Bleacher Report - Articles by Joseph Durst

The Great Debate for Clemson Football: Beat South Carolina or Win the ACC?

Joseph Durst — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:01:04 -0500

Over the course of this past week, Clemson fans have found themselves pondering an interesting question. If it came down to it, would they rather beat the hated Gamecocks or win the elusive ACC?

Clemson fans seem to be split on the matter. I, for one, would take an ACC Championship over beating Carolina any year. However, many Tiger fans have told me that beating our in-state rivals must come first.

It’s been 18 years since Clemson held the ACC crown, while beating South Carolina has become a nearly annual event.

Perhaps fans who have clear memories of ACC glory are not as desperate to return as those of us who have never seen Clemson rise to such heights.

The South Carolina game gives half of the state bragging rights for an entire year. On the terrible, albeit rare, occasion that Clemson loses, fans have to listen to smack for an entire calendar year. They hear it from their friends, neighbors, and often, even their own families.

I’ve always believed that Clemson was better than Carolina; that the Tigers wanted more than just a state championship.

I’ve always preached that Clemson fans have higher aspirations than Carolina fans and that given the choice, the Tigers would prefer national glory over instate dominance.

Now the time has finally come for me to practice what I preach. Those who can easily recall Clemson’s glory days in the ACC, or live in Gamecock country where verbal abuse will be unbearable, can be excused for wanting a Gamecock trouncing over an ACC crown.

When Clemson doesn’t make it to the ACC Championship, the SC game is the biggest of the year. This year, however, Clemson has reached the title game, the Gamecocks must play second fiddle, and that’s exactly the way it should be.

Hopefully, Tiger fans can find a happy compromise where Clemson wins both games, but if you could only win one, which would you take?

A Clemson Football Thanksgiving List: Things To Be Thankful For in 2009

Joseph Durst — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:19:12 -0500

At 7-3, with two games left to play, Clemson Tiger fans have plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. With a win on Saturday, Clemson will be headed to the ACC Championship Game for the first time ever. Star running back C.J. Spiller has entered the Heisman conversation, and the Tigers are on a five game winning streak. Now it's time to take stock of this football season and give thanks.

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Clemson Seniors Get Final Curtain Call Against Virginia

Joseph Durst — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:13:31 -0500

Emotions in Clemson will be running high this Saturday when the Virginia Cavaliers come to town. The intensely loyal Clemson fan base has been waiting 18 years for a shot at the ACC title. On Saturday, the Tigers can punch their ticket to their first ever ACC championship game.

In fact, it may have been decades since the Clemson football community was this energized. C.J. Spiller, the pride of the Tigers, has entered the Heisman conversation at the same time as the excitement over new head coach Dabo Swinney and the chance to win an ACC title builds to a boiling point.

Clemson will enter Saturday’s Virginia came with five straight wins, all coming with at least 38 points scored.

Surprisingly, for 15 members of the Tiger football team, all of these story lines will take a back seat to the raw emotion of playing their last home game at Death Valley. These 15 seniors will rub Howard’s rock, run down the hill, and feel the energy of the Tiger fans for the very last time.

Some will go to the NFL, others will not. Many will likely go on to accomplish great things in their lives. One or two may even get a Super Bowl ring one day. Yet each and every one of those 15 men will remember their last game in Memorial Stadium as Tigers for the rest of their lives.

Will Merrit, Clemson color announcer and former offensive lineman, claimed on the broadcast last week that his final game as a senior remains one of the most powerful experiences of his life.

This is not a Clemson class that will go unnoticed by any means. This class includes the likes of Kavell Connor, Chris Chancellor, Crezdon Butler, Thomas Austin, Michael Palmer, Ricky Sapp, Jacoby Ford, and of course, C.J. Spiller.

The senior class of 2010 will be severely missed at Clemson University, on and off the field. These seniors have been the foundation of the Clemson football program and successfully guided the team through a tumultuous coaching change.

