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« Ryan Update | Main | Miami Review »

Friday October 23, 2009

Friday E-Mail Bag

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey,
Thanks for the blog. Really enjoy your thoughts…

Couple of thoughts/questions for the Miami game:
I saw a headline from one of the articles in The State today that said – “Tigers Hope to Limit Big Plays”. I guess that headline struck me funny because of the team that we have this year. In most every other game this season, that’s the headline for the opponent’s newspaper – insert MTSU, Maryland, Wake, BC…and even Ga Tech and TCU to some point…hoping to limit CJ and Jacoby from those 50+ yard TD’s. My fear is that in the Tommy Bowden era and then again this season (Wake excluded), we consistently seem to play to the level of the opponent. That can be good news for this weekend, because hopefully that means we’ll play up to Miami’s level. But, it has been more bad than good…i.e. Duke, Wake Forest (past years), Maryland...etc. - losses to inferior teams. I guess my question is, when are the Tigers going to develop an identity of their own? That headline is a microcosm of what I believe is the issue in TigerTown…we are now worried about the big play potential of our opponent, when in fact…that is our strength. We need to be aware of an opponents’ strengths…but, need to play our own game first.

Did you feel and increased enthusiasm/ attitude/fire in Clemson this past weekend at the Wake game? I did…but, not from the crowd…specifically from the players and coaches. I felt like that was the most passionate performance that the team and coaching staff has put forward in a long time. I hope they realize that emotion can win games with our talent level.

Thanks
Go Tigers –

Aaron

Aaron,
Thanks for the e-mail. I spent some time with Dabo and some of the staff the Thursday before the Wake Forest game and I sensed a confidence. He said he thought they were really close to playing well. The staff said they had practiced really well. Dabo and this staff really buys into teams playing like they practice and this creates competition at practice every day. I spoke to a staff member this morning that said he believes this team needs to win out. There is a sense of urgency with this team. I think you saw that against Wake. The only concern I have is that they put so much into Wake with the extra prep time and it might have an effect against Miami. But I do expect this team to play more like it did against Wake than it did against Maryland for the rest of this season.

Mickey,

I currently live in Columbia, so I no longer am able to catch your show in the upstate. However, during my years at Clemson, I would always do my best to catch you in the afternoons. One thing I have always respected about you is your drive to keep Clemson's best interest in the forefront. Thank you for being a strong voice for athletic excellence and commitment for our university. We need that now more than ever.

I have been attending Clemson games since 1987 when I was 4 years old. Since 1990, I have only missed 2 Clemson home football games. Like you, I eat, sleep, and breath everything Clemson. I have accumulated thousands of memories with family and friends over the years attending Clemson sporting events, especially football.

The Clemson University Alma Mater has always been one of my favorite parts of the Clemson tradition. It gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. This year, however, Dr. Mark Spede changed the melody of the last verse to reflect the "original composition" of the 1949 version. Although the changes in melody are subtle, I personally think the change really takes away from the effectiveness of a song that Clemson alumni have enjoyed for years. Have you noticed the change, and if so, what are your thoughts about Dr. Spede all of a sudden, in 2009, changing the alma mater that has been played since by our band the 1970s? If this change is something that most Clemson alums like and support, then I will be all for it. However, I would have a problem with a band director unilaterally changing such a core, fundamental, and beloved aspect of our university without any discussion or approval by the students or alumni.

And, trust me, I understand this is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But my concern over the alma mater stems from it falling under the larger umbrella of Clemson being in a decade-long identity crisis. Among other things, we have changed our uniforms, the type of student we recruit, our athletic and academic goals, and now our alma mater. Hell, our offense doesn't even have an identity. I guess, more so than the changes to the alma mater, I am becoming discouraged that the Clemson I knew and love growing up has tweaked itself so many times since 1990 that it is becoming unrecognizable. I want to be a good, southern university that is COMMITTED to athletics, that is able to sell and promote a brand of football (and overall athletics) that is rich in tradition, toughness, and competes for championships.

