Saturday September 12, 2009

A Passion to Win by El Swann

Thursday night's game in Atlanta could have been the beginning of a downward spiral, of which the Clemson Tigers would never recover. Somehow, I don't think many Clemson fans or players feel that way. In an odd turn of events, Clemson overcame a twenty-four point deficit only to lose on a late field goal by Georgia Tech. What is even harder to accept is that Clemson gave away at least fourteen points, due to, in my opinion, coaching inexperience.

The Tiger's showed the heart of a champion with their effort in the final three quarters of the game. If not for an ill timed, and possible poor holding penalty, or Clemson's offense still being unable to punch the ball in the end zone from inside the ten yard line, Clemson probably leaves Atlanta with a comfortable victory. The Tiger's defense was superb all night long. They shut down Georgia Tech's vaunted triple option attack, and if not for some busted assignments on the first running play of the game, an 82 yard Yellow Jacket touchdown, Clemson's run defense was stellar.

As tough as it is to accept, sometimes you win by losing. I think that at the end of this season, Clemson fans will reflect on this game as being the moment that Dabo Swinney grew up as a coach. He was being embarrassed, by a superior coach on the road, but refused to let his team lose their spirit and will to win. It was Coach Swinney's passion and intensity that helped guide Clemson back into the game. For the first time in a few years, our head coach BELIEVED and his players knew it.

Trust me, I want Clemson to win every game. I've had to accept the fact that with a young coach, there will be growing pains. It's safe to say Coach Swinney's growth rate was significantly increased on Thursday. There will be more bumps in the road this season, some may be tougher than these, but you can rest assured that it will not be long before Clemson is returned to an elite status in college football. We have what so many other schools want, a young, inspired head coach with the desire to be successful. I look forward to seeing this team succeed.