This Saturday, 15 Clemson seniors will run down the hill one last time, put the hopes and dreams of the Clemson faithful on their backs, and send the Tigers to their first ever ACC championship game.

Clemson vs. Florida State: A Changing of the ACC Guard?

Joseph Durst — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:33:15 -0500

It’s almost too fitting, too circular, and too coincidental. Yet, Clemson plays Florida State tomorrow for a chance to lock up the Atlantic Division of the ACC. Could a Clemson win signal a changing of the ACC guard?

It’s been a painful 18 years for Tiger fans waiting on their first ACC title since 1991. Tomorrow, Clemson can take its biggest step in almost two decades to bringing the crown back to Tiger Town. The fact that the Tigers and Seminoles are playing each other for the fate of the Atlantic Division is somehow fitting.

Florida State joined the ACC in 1992 and suddenly Clemson stopped winning ACC championships. Coincidence? Not quite. The Noles captured 12 ACC titles between 1992 and 2005, utterly dominating the league that was once Clemson’s to own.

The 1990s were a dark time in Clemson football under the leadership of Tommy West, and Florida State ran the ACC with impunity. Then at the end of the decade, something happened that inexplicably tied the fate of Clemson and Florida State to one another.

Clemson hired a new head coach by the name of Tommy Bowden, the son of legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden. Since that time, the two football programs have been tied together by conference and by family name.

Slowly, Clemson and FSU grew closer in talent as father and son grew closer to being evenly matched. Finally, in Bowden Bowl IV, Clemson beat Florida State and the two programs went in seemingly different directions, with Clemson winning two of the next three games.

Clemson lost last year to the Seminoles in the midst of the tumultuous resignation of Tommy Bowden and promotion of Wide Receivers coach Dabo Swinney.

With one Bowden gone, and the elder hanging on at the end of his career, is this the end of the Bowden era in ACC football? Could a Clemson win tomorrow night even signal an end to Florida State’s long dominance over Clemson and the ACC? Are Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers the future of the ACC? Are the Bowdens and Florida State the past?

Only time will tell, but watch closely tomorrow night, because you might just get a glimpse of the future.

Why C.J. Spiller Deserves To Bring the Heisman Trophy to Clemson

Joseph Durst — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:05:15 -0400

2009 has not been the year in college football predicted in the preseason. The great three-way battle between Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, and Sam Bradford for the Heisman Trophy just hasn’t materialized.

Bradford is undergoing season-ending surgery and is officially out of the Heisman race. Tebow and McCoy are still leading undefeated national championship contenders in Florida and Texas, but neither one is putting up the eye-popping numbers they did last year.

At this point in the season, most analysts agree that the Heisman is virtually wide open, with no single player dominating the national stage. Many Clemson fans, myself included, have just one question. Why not C.J. Spiller?

Clemson fans and foes alike have long known one of the best kept secrets in college football. Spiller is one of the great offensive weapons in NCAA history.

Finally, Spiller is getting some well-deserved recognition in the sports world as a national talent. ESPN's Mel Kiper was quoted earlier today as saying: "I think (Spiller's) the top guy for the Heisman right now. If I had to give it out today, I give it to him."

Spiller, at midseason, holds the all-time ACC all-purpose yardage record and can now take aim at the NCAA career record. The Lake Butler, Fla., product needs just 700 yards to become one of only five college football players to ever go over 7,000 all-purpose yards for their careers. With just over 1,200, Spiller would pass DeAngelo Williams as the NCAA’s FBS leader in career all-purpose yards.

For Spiller to truly be in the Heisman trophy mix come December, Clemson must win out and put on a show in the ACC title game. If Clemson does win out, Spiller will only need 170 yards per game to take the all-time record from Williams. That feat should be no problem if Spiller continues his current season average of over 200 all-purpose yards per game.