I sat in the Georgia Dome when we played Alabama in the season opener of 2008. It has never been more evident to me than it was during the pre-game festivities that day that we are second-rate when it comes to selling and promoting our product (Clemson football), and that we could learn a lot from a program like Bama. There is a reason they don't outhaul their uniforms or try to be a Top 20 public university. They know their product, and they effectively sell and promote their product, which is founded in rich traditions. I bet they don't allow their non-alumnus band director to tweak their alma mater either.

As I noted earlier, I can't listen to your show, but I would like to get an email back from you to get your thoughts on the changes to the alma mater.

Go Tigers,

Barrett

Barrett,
I think you are right about Alabama. On the alma mater, I did notice it for the first time against Wake Forest. I guess I need to research on it because it did sound different. Thanks for pointing it out. I hope to get more information for you in the near future as to why the change came about.

Mickey,
ESPN's NFL scouting blog gave CJ Spiller a "so-so" review for the Wake Forest game, praising him for his speed & vision, but dinging him for running out of bounds instead of lowering his shoulder to gain a couple extra yards (and for not always running crisp routes-- especially when he's a safety valve). As much as I appreciate CJ, over the years I've always been puzzled that (when given the choice) he usually runs out of bounds rather than lowering his shoulder for a few more yards, like other backs. Why does he do that? Do you think that the coaches tell CJ that it's better to reduce the risk of injury and run out of bounds than it is to lower his shoulder and gain a few more yards? Or do you think that the coaches tell him to lower his shoulder, but can't afford to bench him when he doesn't?

-RazzMaTazz

RazzMaTazz,
I usually desise seeing a running back run out of bounds but I do not have a problem with C.J. He needs to stay healthy and we need him to be in there for the next play. Also he is more physical than in previous years but his speed will make him a force in the NFL. Again, I can’t stand to see a back run out of bounds but we need Spiller to stay healthy so I am going to give him a pass here.

Mickey,
In your estimation, what is the difference in the Maryland game and the Wake game. Players talent,Coaches or dissention or combination of all three?

Gary

Gary,
First, I think the extra preparation time had something to do with the difference. Clemson utilized the open date to prepare for Wake. Also, there was a sense of urgency against Wake. The execution was better but I thought the play calling was better also. In summary, when things go bad there is enough blame to go around. In this case I think there is enough credit to spread around from Saturday.

Mickey,
We see so many negative thoughts that I just wanted to share some positive feelings for a change.
I became a recent feverish Tiger fan when my boyfriend introduced me to a Tiger game three years ago and I will never forget the thunder and electricity I felt that day in Death Valley. I'd been to lots football games but he assured me this would be different. I had no idea I was about to be transformed. He was already brimming with excitement, dressed impeccably from head to toe in his purple and orange as he assured me we HAD to leave at the crack of dawn, so as not to miss a SINGLE moment in Clemson that day.... his enthusiasm for this team quite apparent. We flew our flags proudly driving down I85 as other Clemson fans waved and honked as we passed by. As we made stops along the way, it was apparent everyone had a purpose and that was Clemson, orange was flowing everywhere we stopped. The drive took us through some small country roads dotted with Clemson flags, Tiger fans stopping along the way as vendors waving and yelling Go Tigers sold their steaming boiled peanuts, past the infamous Mac's drive in..... all a constant reminder that we were in Tiger country and then we were at a standstill. When I asked what happened he looked at me with a broad smile and said it has started, the tiger fan line up to get to the stadium!! The frenzy had started before I even put my foot on campus that early Saturday morning. I'd never experienced anything quite like this to be sure.

It was a sea of orange as we made our way to the stadium and the energy, excitement on everyone's face including the 3 year old girl dressed in her cheer leading outfit as she chanted a Clemson cheer was mesmerizing. Once in the stadium there was a quiet buzz all around us as people eagerly awaited the team’s arrival. How could anyone not get caught up in the event, it was a euphoric feeling. The thunder of the buses arrived; the team totally pumped filled the top of the entrance hungry for the game and Howard's rock only a touch away for every one of them. With the loud thunder and explosion, the coaches and team tumbled down the hill onto the field with a sea of cheerleaders, band members, flag waving and hundreds of orange, white and purple balloons floating into the air. The noise from the crowd was deafening and the music at its best, as people clapped cheered and jumped for joy as they watched their Tigers take center stage. The magic continues every season and I will proudly support those young men who work tirelessly regardless if in defeat or victory because they are proud to be a Clemson Tiger……GO TIGERS!!!
Paula

Paula,
You made my Friday with your e-mail. Thanks for sharing and Go Tigers!

