Knowing the Gnomes of Trite asking questions after a Clemson game, I’d be surprised if more than one wondered aloud if the 58-0 win over Miami was a “statement” performance.
The advantage of watching this game from the recliner was avoiding the dozens of angry Miami fans (if Sons and Daughter of “The U” are whipping on each other is that domestic violence?) and enjoying the broader perspective available with remote control.
Lack of respect should not be at issue any longer. The noon kickoff was ideal. More than the broader TV audience, Clemson hooked many of the national gnomes and many of them jumped on the bandwagon with both feet.
Watching ESPN College GameDay it was evident those guys are no more qualified to analyze (that’s what we “old folks” say instead of break down) and prognosticate than the TCI Blue Ribbon Panel, all bias aside.
Even the guy who picks against the spread recommended taking the points and betting Miami. Wrong choice, Bear.
Everybody knows Brad Kaaya could be an effective college quarterback on a better team, yet if you’d watched even a little Miami football this season it was clear the line couldn’t protect him, and between the injuries and talent gap the defense didn’t have a chance.
The eyebrows went up when Jadar Johnson intercepted Kaaya. Jaws dropped when Deshaun Watson ripped off the long run.
Usually at 28-0 the TV crowd begins looking for something better, but this was like a NASCAR wreck. Everybody wanted to see how bad the carnage would be.
At halftime, with Clemson leading 42-0, many postulated how many Miami fans would return for the third quarter. Others wondered if Miami coach Al Golden would be back.
Many of the college football media elite marveled, first at the defense then at Watson’s versatility, then at the depth at receiver and Wayne Gallman’s relentlessness. At the end, they were infatuated by Van Smith, who didn’t appear on the depth chart.
Depth was evident in several areas. For the first time, Ray Ray McCloud was a frequent target as was Charone Peake. Long-suffering Tyshon Dye delivered some punch late in the game. Kelly Bryant’s running moved him into a more favorable spot behind Watson. Austin Bryant and Richard Yeargin were relentless rushing the passer.
Over the final five games on the schedule, any one of them will better serve the team for their production Saturday. And it was impressive.
ESPN sideline reporter Todd McShay said Shaq Lawson forced himself into consideration as a first-round draft pick.
TV color analyst Chris Spielman, a former Ohio State linebacker, added Clemson to his final four replacing Baylor.
Talk show maven Collin Cowherd admitted his error and put Clemson at No. 3 in his championship bracket.
Gameday prince Kirk Herbstreit backpedaled and went with Clemson.
Even with Florida State’s bizarre loss to Georgia Tech there’s no reason to think Clemson can’t make the CFB Playoff if it runs the table. Unlike Baylor or TCU this ain’t no one trick pony. The defense currently ranks No. 4 at 262 yards per game. The offense is tied for 16th in scoring and 28th in total yards. Watson ranks 13th in passing efficiency.
All those numbers will improve.
So, if there were any “statements” Saturday they were by Dabo Swinney after he gathered his players before going to the locker room at halftime. Swinney upbraided them for their comportment, reminding them that his teams would win just as they lose – with modesty and class.
Swinney believes it’s almost as difficult to manage success as it is to deal with failure. If there were going to be any “style points” from the College Football Playoff committee, they would be for how his team handled itself with the outcome guaranteed before the bands marched.
From the beginning, Swinney has said that ultimate success requires a lot of things going right and at least a little luck.
As the team continues to mature, with defense providing the backbone and offense the personality, luck may not be necessary as the next six opponents feel the effects.