One thing that Spiller doesn’t need to worry about is campaigning for the Heisman. He’s got his coach and athletic department taking care of that. Clemson’s athletic department is preparing a second media blitz in the “Spiller for Heisman” campaign, while Clemson students are flooding Internet polls to show their support for No. 28.

Head coach Dabo Swinney is doing his part for Spiller’s campaign as well.

"He's the best player in college football. Period,” Swinney said of Spiller after the Miami game. “People who don't want to put him in the Heisman race—shame on them."

In reference to Spiller’s overall importance to the team, Dabo said, “If you’re looking at MVPs, Heisman and all that, I don’t know of any player in the country that’s more valuable to their team than C.J.”

Swinney makes a valid point here. Statistics and talent can be openly argued for this season’s Heisman candidates, but as impact on a team goes, the argument begins and ends at C.J. Spiller for Clemson.

Spiller now has eight plays of 60 yards or more in just seven games for the Tigers, and he often single-handedly keeps Clemson afloat offensively.

Left guard Thomas Austin described Spiller’s importance to the team when he said: “To me, it’s more impressive for a guy like C.J. who’s playing on a team that might not have as much talent as some of those other teams. Then you say what would our team be without that player?”

Fortunately, Tiger fans never have to find out thanks to their standout senior. It’s still early in the season for definitive Heisman chatter, but if Clemson wins out and Spiller continues to play like he has through the first half of the season, he should be in New York on Dec. 12, accepting college football’s most prestigious award: the Heisman trophy.

Clemson Midseason Report Card

Joseph Durst — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:10:24 -0400

Clemson is off to a 3-3 start to a season that has thus far underwhelmed by most accounts. Midway through the 2009 campaign, here is the Tigers' Report Card.

Offense: C+

The Tigers' offense hasn’t lived up to expectations through the first half of the season. However, there have been glimpses of greatness, mostly from running back C.J. Spiller.

In addition to Spiller, the emergence of Andre Ellington in the running game has been a nice surprise. Ellington is averaging just under seven yards per carry on the season.

Freshman quarterback Kyle Parker has been up and down, but he looked very solid in the Wake Forest game. Part of his success was due in part to the tight ends, who have begun to pick up the slack left by the wide receiving corps.

Within the receiving corps, Jacoby Ford is having another quality season, but beyond Ford, the drop off is severe. Clemson’s second leading receiver, Marquan Jones, has a mere seven receptions this season.

Once again, the Tigers' offensive line appears to be their primary weakness. This group is better than last year, and occasionally manages to open up good running lanes, but the line continually fails to dominate the trenches or give Kyle Parker much time in the pocket.

Overall, the offense through the first half of the season has been sub par and fairly stale. Against Wake Forest, the offense showed their true potential as Dabo Swinney and Bill Napier added a quarterback draw wrinkle that helped open things up. Clemson ranks eighth in scoring in the ACC at the midpoint and earns a grade of a C+, with much room for improvement.

Defense: A

Kevin Steele’s defense has been ferocious thus far this season. With the exception of road losses at Georgia Tech and Maryland, the defense has completely shut down opposing offenses.

The defensive line has done an excellent job of pressuring quarterbacks this year, as the Tigers have already recorded more sacks than they did all of last season. Ends Ricky Sapp and Da’Quan Bowers have established themselves as one of the best defensive end pairs in the country.

Clemson ranks second in the ACC in pass defense thanks to the superb play of the secondary. Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler are playing well, while safety DeAndre McDaniel is tied for the lead in interceptions per game in the nation.

The linebackers have been a mixed bag this season. Brandon Maye and Kavell Connor are racking up the tackles, but the rest of the linebacking corps trails far behind.

Overall, Clemson’s defense through the first half of the season has been a major strength for the team. The unit stands among the best in the conference, allowing just 17 points per game.

Special Teams: A-

Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller have made the return game a dangerous one for opposing teams to play. The respect they get was evident against Wake Forest who continually kicked humorously short to avoid a possible return. Kicker Richard Jackson has been good so far, save several misses against Maryland. The only downside to the special teams falls to the punter Dawson Zimmerman who is averaging under 40 yards per punt.

