What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Oct 20, 2023, 9:30 AM

Unranked in mid-October with two losses was definitely not what Clemson Nation had in mind for the season. Now, there appear to be differences of opinion among fans as to how best to move forward.

All Clemson fans are grateful for what the head coach (HC) has accomplished. For over a decade, he has led this program to great things. At one time, some Bama fans considered him as their future choice to “come home” to his alma mater. That’s what winning will do.

That said, fans still differ:
- The vast majority of Clemson fans believe in the HC. Despite having never been HC (or OC or DC) anywhere else, he has succeeded at the highest level.

- Some fans wonder if the HC might need to make some serious changes – and there’s disagreement as to what that might look like.

- But, a very small minority take this situation to the extreme. They wonder if the HC should be replaced. Again, this group represents a small majority.

We all see how the program has ascended:
- Of course, all Clemson fans know that the current HC has improved the football program by light-years. They have seen with their own eyes that he elevated the program from being a perennial “bowl team” to being one that could compete for – and WIN – a national championship.

- But, a few fans wonder if those national title days will no longer be within reach for this staff. “He (HC) has achieved greatness before – but that does not mean he can do it again,” they say.

We see the success:
- Of course, all Clemson fans have seen how the current coach has led Clemson to compete with the best teams/programs that college football has to offer – with Clemson having won its fair share of those matchups. This coach even has the highest winning percentage of anyone who has ever coached at Clemson for at least 25 games.

- But, a few fans wonder if Clemson will not be able to compete with the best in future seasons. “Why are we seeing mistakes from the offense? Or the special teams?” they ask.

Those multiple double-digit win seasons:
- Of course, fans have seen how the current coach has compiled one double-digit win season after another. A string of success that is greatly appreciated!

- But, a few fans focus on how this season has not started out as we had hoped. “It is, therefore, time to reconsider the future direction of the program,” that vocal but very small minority says. “Perhaps it is time to consider if someone else might be a better fit for us.”

Yep a crazy moment in Clemson history!

Any else remember that crazy 1989 season as well as I do?

Oh, and after finishing the ’89 season 10-2, Clemson did let HC Danny Ford go for reasons outside of winning and losing. The next season HC Ken Hatfield won 10 games with Danny’s recruits. After that, the program failed to win double-digit victories again until … HC Dabo Swinney.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Clemson_Tigers_football_team

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Clemson: Academic Excellence! Athletic Excellence!

That was a painful time in Clemson history. Losing Danny was a death sentence. Hatfield took the most loaded team Danny ever had and backed into a 10-2 season. Those who know, know what happened with Danny. It turned out to be one of the great loves of Danny’s life to come out of that issue.

Fast forward to todays issues and it’s not the same. The head man is still the best coach in the country. However, there has been some mistakes hiring from within. We see the play calling talent seems to have been mostly Jeff Scott. Elliot has been a failed experiment. UVA will can him soon. Scott and Elliott both have bright futures; just not as head coaches.

Hiring from within has perpetuated group think. Fresh ideas stop flowing when everyone thinks the same way. We’ve missed on special teams for quite some time. It has been a sore spot since Dabo took over. Goodwin seems to be a great analyst, not seeing the coordinator position yet. He may get there. He has the players to be ranked in the top 3 of every category. He finished in the top 75 in most cataglries in season one. With nfl players all over the field.

Receiver development and usage has been horrible. See Ngata making the Eagles practice squad and performing quite well. He looked lost at Clemson.

Part of the equation is having three generational QB in a row: Boyd, Watson, and Lawrence. We haven’t had that with DJ and Cade. Many of those generational QB make plays in spite of having terrible offensive lines and made plays after the called play broke down.

We also had NFL caliber receivers who could make catches when double covered.

There has been a steady decline since the Bama beat down. There’s no denying that. The head guy still has my utmost faith. I’ve never had faith in ANY o line coach since Danny left. I believe the best is yet to come. I also believe we have to evolve with the ever changing game of college football. That includes the portal and NIL dollars. Even though I hate them.

It’s always better to be a Tiger than anything else. Dabo will right the ship. Sometimes it takes a bunch of loud voices complaining to enact hard changes.

What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Re: What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Re: What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Clemson defense top 5 right now

Sums up quite nicely exactly how I feel.***

Re: What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Re: What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Re: What a Moment in Clemson Football History (Long)

Yep. Played USC and Sam Cunningham on purpose

Small majority??***

A select group of fans wanted Danny axed after the 1980 season , but showed

89 season was my senior year at CU***

Shenanigans ****

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