Mickey,
Love the show and listen every morning. (Which is hard sometimes being a Carolina fan) I went to your blog today for the first time and wanted to let you know I enjoyed it too. The only thing is NEVER apologize for prayer or your prayer list. Keep up the good work and I'll catch you in the morning.

Gamecock Rog

Gamecock Rog,
Thanks for the kind e-mail. You are probably right and I am not usually politically correct but I thought it was appropriate in this case. Thanks again for the support.

Mickey,

It would be fantastic if Clemson could land a shooting guard that was not only prolific, but consistent from the field and the free throw line. So, while we are dreaming let's say 6'2" 185 with 17.8 ppg on 53% shooting percentage and a 82% free throw shooter.

Of course, perhaps one of the young men in your blog fits that description.

Kirk

Kirk,
What Oliver Purnell has been able to do with this program is amazing and I am extremely excited about this season. But if Clemson could sign Shannon Scott and Damien Leonard then we are talking about a completely different kind of outlook. These are the kind of players UConn, North Carolina, Kentucky and other premier programs put on the court. This would be a huge step for the program.

Mickey,

I was curious as to, in your opinion, what would it take for Clemson to leave the ACC?

Now I know that Clemson hasn't really dominated or competed very well as of late in the ACC, but if they were to somehow join the SEC, wouldn't that be a financially sound move for Clemson IF they could make that move? Especially in football which has been by far Clemson's cash cow for many years?

Thanks,

Billy

Billy,
First, I doubt this would ever happen. I don’t see the SEC wanting Clemson and doubt the school would leave the ACC. The current administration at Clemson is not serious enough about athletics to jump to the SEC.

Mickey,
Please make sure that our coaches get this one. It would definitely cause a rule change next year if we execute.

Scenario (4:00 minutes left in the game and Clemson has ball on own 20 – Opponent has 1 timeout left).

1st Down – Clemson runs up the middle and opponent call timeout – 3:45 left on the game clock.

2nd Down – Clemson runs up the middle and game clock begins to run.

3rd down – Clemson goes up to the line and runs down play clock to :05 and LT has false start. There was 2:50 on game clock when ref blows play dead. Ref moves Clemson back to the 15 yard line sets the ball and starts the play clock and GAME clock.

Still 3rd down Clemson goes up to the line and runs down play clock to :05 and LG has false start. There was 2:15 on game clock when ref blows play dead. Ref moves Clemson back to the 10 yard line sets the ball and starts the play clock and GAME clock.

Still 3rd down Clemson goes up to the line and runs down play clock to :05 and RT has false start. There was 1:40 on game clock when ref blows play dead. Ref moves Clemson back to the 5 yard line sets the ball and starts the play clock and GAME clock.

Still 3rd down Clemson goes up to the line and runs down play clock to :05 and RG has false start. There was 1:05 on game clock when ref blows play dead. Ref moves Clemson back Half the distance to the goal sets the ball and starts the play clock and GAME clock.

Still 3rd down Clemson goes up to the line and runs down play clock to :05 and RG has false start. There was :30 on game clock when ref blows play dead. Ref moves Clemson back Half the distance to the goal sets the ball and starts the play clock and GAME clock.

Clemson wins.

Thanks
Marcus

Marcus,
I am sure the staff is aware of this scenario. I something similar happen to Kentucky in the South Carolina game two weeks ago.

Mickey,
Dabo said in his press conference something about 3 plays away from 4-1 record, but went on to say the problems would still be there, just magnified when you lose. Unlike some, I don’t mind Dabo making reference to being close or being just a play away – on occasion. In my opinion he has not played this card too much. The problem is when it becomes your mantra, as it did for Tommy Bowden.