Coaching: C+

Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and special teams coordinator Andre Powell have their units running like well-oiled machines most of the time. Steele still must prove he can motivate his defense to come up big on the road though. As far as offense goes, Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier are getting better. They still have a lot to learn and must continue to polish the playbook. The offense seemed to come alive against Wake Forest, but Swinney and Napier need to ensure consistency week to week.

Overall: B-

The Tigers may have disappointed by dropping a game to Maryland and two games to top 15 teams, but Clemson remains in the thick of the Atlantic Division race. With tiebreakers over Wake Forest and Boston College, Clemson is as close to the driver’s seat in the Atlantic as anyone. Even though this team sits at .500 with three tough losses, it remains in position to win the division with a chance for a statement game this Saturday at Miami. All Clemson fans ask for is a shot at an ACC title, and even though it hasn’t been pretty, the Tigers are still in the hunt.

A Call to Action for Clemson Fans: Be Patient

Joseph Durst — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:47:20 -0400

In an increasingly cutthroat college football world, head coaches find themselves with ever-declining job security. One need only briefly scan the college landscape to find worthy head coaches pushed to the brink of losing their jobs.

Bobby Bowden, for example, is the most recent and perhaps most high profile head coach to find himself in hot water. Such is the nature of the business of college football and college sports in general in recent times.

I question the logic of fanaticism that can turn against a coach like Bobby Bowden, who won two national championships and put Florida State football on the map.

Clemson’s new head coach, Dabo Swinney, has found himself in a similar bit of a tight spot. After all, the start to his first full season as head coach has been less than illustrious: Clemson currently holds a losing record and lost just last Saturday to a punching bag Maryland team.

While it’s completely unfair to compare Bobby Bowden, a veteran coach of over 30 years, to Dabo Swinney, a relatively young first year head coach, the sentiments against the two are related. The call for Bobby Bowden’s job and that of Dabo Swinney’s are equally irrational.

Clemson fans want to win NOW, which is understandable. Frankly, who doesn’t? However, winning can’t come overnight. Even a great new head coach needs a season or two under his belt before anything extraordinary happens.

It took John Wooden 16 seasons to win his first National Championship at UCLA. If the fan base had gotten impatient and fired Wooden during a five year postseason drought, UCLA would have missed out on ten NCAA National Championships!

Clemson fans need not look all the way to UCLA basketball in the 1960s for an example of patience being a good idea though. We have a perfectly good example in our own sports history.

In 1980, just his second year as head coach, Danny Ford went a disappointing 6-5 in a season where the team was expected to be bowl-bound. It is often believed that Ford saved his job when he won the final game of the season in a rout of ranked rival South Carolina.

Had cooler heads not prevailed, Danny Ford may well have been fired, and Clemson never would have run the table in 1981 on the way to winning the school’s only National Title.

The moral of the story is patience. Swinney hasn’t blown anyone away just yet, but be patient Clemson fans. Give Dabo a couple of seasons to get his footing before calling for his head. If Swinney never gets a real shot, we may never know what could have been.

All-Time Clemson Team: Special Teams and Honorable Mention

Joseph Durst — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:16:58 -0400

In the third and final installment of my choices for Clemson's all-time football team, I present my case for the special teams unit and honorable mentions. I've picked 10 worthy candidates for honorable mention to join the all time special teams unit.

In case you missed them, you can find my offensive and defensive selections here:

All-Time Clemson Team: Defense

All-Time Clemson Team: Offense

Now for the special teams selections.

Punter: Chris Gardocki

In complete objectivity, Chris Gardocki should get the nod for both punter and place kicker. He was selected as an All-American for both and became the second player in NCAA history to rank in the top five for both punting and place kicking in the same season.

Amazingly, Gardocki never missed a PAT at Clemson, connecting on 72 straight.

