58-8)
(Line: Wisconsin -14.5)
It's simple for Wisconsin: Win and clinch the Big Ten West. Minnesota has been solid all year, but the Badgers are just too good a team and are playing at home. Camp Randall will be rocking and Wisconsin will get the Axe. Badgers 41-24

 Notre Dame at No. 12 USC - Jeweled Shillelagh (ND leads 46-36-5)
(Line: USC -17.5)
These two teams went in opposite directions following Week 1 losses. Remember when USC lost 52-6 to Alabama and began the year 1-3? The Trojans now find themselves in contention for the Pac-12 South, or at the very least a potential berth in a New Year's Six Bowl. That's all thanks to the emergence of quarterback Sam Darnold. As for the Irish, who lost 50-47 in double-OT at Texas, the season ends with this one. ND is 4-7, will miss out on a bowl, has rumors swirling about its head coach, and to top it off was just forced by the NCAA to vacate wins from the 2012 and 2013 seasons. What a nightmare of a fall in South Bend. Trojans 42-20

 Oregon at Oregon State - Civil War (Oregon leads 63-46-10)
(Line: Oregon -3)
Aside from the Ducks pulling off a shocker in Utah last weekend, the Civil War has turned into a Civil Pillowfight. Oregon and Oregon State have combined for a 7-15 record. Bragging rights for the next 365 days are all that is on the line. Ducks 31-23

 South Carolina at No. 4 Clemson - Palmetto Bowl (Clemson leads 67-42-4)
(Line: Clemson -24)
A fine season for the Gamecocks in Year 1 of the Will Muschamp era. Despite true freshman Jake Bentley leading the charge the last five games (S.Car is 4-1 in that stretch and became bowl eligible), South Carolina might be in over its head in Death Valley. Bentley's only road start was a miserable one at Florida in which the Cocks scored seven points and gained just 256 yards. Clemson is looking for a third straight win in the series and to keep its Playoff hopes on track. This line is strange, considering the Tigers' last two wins in the series have been by a combined 23 points. Deshaun Watson needs to be mistake free. If he is, look out. Tigers 38-24

 No. 22 Utah at No. 9 Colorado - Rumble in the Rockies (Colorado leads 31-28-3)
(Line: Colorado -10)
Utah was about an inch away from making this a de facto Pac-12 South championship game. The Utes loss to Oregon was heartbreaking. Now, they travel to resurgent Colorado. The Buffaloes are having  a tremendous turnaround season and could win 10 games for the first time since 2001. Quarterback Sefo Liufau is fun to watch. Colorado looks to earn its first trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game. Buffs 37-20

 No. 15 Florida at No. 14 Florida State - Sunshine Showdown (Florida leads 34-24-2)
(Line: Florida State -7.5)
When the Noles and Gators get together, expect fireworks. A scrum typically breaks out during pregame and the trash talking goes on all night. Florida is coming off an emotional win at LSU to secure the SEC East crown again. FSU has won three straight, posting 45 points in back-to-back games. The Noles seniors can accomplish something no other senior class has: finish their careers 8-0 against Miami and Florida. Florida State handled the Gators in The Swamp last year, 27-2. It won't be that bad, but the Noles should take care of business. Noles 31-13

-BtW
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Sunday, October 30, 2016

The Morning After... Conquering the Unconquered!

Jordan Leggett's diving touchdown was the game-winner
and an incredibly athletic play.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
I thought about being lazy and linking articles from ESPN, Fox, Yahoo!, USA Today and more. Because everything I've read this morning regarding Clemson's win last night is exactly what I have thought about the game. Instead, I'll encourage you to go read those articles and I'll try a different angle.

1) Clemson is 8-0 against what ESPN says is the No. 1 strength of record schedule to date. All 11 FBS teams on Clemson's schedule currently have a .500 record or better. Three of the Tigers' wins are against teams ranked in the Top 20, two of which were on the road (Auburn and FSU). The combined record of Clemson's seven FBS opponents it's faced so far is 37-18 (SC State is not factored into this). The Tigers' wins haven't been pretty, but the résumé cannot be compared.

