Monday January 05, 2009

New Year's Football and Basketball Notes

2009
I am usually not a guy that believes a new calendar year is a big deal but I have to be honest and say that 2008 was not the best. So I was paying attention to the calendar and am pretty glad to see 2009 here.

Clemson had an extremely disappointing football campaign and the baseball program slipped to new lows. Thank goodness Oliver Purnell saved the year with an ACC tournament finals appearance or this calendar year would have been one of the worst in recent memory.

Personally we almost lost my son Ryan in 2008 but his recovery has been amazing and because of him and his inspiration I know 2009 will be much better. After spending time with Ryan over the holidays I continue to see unbelievable results. There is no doubt in my mind Ryan makes a 100% recovery.

Partnership Rates
The economy has affected so many industries and advertising is hurting many forms of sports and the media. As a result I had an interesting meeting with a marketing firm to plan my business for 2009.

Their advice was to cut advertising rates to the lowest possible numbers in order to survive 2009 until the economy turns around.

Therefore, the 2009 advertising rates for the blog have been cut to $200 per month. I have also cut the title sponsor rates. If you or someone you know is interested in reaching over 10,000 readers per day please send me an e-mail at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Gator Bowl
My bowl trip was very nice with the exception of the game itself. Clemson did not play very well and was lucky to have a chance late in the contest.

I was disappointed that the Tigers could not block Steinkuler or Suh. It was another disappointing effort in the running game and the quarterback was not sharp again.

I have heard criticism of Dabo and Billy Napier for the play calling. While I understand the frustration, I cannot place a ton of blame on the coaches on this one. When you can’t block the two interior defensive linemen then I am not sure what plays will work. Obviously the running game is ineffective and it did not help with the pressure that was placed on the passing game.

I watched Alabama play Utah without Andre Smith and then they got another starter injured. What I saw all year was a Bama offense that looked very efficient and the play calling was commended. When I watched the Utah game, I saw an offense line that struggled thus the offensive line struggled. When the offensive line could not block Utah then the Alabama play calling looked suspect.

When I watched Georgia Tech struggle to block LSU the offensive genius Paul Johnson did not look so smart. Same for Steve Spurrier at South Carolina.

My point is that it is too early to judge Dabo and Napier and their play calling. The play calling looked good to me in the South Carolina game but then again Clemson handled the Gamecocks up front. Its funny coaches look smarter when the offensive line is effective. The running game works and then the play action passing game can be effective. Offenses can get into a rhythm and everything looks smooth.

Lets give Dabo and Napier time and a decent offensive line before we judge them.

I was extremely disappointed in the quarterback play again. The Cullen Harper we saw the first 12 starts of his career did not look the same as the one in the last 14 starts. Harper lost his confidence. He looked scared and refused to step up in the pocket. He flushed the pocket too soon. He was not athletic enough to make plays when he flushed out of the pocket and his arm strength was not the same. Harper did not have good pocket awareness and presence. On top of that I was disappointed in his leadership.

To be fair, the offensive line and the lack of a running game hurt but I am not sure anyone could have envisioned Harper having this type of senior season.

I will have more on Harper and the more on the future QBs later this week or next week.

Spiller
I have seen speculation about C.J. Spiller and is future. To be honest, I am not sure anyone knows of his plans at this time. I am not sure C.J. knows yet. It would not surprise me to see him go or stay.

I always see fans selfishly want their players to stay in school. Instead we should think about the player first. However, at this time I think Spiller would be wise to come back to school. I think he could use another year in college. The NFL is full of big, powerful backs. I am still not sold on Spiller being a first round pick at this point.

I will have more on Spiller later this week as well.

Recruiting
The staff received good news on Bryce McNeal Saturday. I think it says a lot for Jeff Scott to go all of the way to Minneapolis, MN to grab his first big time player.

McNeal will help at a position where the Tigers will need immediate assistance. He is a good looking prospect with good hands. This is another bright kid who comes from a good family. I would look for the staff to have big plans for McNeal early in his Clemson career.

Recruiting has picked up for the Tigers and the next week or ten days will be crucial. Look for ore recruiting coverage in the blog through signing day.

Staff Update
After talking to a source close to John Chavis this morning, I am not surprised he took the LSU job. His total package will be worth between $550,000 and $650,000 a year for three seasons. He will get two company cars and a terrific overall deal.

I was told this morning that Kevin Steele could be announced soon after they dot the Is and cross the Ts.

I have not talked to Ron West or anyone with any knowledge of how his interview with Tulsa went. As soon as I hear something significant there I will put it on the blog.

CL-SC
I will be the first to admit when I am wrong and I was wrong about the Tigers heading down to Columbia to face the Gamecocks on the hardwood. Last week, I wrote in the blog about my concerns with the trip. However, the Tigers played fantastic.

Tomorrow I will review that game and share my thoughts on the East Carolina game. Also I will preview tomorrow night’s game with Alabama. One more planned blog I have at this point will be the changing culture around the Clemson basketball program. I am amazed how this has happened and look forward to sharing some thoughts on that as well.

Prayer Lists
One final thought and a change for the blog in 2009. Since we were so blessed with your prayers in 2008, I want to give back and help in any way I can, so I am starting a prayer list on the blog that will be listed at the bottom of the page. Here are my thoughts on what I would like to see:

*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer lost will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.

*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com

*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.

*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

I know a main reason Ryan made the miraculous recovery was because of so many prayers. Believe me when I tell you it works. Over 10,000 people a day read this blog and if you know someone who needs to be lifted by prayer, please let me know. Thanks.

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