Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Elmore

Terry Don Phillips goes ALL IN!!!

Matt Elmore — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:15:11 -0500

Just reported by Rivals.com, Dabo Swinney, will be named the Clemson Tigers new head football coach. He will be given a four-year contract at approximately $1 million a year.

This is great news to many tiger fans. As Tiger Nation have seen him grow as a leader and coach over the past few weeks, there is no one out there many would rather have on that sideline than Dabo.

He is a true "Clemson Guy" with love for the team, the tradition, and the fans. By doing this he has gained much respect from Tiger Nation, this was never more evident than the chanting the waning moments for Saturday's game, it was simply “Da-bo, Da-bo, Da-bo.”

In his few weeks of heading up the team he has game planned around our playmakers, and has made a living running the ball. The O-Line is much improved, and he brings the "IT" factor to the team.

He is a motivational leader, and a man I have great respect for. He took a down and out team, did a complete 180, and in the last game of the season creamed their in-state rival. Plus in this game they finally played like the team that was pre-ranked No. 9 in the nation.

So look out College Football World, Dabo, is about to make a name for himself.

Dabo: What We Have Seen From Him?

Matt Elmore — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:48:59 -0500

In his first four games what have we seen from Dabo, has he earned his bid at the job?

Dabo has done just about as well as many people have anticipated, but there are those out there who anticipated more, and now are sold out on this season, and on Dabo. I have heard the comments on how his offense is no different than Tommy's, and how he still throws the bubble screen.

Well the difference is that he doesn't run it every play, maybe just once or twice a quarter. Plus, they are called at the right times. I have seen more scores on screens to Spiller, and Kelly, than any other play.

Dabo got this job in the middle of the season. You can’t throw out the playbook at that time, you have to try to take what you have and work with it. I think he has done a great job of doing so.

If Dabo was to be named the head coach people may be mad and ask what would change?

Well, Dabo has said he would run a more traditional style offense, more I-Formation, and a more developed O-Line. That’s how Clemson Football should be; A huge, dominating O-Line. With that style it would open up many other things, such as options, play action, and would be a run oriented game plan.

If Dabo is to win out beat Virginia, and a decent USC team, does he not deserve a legitimate shot at the job?

Clemson Fans, Don't Lower Your Expectations!!!

Matt Elmore — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:31:58 -0400

Well, the first game is over and now we can get back to football, but I have something to confess.

I was sitting up with my dad one night and talking about the game and he enlightened me on something I didn't realize I was doing—lowering my expectations.

I will give Dabo this game due to the fact that he only had three-and-one-half days to prepare, but from here on out I fully expect us to win. Some may say that this is a little exaggerated, but I don’t think so.

Danny Ford has even issued a statement on this topic saying that he can't believe how we have settled on this season; in his time you went to the game expecting them to win NO excuses, NO exceptions. I think that is how it should be.

Just because the season has gone sour doesn't mean that we must stop pushing our team, same for the coaches. We must not sit on this season and lower our expectations, since my dad has brought this to my attention I have seen many Clemson fans come down with "gamecock syndrome" which is accepting where you are, and having low expectations.

The worst thing we can do is to accept where we are as a team, and not to push this team forward.

Dabo seems to have the heart, intensity, and ideas of a great coach, but when it all comes to an end the question is did we win or did we lose.

We have two weeks to prepare for the next game. From all I have heard this should be a great game with many improvements, but if we don't win it seems all for naught, because as a player, coach and fan that’s what you're judged on.

I believe Dabo can do it, and I am cheering for him 150 percent, and as a fan, expect to win out and go 8-4.

Clemson-Georgia Tech: The Tigers Didn't Roar, but They Are Lurking

Matt Elmore — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:05:37 -0400

Well, we didn't see Dabo Swinney pull off the victory in his first game.

Everyone was hoping for an instant change to this team (even myself), but that’s not what we saw on Saturday.

However, we did see a Tigers' team that was intense from the opening kickoff 'til the clock hit zero. We saw a coach who was intense and made adjustments in his first start. Even out of this loss, we saw a little improvement in the way the game was played.

Clemson started off with trick plays, which was a little far-fetched to start a game. But as the game wore on, you continually saw Swinney on the sideline coaching the players and even celebrating with Aaron Kelly on his touchdown catch.

So what do you, as a Clemson fan, take from this game?

The team has bought into Dabo's "One Clemson" mentality, thus making them a more intense and unified team. You also saw a variation in the play calling and many different looks from the offensive side of the ball.