2) Dabo Swinney's checklist is down to one. Of all the things he has accomplished at Clemson in his eight-plus years, there were only three things he hadn't done entering this season: Win at Georgia Tech, win Florida State and win a National Championship. Well, the first two have been crossed off.

3) Embrace the Target was the Tigers' motto entering the year. Dabo semi-stole this from the Chicago Cubs, and the idea is that coming into the year Clemson would be considered the favorite. The Tigers could either take everyone's best shot and eventually falter, or enjoy being on top of the college football world, take everyone's best shot and respond with the kind of resilience we've seen thus far.

4) Speaking of taking their best shots, Florida State gave Clemson its best. The Tigers led 20-14, but the Noles - playing at home - put the ball in their best player's hands. Dalvin Cook quickly turned a six-point deficit into an eight-point lead going into the fourth quarter. Clemson's D was gassed, the crowd was raucous and the Tigers needed to finish stronger than ever to overcome. Clemson did just that, silencing the crowd by outscoring FSU 17-6 in the fourth quarter to win on the road. That might be the most impressive stat I've seen from a Clemson football game/team in a long, long time.

5) There is no use arguing with anyone about how horrible the refs were. Both teams were on the wrong end of some awful calls or no-calls. But if you're Jimbo Fisher, you absolutely cannot place blame on the officials for the loss. The way you handled yourself following one of those calls (the chop block) is what cost you on that drive. You showed your true colors. Dabo Swinney could have easily done the same with the officials on several borderline pass interference calls, a missed facemask and a missed holding in the end zone that would have resulted in a safety and a tie ballgame at 28. Your offense was moving the ball well on the final drive and your offensive line literally blew the game. Two false starts to set you back 10 yards and two sacks on third and fourth downs. When it came down to it, YOUR players were the reason YOU lost. To throw a tantrum postgame is childish.

6) That was an October to remember. It began on the first day with an all day affair - College GameDay live from Bowman Field to the exhilarating last-second win over Louisville. It continued with a Friday night beatdown in Beantown. Then came the Wolfpack into Death Valley. They nearly walked out with the win, but instead left with a limp. The month closed with another thriller and a win in Tallahassee for the first time in a decade. The fun is in the winning, as Dabo likes to say. Well, October has certainly been most fun.

 7) On to the other games from the weekend, seven unbeatens played Saturday and only three survived. Alabama and Western Michigan were off, and Nos. 2 through 4 - Michigan, Clemson and Washington - were the only other teams to wake up Sunday unscathed. Nebraska had the best effort in a hard-fought overtime loss at Wisconsin. Boise State fell at Wyoming, knocking the Broncos out of NY6 consideration for now. And the Big 12 eliminated itself from the CFB Playoff as both West Virginia and Baylor went down to Oklahoma State and Texas, respectively.

8) Washington's win at Utah was big in many ways for the Huskies. First and most importantly, they remained undefeated. Secondly, it puts one more hurdle behind them. It also paves the path for the belief system that Washington is for real - both from the team standpoint and the nation's perspective. The Apple Cup showdown in Pullman on the last weekend in November is shaping up to be a classic.

9) For the first time this season, a spot on TMA is reserved for the South Carolina Gamecocks. There is a very little talent on the Gamecocks' roster. That much is clear when a kid who is supposed to be in his senior year of high school is your starting quarterback. Another caveat, the SEC East is downtrodden. It's horrible. And those words might not be strong enough to describe how bad it really is. But South Carolina picked up a monumental win in the beginning stages of the Will Muschamp era. Beating a ranked Tennessee squad which had an extra week to prepare is a pretty good win, no matter how lost Josh Dobbs and the Vols have looked the last three games. The win moves South Carolina to 4-4. With Mizzou and Western Carolina still on the schedule, it appears the Gamecocks will be going bowling. Quite an accomplishment for a three-win team a season ago.

 10) Everyone is penciling in Clemson into the Playoff already with four games to go. You cannot sit back and relax, Tigers. You have to bring it five more times. First, Saturday. Beat Syracuse.

