This Rivalry

Nov 6, 2015, 1:40 PM

Hearing questions asking how concerned we are about the game and whether or not FSU fans are concerned, etc. I decided to document my thoughts on this matchup and the rivalry in general.

Getting straight to the game at hand, we should and will win this one. Really shouldn't even be close. Gallman and company should run at will, and DW should hit a few big strikes downfield. Defensively we will pressure the QB and hold Cook to his most frustrating day of the season. This may be attributed post game to his injury. Who cares?

Facing similar opportunities, the Tigers have often come into this game missing just a small piece here or there - usually too dependent on the passing game and/or trying to mask glaring weaknesses on defense. Poor tackling form. Thin depth on the line(s). There was always something we just knew deep down in our hearts that would hold us back.

The frustrating thing about the series is that it was restarted in 1988, at a time when Clemson truly stood toe-to-toe with FSU. With coaching changes and a drop in recruiting quality, we watched as FSU joined the ACC during their climb to the top of the CFB world. At the same time, our consistent win totals and bowl victories began to slide backwards. By the time CTB got started we were years behind FSU. That he was able to eventually start a good pattern of regular wins vs. the Seminoles is still an impressive feat, regardless of any slide on FSU's part.

What Dabo has built over the past six years has been impressive to watch, even as many of us have remained somewhat impatient. We have arrived. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Pray it lasts several decades. We are now, as of last season, back on level ground with FSU. No longer do we need to worry over a particular personnel group or overall team speed deficiencies. Recruiting is on solid footing and will enhance our quality depth over time. Four-and-five-star players will continue to fill our roster, with personal expectations to have the opportunity to play immediately and star for one or two years before leaving early for the NFL. "Play as a reserve, on special teams, or perhaps earn a starting spot and become the replacement (perhaps an upgrade) for the guy ahead of you, all the while learning critical life skills from a coach and staff truly interested in your personal development."

Those of us who lived through the 80s can feel it. This program is enjoying the same opportunities for success - some would say even greater. Assuming the board, AD and coaching staff can keep their collective egos in check, we are in the beginning of a long, magical period in Clemson football history. So what do others think?

1. Who really cares what others think?
2. They see us coming. The smarter folks out there know we've somewhat quietly arrived. Not that we were sneaking up on anyone, but the level of denial is just beginning to subside. As for FSU fans, I think the average fan sees us sort of like we saw Maryland back in the day. They were good enough to beat us and sometimes did. Imagine if they had experienced the kind of growth we've had under Dabo and worked their way into our current position. We would acknowledge their progress, but we'd be skeptical until they could prove themselves consistently against us. In short, we wouldn't truly respect them. And FSU fans don't respect us. We have to earn that. Tomorrow will be a good next step.

Here's to our Tigers taking care of business. May the score represent the talent, teamwork, and dedication that has gone into making tomorrow a special day in Death Valley. As other teams come to envy the special program Dabo has built, may our team soar proudly above the CFB landscape, remaining hungry for the next opportunity.

Go Tigers!!!

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This Rivalry

I agree with almost everything you said

Noticed that as well

mmhm...

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