Also, you could feel the change in the atmosphere at the stadium during the game. Dabo has unified the team and fanbase. The newly implemented "Tiger Walk" was also an awesome success, with an estimated 10,000 people attending to add to the atmosphere of anticipation.

This was the first time that the Clemson team has ever dressed in suits, walked to the stadium (no iPods in hand), and been welcomed by so many fans.

But for you "win-loss" thinkers, don't throw in the towel on Dabo yet. He only had three-and-a-half days to get his team ready. Now he has two weeks to implement his plan. This only makes me anticipate the game in two weeks even more.

Don’t sell Dabo short. Give him a chance, and remember that even in the waning moments of the game, he had you in a situation to win. When is the last time we have seen a Clemson team fight back from a deficit and contend after falling behind?

Give him these last five games. If he wins out they go 8-4, and a season that has been absolutely horrible could end respectably

Will Clemson Roar on Saturday? It May All Hang on This Game!

Matt Elmore — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:09:00 -0400

This is a pivotal game for Tiger Nation.

Tommy is gone, and Swinney is in. This is what we wanted—but how will it pan out?

This Saturday will be a game in which everything a Clemson fan has wanted in the last couple seasons has come true. Tommy and Spence are gone, and we will finally get to see Willy Korn make his first start. How will this game play out?

Well, if there has ever been excitement for a team that is 3-3, it is this Clemson team. Swinney has made it his goal to imply the "One Clemson" attitude.

Swinney sent out a letter to the students asking for their support in these last home games and calling for an "orange-out" at the stadium. He has also implemented a "Tiger Walk" before the games. These are just a few of the changes that we have seen Swinney make.

Swinney has made some great remarks that if you are a fan like me you love to hear. He said that they will play "full speed," and if they mess up, it's going to be at "full speed." He stated, "You are looking at a coach that has nothing to lose." From this, I get that he is going to lay it all on the line and leave nothing in his "back pocket."

This game will show the character of this team and of the new coaching staff and will also give the fans a glimpse of the future. The stadium should be packed for this game, so the idea of fan support not being there can be thrown out the window.

This team deserves our support, so if you are attending the game please be loud and show these guys we have not given up on them. I have seen crazier things happen in college football. The valley will be "ROCKIN'" on Saturday as we usher in a refreshing start to Clemson Football.

I, for one, can't wait.

GO TIGERS!!!

Dabo Swinney Named Interim Head Coach of Clemson

Matt Elmore — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:10:30 -0400

While the era of Tommy Bowden is over, the time for Dabo Swinney has just begun.

Swinney was named Clemson's interim head coach on Monday. He will take the helm for the Tigers in the upcoming weeks.

However, many don’t know what to think about this decision by the athletic department.

Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips stated that everyone in the program has tremendous respect for Swinney, and feels he is the best man for the job.

Swinney, a 1993 graduate of Alabama University, served as an assistant coach from 1993-2000. He was also a part of the 1992 National Championship team at Alabama.

Swinney was named the fifth best recruiter by Rivals.com, and has made a tremendous impact while at Clemson. He is responsible for signing 38 student-athletes in his five years at Clemson, and was a major contributor to Clemson's nationally ranked class in 2008, signing 11 student-athletes.

While at Clemson, he has served as the assistant head coach and the wide receivers coach. He has had a major effect on the Clemson passing attack, and has helped develop at least one All-ACC receiver in each of the last four years.

Additionally, his coaching has helped keep at least one Clemson player leading the ACC in receptions and yards in each of the last three seasons.

During his time as a coach and player, he has been a part of six teams with 10-win seasons, five top-10 teams, one national championship, three SEC titles, and five SEC Western Divisional Titles (of course none of these being at Clemson under Tommy Bowden).

So to those who don’t think he is qualified, take a look at his track record and what he has done with Clemson receivers. I, for one, can't wait to see what he'll do at the helm of the entire team.

What Does The Resignation Of Bowden Mean For Clemson?

Matt Elmore — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:02:03 -0400

The resignation of Tommy Bowden could not have come at a better time, in my opinion the sooner the better. Bowden is a great guy I have met him but ten years is long enough to get the job done. He has had at least five years in a down ACC and he has not even got us to the Championship game.

We started off the season ranked preseason No. 9, and what do we have to show for it nothing but losses and disappointed faces.

With Bowden gone I don’t think Harper should be given his job back either, especially after the disrespect he showed towards Bowden. He’s your coach no matter what he does you don't disrespect him; you do not say "He got what he deserved." to show that kind of disrespect makes me sit uneasy in my chair. So Harper shouldn't be rewarded his job back, especially after the comment.