-BtW
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Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Morning After...

Deshaun Watson helped Clemson complete an undefeated regular season
by knocking off in-state rival South Carolina, 37-32.
(Photo courtesy TheClemsonInsider.com)
1) State champs. Again. Another 365 days of bragging rights for the Clemson faithful (actually 366 because next year is Leap Year - you're welcome!). It doesn't matter if it's by one or 50. A win over your arch-rival is never disappointing. It's even better when it's on their home field. I hope South Carolina fans enjoyed their little five-year run. We've taken back our state. Some call it a rivalry. We call it domination. 67-42-4.

2) Turnovers have become a theme for Clemson lately, and not in a good way. Three fumbles yesterday by the top three offensive players nearly cost the Tigers dearly. When Dabo Swinney tells the media the "coach-speak" saying of "We can't beat ourselves," this is what he means. Had Clemson not turned it over and had the Tigers scored on just two of those three drives, this would've been a blow out instead of coming down to the final few minutes. Dabo said postgame, "When we win the turnover margin, we're going to kill somebody." He's right.

3) Disappointed in the defensive effort. After poor performances against NC State and Syracuse, Brent Venables lit into the defense and the unit responded with a solid showing against Wake Forest. However, they backtracked against South Carolina, allowing over 400 yards and the most points the Gamecocks scored all season. Big chunk plays continue to be an issue. With high-flying North Carolina on deck, those need to get corrected immediately. Or, it could be a long night in Charlotte.

4) Deshaun Watson probably won't win the Heisman Trophy this year, but he deserves to be in New York City when they hand out the hardware. I get that Derrick Henry has been a beast for Alabama and his best games have come when the Tide have played on a national stage. I get that Baker Mayfield - more on him in a minute - has been a human highlight reel week in and week out. But Watson, a sophomore, has played with poise when it mattered most and shown Tiger fans and the rest of the country how to lead a team desperate not to fall back into the days of "Clemsoning." All preseason the narrative was Clemson would have a chance IF Watson remained healthy. Well, he's been healthy for all 12 games. And Clemson has a chance to do something special. To think he's only 17 games into his career - just over a season and half, officially as a starter - and he's 16-1 in those games is remarkable. Did I mention he's only a sophomore?

5) Mayfield and the Oklahoma Sooners blasted the Oklahoma State Cowboys. A 30-point second quarter was all OU needed in a 58-23 Bedlam Bombardment. Mayfield finished with just 180 yards passing and 77 yards rushing, but accounted for three TDs. Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, the Sooners' two-headed monster at running back, ran wild with 267 yards and four TDs combined. The win clinched the outright Big 12 title for Oklahoma, its ninth - all under Bob Stoops. It very well may have clinched a berth in the College Football Playoff. The final rankings are Dec. 6 and the Sooners, who are finished playing games for now, are sure to be in the Top 4.

5B) I'm just gonna leave this right here... This is Oklahoma State.

6) Rivalry week lived up to its billing. There were many close calls, a few upsets, smiles and tears, and trophies both remaining on the same sideline and being taken away to their new homes. In-state battles provided those living within its borders a chance to gleam for the next year. Border clashes provided state teams and their fans the right to crow to their neighboring brethren. No other sport on the planet comes close to college football and the rivalries created between friends, neighbors and families. To the victors, enjoy the spoils. To the, um, losers, there's always next year.

7) There were three games over the weekend that provided even more clarity for the playoff picture. No. 7 Baylor fell to No. 19 TCU Friday night, knocking the Bears out of contention. That meant the winner between No. 3 OU and No. 11 OSU would clinch the Big 12 and have the conference's best chance at cracking the Top 4. OU did that and should be in Dallas or Miami New Year's Eve. The third was No. 9 Stanford hosting No. 6 Notre Dame.

