The final Gee-Haw'd ... time to see the Elephant

Jan 3, 2016, 9:37 AM

https://youtu.be/mraO8JZbSkg

Ten years ago, the spirit spoke. It was an angry spirit, spilling from the hills into the Valley.

It was a spirit weary of those who would belittle and mock the Sons of Clemson and all they stood for. It was awoken by the taunts of ... do you remember? Wake Forest.

The blind fury of Gee-Haw'd!! was raised to redeem Clemson from the mockery of Deacons. Still took the divine spirit rising in the heroics of the much-much missed Gaines Adams to save that day.

https://youtu.be/fpiBMk-qVq8
I know Gaines has been watching from the Clemson section of Valhalla, savoring this journey

The spirit has seen more ups than downs since that time, but the message was clear. The Sons of Clemson were summoned to rise and crush all who would stand in the Tigers path to what has been our rightful goal.

It's ironic that our wandering through the desert has led us to the path's end ... in the desert of Arizona. Hey, never let it be said that Gee-Haw'd!! didn't have a sense of humor.

It's also ironic, and entirely fitting, that the final foe to the fulfillment of Clemson's return is the same team that set us on this current course of redemption. Alabama, the team Clemson helped return to the national spotlight by our ritual sacrifice in Atlanta, now stands before us ... an elephant offered up by braying donkeys who have brayed against Clemson since we began this journey:

Clemson can't do it.

Louisville will knock the Tigers down.

Notre Dame has too many weapons.

NC State will catch the Tigers in a trap game.

FSU has the tools and the confidence to derail Clemson.

South Carolina is too tough in Columbia.

North Carolina is playing too good.

Oklahoma will end the Tigers' dreams of glory.

https://youtu.be/GYYqoRnss74
Someone's opinion of you doesn't not have to become your reality ....

It's not dreaming. It's destiny. A destiny forged in the spirits and belief and work and sweat and blood of those who have never quit, never said "####, it's just not worth this."

We are here. Will any Son of Clemson say it was not worth this? Will any say we have no chance ... no, no EXPECTATION, of beating Alabama?

Will any look back down the long road from the days that we were mocked by Wake Forest and say we are not worthy of being here?

I'm so d@mn proud of every young man who has put on the paw and brought honor to us all. You are here, Clemson ... where we knew you would be. Where we always believed you would be. not by trickery or the misfortune of others. You are here because you out-worked and out-gutted everyone else.

Everyone, save one. Stand firm, boys, we're gonna see the elephant.

This is the final Gee-Haw'd!!, the time to lay all doubts aside. Polish the tractors and set to sharpening the harrows one more time. Let your minds be sharpened as well. Let nothing ... the hurly-burly of the college football circus, the aches of battles in the past, the dreams of glory in the future ... steer you from what awaits.

Listen to the voice within, the spirit of Gee-Haw'd!! It no longer is a shrill, screaming rage. It has grown into a strong, seasoned voice of unalterable confidence that says, "You're Clemson ... you've got this."

Everything lies before you. You need only pick it up and hang on tight.

One more time.

One more battle.

One more victory.

We are with you.

GEE-HAW'D!!