This isn't even taking into account his poor play. Yes, you can blame it on our sorry O-Line (which reflects coaching, no matter their age it's your job to get them ready), but if you watch the games Harper has no feel in the pocket, and makes poor decisions, not only will he fall if you touch him, but he will throw into coverage when Kelly is wide open down the sideline (I see it too many times).

As the quarterback it is your job to lead the team and when you have a sissy quarterback, you’re going to have a sissy team.

Now, Willy Korn has all the intangibles to be a great Quarterback, he is tough and can elude pressure, and has a great arm. But only time will tell how he will do.

At the present time I have heard many names being thrown around for the open job, but before we throw out names let's give Dabo his chance to lead the team. We may have a diamond in the rough after all.

But ultimately what does this mean for the Tigers? A fresh start; and a chance to right the ship with the fans, and finally get this program going in the right direction for once.

Tommy Agrees To Resign---But Cullen Shows No Class.

Matt Elmore — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:27:35 -0400

Well the nightmare that was the Tommy Bowden Era is over!!! He agreed to resign for approximately $3.5 million. We can all exhale and finally get ready to rebuild as a team, and fan base.

The only problem I have with the whole situation is Cullen Harper. This big mouth had the nerve to put down his coach. Now I know that we all called for Tommy's head but if you are a player you need not to show disrespect.

I respected Bowden as the coach of Clemson. I didn't agree with his antics, but I respected him. If you are a player you should never say, "He got what he deserved," that's just disrespectful. It makes me sick to even see his picture now.

I hope that he is not even able to dress out after his little comment. I’m not fighting for Bowden, I just don't believe in disrespect. It’s not a thing that I encourage, and too see a Clemson player show no class makes me sick. If you want to do that go to USC.

But more good news in that the first order of business for Sweeney is that he let Rob Spence go. So for now it seems that all the problems in Clemson are gone. And the only thing left to do is rebuild. I wish the best for all the coaches (including Bowden, and Spence), and hope to finally see Clemson Football reach the potential we have waited so long to see.

Cullen Harper Benched, Willy Korn In for Clemson: Is This Just a Show?

Matt Elmore — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:01:53 -0400

Tommy Bowden said in his press conference yesterday that he will bench quarterback Cullen Harper and put in local product Willy Korn in his stead. When I heard the news, it made me smile, and I was excited about the time in front of us.

Then I began to wonder if this is all just a scheme to help Bowden keep his job, and get the focus off of him. I believe it is.

Clemson fans have been waiting on Korn since he was in high school, and now in Bowden's time of crisis he does something that should have been done at the beginning of the year, before our team lost everything this season.

Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to see him play in a meaningful game, but don't let this take the pressure off of Bowden.

Yes, we can win out (doubt it), and I have seen crazier things happen. But I just hope that this little stunt will not take our attention away from the true problem—COACHING!!!

My Thoughts on the Tommy Bowden Situation

Matt Elmore — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:20:20 -0400

OK, here are my thoughts on the whole Tommy Bowden situation.

Like all of the fans, I have had enough of the same old stuff every year and every week. We hear the hype but never see the improvement.

Tommy has just benched Cullen (a little late don't you think?) and is now bringing in Korn (finally). But part of me just sees this as a stunt to keep his job and put fans in the stands.

The Valley WILL be rockin' when Korn steps on the field, don't get me wrong, but this still doesn't solve our major problem which is...yes, you guessed it...COACHING!!!

We were a preseason No. 9 with all the talent in the NCAA, and what do we get? NOTHING, just another piss-poor year, and watching a team that is so poorly coached that we can't win a game that was handed to us.

Putting in Willy is a big step, but firing Spence will make the pain a little less powerful.

Just admit it, guys. Our offense sucks, absolutely sucks. No surprises at all. I can sit at home and call out the plays in the order we run them. I have seen that dang Bubble Screen so many times, I have nightmares about it.

How many more of our players have to get injured until he realizes "this might not be the best idea"? When will Tommy step in? The answer is "never."

Tommy is a good guy; I have met him, but he is not a good coach, and that's his job. If he has any respect for the fans or himself, he will kindly resign after the season and move on.

This season is already a wash. Just try to make a bowl, get rid of TB and rebuild. This fan base has been too patient and waited too long not to be given what we deserve.

We have backed TB in all the 10 years of hell we have been through. Hopefully, the organization or TB will see that and have the decency to move on.

If not, you will see support drop, if that's what it takes to get that dead duck out the Valley!