The game lived up to its billing and was a lot of fun to watch. Back-and-forth all game, the Irish looked to secure the victory with a touchdown with 30 seconds remaining to go ahead 36-35. Kevin Hogan marched the Cardinal down the field to set up a game-winning field goal as time expired for the 38-36 win. Notre Dame has now lost on the road to two Top 10 teams by two points each. What the Irish lack is a signature win. Brian Kelly deserves a ton of credit for managing an injury-plagued roster and giving the Irish a chance to win every game. Still, Notre Dame likely ends up in a New Year's Six Bowl. Meanwhile, Stanford takes on USC, which beat crosstown rival UCLA, in the Pac-12 title game and hopes for chaos in the ACC, Big Ten and SEC.

8) Ohio State bounced back from its loss to Michigan State by trouncing rival Michigan in the Big House. The Buckeyes somehow are still in the hunt for a Playoff berth if chaos does take place. With Nos. 6 and 7 falling, it's very likely OSU moves to sixth with the loser of the Big Ten championship (Michigan State vs. Iowa) falling behind the Buckeyes in the final poll. That means Ohio State would need at least one upset in the ACC or SEC title games, maybe both. If Clemson and Alabama win, the Top 4 will be set - Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Iowa/Michigan State.

9) Quick hitters: Speaking of Sparty, MSU thrashed Penn State 55-16 en route to clinching the Big Ten East Division, setting up the matchup with Iowa next week. ... Florida's offense was MIA in a 27-2 loss to Florida State. The Seminoles could move up into the Top 10 with several teams ahead of them losing. Florida now must figure out a way to score against Alabama, or the SEC Championship will be a one-sided affair. ... Houston and Temple will duke it out for the AAC Championship next weekend. The unranked Cougars knocked off Navy 52-31, while No. 25 Temple defeated UConn 27-3. The winner potentially will be the highest ranked Group of 5 team and will earn a NY6 Bowl berth.  ... Les Miles was going to be fired. Then, he wasn't. Then, he probably was. And sometime during a 19-7 win over Texas A&M, the powers that be decided he wasn't, though, they didn't say anything and Miles was carried off the field on the shoulders of LSU players. He sang the alma mater on SEC Network, then answered the sideline reporter's questions about what that game meant to him. Then, he found out before the postgame press conference that he would continue to be LSU's coach for the foreseeable future. A non-story story because why not?

10) The Tigers are on the doorstep of history. A chance at 13 wins, something no Clemson team has every accomplished. The Tar Heels are riding an 11-game winning streak and look to spruce up their résumé with a win over the top-ranked team. The ACC Championship Game means something for the first time and it will be an epic battle. Beat North Carolina.


-BtW
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Friday, November 27, 2015

'Twas the night before the Palmetto Bowl - 2015 Edition

It is tradition in my family - roughly half Clemson, half South Carolina fans - that the winning team from the previous year writes a "'Twas the night before" poem with regards to the Clemson-Carolina football game. Well, it's been six long years since I had that chance for my side of the family. Enjoy!

(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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Monday, October 12, 2015

BREAKING: Steve Spurrier retiring

Steve Spurrier is retiring as South Carolina's head coach
effective immediately, multiple outlets are reporting.
Steve Spurrier, one of the greatest coaches in SEC and college football history, dropped a bombshell Monday night when he announced to his team he was retiring effective immediately, per SI.com.

Spurrier was in his 26th season as a head coach at the collegiate level. He finishes his career with a 228-89-2 record, two national championships, seven conference championships, and is the architect of the "Fun 'N Gun" offense - a high-flying attack that took college football by storm in the 1990s.

Midway through his 11th season at the University of South Carolina, Spurrier calls it quits. He just wrapped up arguably the best decade in Gamecock football history. And here's the kicker:
  • One division title in 10-plus seasons (2010, lost in SEC Championship Game 56-17 to eventual National Champion Auburn)
  • Three double-digit win seasons (11 wins each season from 2011-2013)
  • 86-49 overall record (.637 win percentage equates to 7.6 wins per regular season)
  • 44-40 SEC record (.524 win percentage)
  • 5-4 bowl record
That's it. That's the best decade in South Carolina football history.

An interim coach is expected to be named as early as Tuesday morning. The Gamecocks are 2-4 (0-4 SEC) this season.

Enjoy retirement, Steve.

-BtW
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