After UGA where we are as a program? (long)

Aug 31, 2014, 8:21 AM

I, like you, were very disappointed in the way things played out last night. We have come a long way since the Bama disaster in Atlanta but we still have some ways to go. Here is my analysis based on a comparison between Bowden's teams and Dabo's teams.

Bowden's teams were soft. They allowed weaker less talented opponents win. They were predicated then and for the future on playing to win with the skill positions. They lacked depth in many areas.

1. Dabo's teams are stronger. They have held up in some big-time games against elite talent. But we have to be even stronger. FSU, and USuC last year and UGA last night were more physical. Clemson stayed in the game but was wore down by the 4th quarter. The other big-time teams seem to get stronger as the game goes on.

2. Dabo's teams DO NOT allow weaker less talented opponents to win. The only losses we have in the last 3 years are against top 15 teams not ACC bottom dwellers.

3. Although Dabo's recruiting of the skill position has given Clemson elite talent to compete with I think Dabo realizes that building the lines is even more important to Clemson's long term success. So, we finally have committed some top linemen who will make our teams more physical and better able to compete against big-time opponents like UGA. Our line was caved in last night. Football is still about blocking and tackling. Only when we secure enough of the elite Big Uglies are we going to be able to consistently win against the elite teams in college football like UGA or FSU.

4. Depth is still an issue. We have depth is some areas but once again we need upgrades across the board in such places as running backs and other skill positions. Losing out to UGA for Gurley and Marshall hurt us here. I think Dabo knows this but I also thinks he needs to make sure if we are going to take a recruit they are going to help us in big-time games. Fords teams in the 80's just reloaded. One big-time player in a position was replaced with another. We have not reached that point yet.

Observation: Clemson stood toe to toe last night until the 4th quarter. Last year Clemson was in good shape against USuC until the 4th quarter. 2 years ago in Tally Clemson was good until the 4th quarter. Big time teams in big-time games find a way to be stronger in the 4th quarter. Clemson needs to coach and practice that way. If our team smells blood they have to reach inside to play faster and more physical even if fatigued in the 4th quarter.

Our program is much better than under Bowden but there are still areas we need to get better in and fix. Everyone is proud of the Tigers the last 3 years BUT we need to make sure we are not contented with where we are. To truly be elite you have to continue climbing toward the top. We have not arrived. We are close. I will say we are at least one of the top 15 teams in the nation. The problem is the other 14 teams with elite talent who are better.

All that being said, we should still have a good year. I am still excited. I still think we take USuC in the Valley. Keep building Dabo your only 2/3's of the way up the mountain. Keep climbing.

GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Message was edited by: AThomas®

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After UGA where we are as a program? (long)

Re: After UGA where we are as a program? (long)

Excellent post...

Alritey then....there ya go***

Re: After UGA where we are as a program? (long)

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