Call me a sucker, but I like the things Dabo says. It clearly has to begin to translate on the field or else, but at least I don’t read his comments week after week and get more frustrated. His choice of words and candor is still refreshing. His optimism beats the hell out of some other coaches’ pessimism.

The other day a practice report came out saying they did this and that… pretty mundane things… surrounded by some comments from Dabo. Several posts followed where it was obvious fans weren’t satisfied with the details or any of Dabo’s quotes. It was as if they wanted to hear him say everything was fixed now and to make your reservations for Tampa. For some, he can do no right, but I wish those “fans” would put themselves in Dabo’s shoes and try the job on for a week.

Again, we all know he has to start winning some games but his comments lend hope to the situation. Fault him on the team’s record, but many fans need to stop critiquing every word he says. It shows a lack of intelligence and perspective.

On a side note, I too embrace the Parcell’s quote about a team only being as good as its record. Forget all the analysis: the supposed talent, the coaching, the play calling and the weather. Indeed, we are a 3-3 team… enough said.
Thanks,
Bobby

Bobby,
Fans love to criticize coaches’ words after a loss. Most of the time that is unfair. Words don’t get you contract extensions. In the end, coaches are judged by wins and losses instead of words. After a loss, few words can satisfy most fans.

Mickey,

The SEC is signing million dollar TV contracts. The Gator Bowl is cutting ties with the ACC leaving us with no New Years Day Bowls. If the Bowls can’t get Clemson, they don’t want anyone from the ACC b/c they don’t travel well. That being said, do you think Clemson would ever consider leaving the ACC? I think Vanderbilt fits the landscape of the ACC and Clemson fits the SEC.

Granted our record would not be as good, but we would have some stellar competition. We could probably pull in better recruits. We’d have big contests in the Valley, which would sell out our games, making them louder and more intimidating. (fans don’t get fired up Duke) The out-of-conference patsies would be more acceptable b/c there would be no patsies in the conference. Road games would provide fans real a football atmosphere of 80,000 stadiums, rather than the 20,000 - 40,000 ones we have now. Our game with USC would hold significant value rather than just bragging rights and we would renew the UGA rivalry. I think it just makes sense.

I’d like to hear yours and other caller’s thoughts.

Kurt

Kurt,
I just don’t see Clemson ever leaving the ACC. I can tell you that a source tells me the ACC is negotiating a big television contract for football and basketball with Fox. The SEC’s package with CBS and ABC/ESPN opened the door for the ACC to move their TV rights to Fox. I understand the money being discussed for the Fox deal would be a significant increase from the current contract. Hopefully this will work. I like Fox and their innovation.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency









Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list 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

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Ann Fallaw, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley.

Posted by Mickey Plyler @ 11:44 AM EDT [ Comments [11] ]

Comments:

If a Fox TV contract for ACC football meant that ESPN couldn't broadcast ACC games, then that would probably be terrible for fans who live out of the area and want to watch Clemson play. Between ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNCL, ESPNU, ESPN-Gameplan, and ESPN360.com, almost every Clemson football game (this year every game) is televised on one of ABC/ESPN channels family of channels. If a Fox contract were like the CBS contract, where Fox gets to broadcast some ACC games but ESPN gets to broadcast everything else, that might be good.

Posted by Razzmatazz on October 23, 2009 at 12:45 PM EDT #

On CJ running out of bounds. I don't think I have ever seen him do that when he is near the 1st down marker or goal line.

Posted by CUTiger_Atl on October 23, 2009 at 01:06 PM EDT #

Bobby: I hate hearing Swinney (like Bowden) make excuses implying that the coaches called all the right plays but the players didn't execute. It’s bad form, even if he believes it.

Here’s UNC's OC, John Shoop, after losing to UVA:
"Certainly you make adjustments and do different things, but our guys know it’s about US AS A STAFF AND THE GAME PLAN and blocking and finishing runs- it’s about US."

