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By Charlie K.
SouthernPigskin.com National Columnist
SouthernPigskin.com National Columnist Charlie K. looks at the growth of the Clemson Tigers this season.
When you attend a media day, whether it be the ACC’s or the SEC’s or even the Southern Conference, one thing is for sure: you meet all kinds of characters. I always enjoy meeting and talking to the various players. These gatherings are at the beginning of the season so everyone has a chance to win it all. The tone is mostly upbeat.
This year while in Greensboro, North Carolina covering the ACC’s media day a couple of things really stuck out to me then, and perhaps even more so now.
First being Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. I met Coach Swinney at the dinner on Saturday evening and he and his wife were truly nice people. That’s something I can’t say about all head coaches I run into throughout my travels. There was a sense of calmness, perhaps even confidence when he spoke of this season. He wasn’t chest pumping, he was very engaged in our conversation. That’s not surprising, all the head coaches had on their best face and best pitch. But in Sweeney’s case, it was sincere. That jumped out at me.
Then I had a chance to visit with C.J. Spiller and was equally impressed. Spiller is an unassuming superstar that is going to make big bucks and have a big impact in the NFL.
As I watched Coach Swinney and Spiller visit with each other, I came away from that thinking that these guys were tight. Really tight...and that left an impression on me. Generally the classification of a players' coach, or whatever that means, is over hyped. We read about it all the time. You know, the guy everyone wants to play for. Well, I witnessed a players' coach that night in Greensboro, and this one wasn’t hyped or fake. They weren’t chummy, they weren’t putting on a show. There was a genuine affection between the two and it was obvious watching them interact with each other. I said to myself at that point, watch out for Clemson.
Now fast forward to the early part of the season when Clemson was struggling. The Tiger faithful were at their wits' end with their offense. With losses to Georgia Tech, TCU and Maryland, some fans even were calling for change.
It was a rocky start at Clemson, needless to say.
Then it happened. An offensive explosion against Wake Forest occurred as the Tigers beat the Deacons 38-3. Everything came together for Clemson on offense and defense. It was like the light bulb went on, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. It was obvious watching the game that the Tiger players have bought into the scheme, and the coaches. Everything clicked in that win.
The confidence that was taken from the game obviously was a huge factor in the Tigers' impressive overtime win at Miami yesterday 40-37. The Tigers executed, gave the Canes a big dose of Spiller and pulled out the win on the road. The Clemson players wanted the game more than Miami. These are two very similar teams talent wise. Lots of speed and skill, two young coaches finding their way. But in Miami, it was Clemson’s time and I can’t help but to think the leadership of Spiller and the relationship he and the players have with Swinney played a huge role.
Controlling their own destiny in the wacky world of the ACC, the table is set for Clemson to find their way to the ACC Championship. They have Florida State and Virginia at home, and travel to NC State. Sprinkle in the intra-state rivalry game with South Carolina and the finish won’t be easy. But judging by how far the Tigers have come, and the confidence at which they are playing with, it appears the Tigers have turned the corner.
Speaking of C.J. Spiller, add quarterback Armanti Edwards from Appalachian State and West Virginia’s Noel Devine and folks we are watching legends in the making. Seriously these guys are special, the type of players our grandchildren will be talking about years from now.
Edwards is the all-time leading passer in the history of the Southern Conference. Yes, he engineered a win at Michigan that put him and ASU on the map. That was one game. Edwards literally does amazing things every single week. He carries ASU and when it’s crunch time, he takes over games. Things legends are made of.
West Virginia’s Devine is perhaps the most exciting player in college football. At 5’8 and 180 pounds soaking wet, Devine has simply carried WVU to wins this season. An internet sensation in high school with an “interesting” background entering college, Devine has been the perfect player, student, father and teammate since he arrived in Morgantown. All good stuff, but watching him I literally think he can score every single time he touches the football. And, I mean that. To not be included in any Heisman Trophy discussion is a joke. Again, he does things legends are made of.
With a lot of games left to be played, and all three teams they play on making a push, your going to get to watch their legend's grow down the stretch. Watch them, enjoy them...guys like these just don’t come along very often.
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