"WE evaluate everything every single week. There’s subtle things you do, and try to get the ball in the hands of guys who can do something for you."

See the coaching AND player accountability in his words?

Now here’s some Bowden-esque “2-3-plays-away” Swinney quotes after UMD:
"On the play to C.J, WE HAD THE RIGHT CALL, we had two blockers out in front, and there was nobody between him and the end zone. “It was a touchdown. And HE slipped."

"At Maryland, WE HAD A YOUNG WIDEOUT who had practiced great all week, and then HE dropped two balls and had a holding call."

Posted by Razzmatazz on October 23, 2009 at 01:21 PM EDT #

Also, in the last 63 games, Clemson has lost by 15 points or more, just 3 times. So practically every loss can be blamed on the players not executing 2-3 plays. I don't want to hear it anymore.

I don't need to hear that the coaches fixed everything. I just want to hear them say that WE the coaches could have called a better game, game-planned better, coached the players better, motivatd the players better, AND the players could have executed better.

Posted by Razzmatazz on October 23, 2009 at 01:33 PM EDT #

Razzmatazz, what about all the times Swinney has said, "I've got to coach better." He takes way more responsibility for our problems, than he lays on the players, and certainly takes more resp. than our last staff. You can't just pick the quotes that fit your agenda!

Posted by 03alum on October 23, 2009 at 01:53 PM EDT #

Glad to know that moving to the SEC = a commitment to athletics, and staying in the ACC = no commitment to athletics. Come on Mickey, seriously?!?

Posted by Judge Keller on October 23, 2009 at 02:44 PM EDT #

03Alum:
I provided actual quotes (and I can provide links if you like), whereas you made up quotes. Here's are some actual quote from Swinney which I think typifies what you're talking about with regards to the coaches "taking responsibility".
http://www.tigernet.com/view/story.do?id=8102

“We just have to coach THEM better, pure and simple...”

“Now we have to teach THEM how to win."

Again, the implication is that we (the perfect coaches) need to do a better job, but only to the extent that we (the perfect coaches) need to do a better job of teach THEM (the flawed players) how to play better.

There have been occasional quotes where the coaches admit mistakes, like when Swinney said that he was out-coached by GT. But by far most of Swinney’s quotes blame the players. And that's something that I don't EVER want to hear-- even if the coach believes it. Just my opinion.

Go Tigers!

Posted by Razzmatazz on October 23, 2009 at 02:44 PM EDT #

Razz, I think you're focusing on the wrong part of some of Dabo's statements. I don't see how saying "we have to coach them better" and "we have to teach them how to win" can be taken as anything but accepting responsibility.

Posted by Judge Keller on October 23, 2009 at 03:01 PM EDT #

re: Marcus's scenario

The officials do not have to start the playclock after an offensive penalty in a situation like that, especially if they believe that the offense is doing it intentionally.

Posted by Tiger TC on October 23, 2009 at 03:49 PM EDT #

Kirk, if you are going to dream, why dream up an undersized 2 guard? Why not ask for 6-4 to 6-6 and 210 to 220 lbs? That is a prototypical 2. You described Terrence Oglesby.

Posted by CM Shack on October 23, 2009 at 03:52 PM EDT #

Judge: I don't think I'm focusing on the wrong part of Dabo's statements. I'm focused on the parts about how coaches made the right calls but players blew it. That's hard to stomach when our OC’s game-planning & play-calling has lacked.

In my previous post, I was providing actual examples to 03Alum of the type of statements where Swinney supposedly "takes responsibility" but shifts the blame.

In the context above where Swinney says that the coaches called the right plays and put the players in a position to win but that players didn't execute, and so, "we need to coach them better", it implies that the coaches have been doing a great job but that the players are failing to obey. However, if Swinney said that the game-plan, play-calling, and execution were lacking, and so, "we need to coach them better", it would imply coaching failure, and I'd have no problem with it.

I greatly prefer John Shoop's statement above where he shares responsibility without shifting it.

Posted by Razzmatazz on October 23, 2009 at 05:11 PM EDT #

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