Place Kicker: Obed Ariri

Ten years before Chris Gardocki, Obed Ariri reigned as Clemson's dominant kicker. When he graduated from Clemson, he held the all time NCAA record for career field goals at 63. As a two sport athlete, Ariri's soccer legs translated to tremendous field goals time and time again.

Punt Returner: Derrick Hamilton

Derrick Hamilton was an all-purpose beast for Clemson in his day. His kick and punt returning was excellent, but he didn't stop there. He held the Clemson career all-purpose yards record when he graduated.

He also excelled as a receiver and running back.

Kick Returner: Justin Miller

Over the course of his career, Justin Miller averaged 30.7 yards per kickoff return and amassed over 1,500 kick return yards. He was also an exceptional cornerback, but it was his kick returning that won him All-American honors in 2004.

Honorable Mention

1. Rod Gardner (WR)

Rod will always be remembered at Clemson for his game winning push-off heroics against South Carolina, but he should be defined by much more than that.

He had two 1,000-yard receiving seasons at Clemson and remains second in career receptions in Clemson history.

2. Donald Igwebuike (PK)

You may get dizzy trying to say his name three times fast, but Igwebuike had a golden leg. Like Ariri, he split time as a soccer player and had a penchant for nailing those field goals of 50-plus yards that seem so tricky for most.

3. Jim Stuckey (DT)

Stuckey never really had a chance to make the starting defense with the Perry brothers in front of him, but Stuckey was no pushover. He recorded an impressive 314 tackles and 18 sacks in his career.

4. Leroy Hill (LB)

In 2003, Hill put up 27 tackles for a loss and followed it up the next season with five consecutive games with at least one sack. He was awarded All-American honors for his work in 2004.

5. C.J. Spiller (RB, PR/KR)

It may very well have been wrong to leave C.J. Spiller off the starting lineups, but I felt he should finish his career before he receives such distinction.

What can't be disputed is Spiller's position among the all time great offensive weapons in Clemson history. Spiller already holds the Clemson all-purpose yardage record and will likely soon take possession of the ACC record.

6. Aaron Kelly (WR)

Kelly never struck you as the ultimate receiving threat as he went about his business quietly. What he may have lacked in talent, he more than made up for in hard work and brains.

Kelly holds the Clemson career receptions record.

7. Stacy Seegars (G)

Seegars was a two time All-ACC guard, as well as a two time All-American. He averaged five knockdown blocks per game during his Clemson career.

8. Woody Dantzler (QB)

It can be argued that Dantzler was the first great modern hybrid QB. In 2001, Dantzler became the first player in NCAA history to throw for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000.

Many Clemson games were won early this decade on the shoulders of Woody Dantzler.

9. John Phillips (G)

Phillips captured All-ACC and All-American honors in consecutive seasons, as well gaining entrance into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 1999.

10. O.K. Pressley (C)

Although possibly not the most talented center in Clemson history, or even in the top 50 Clemson players of all time, O.K. Pressley was the first player in Clemson history to receive All-American honors and for that, he gets my final honorable mention.

All-Time Clemson Team: Offense

Joseph Durst — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:34:59 -0400

In the second installment of my choices for Clemson's all-time football team, I present my case for the starting offense. Enjoy the rich Clemson tradition that permeates this potent offensive unit.

In case you missed it, you can find my defensive selections here:

Last Installment—All-Time Clemson Team: Defense

Next Installment—All-Time Clemson Team: Special Teams and Honorable Mention

Now for the starting offense.

Quarterback: Steve Fuller

There may be guys in Clemson history with more impressive numbers, but the numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Guys like Woody Dantzler and Charlie Whitehurst put up bigger yardage numbers, but Steve Fuller was the quintessential QB. He led the 1978 Tigers to a No. 6 national ranking and remains Clemson’s only All-American quarterback.

Tailback: Banks McFadden (Captain)

Few remain alive that saw Banks McFadden play college ball, but he remains a legend in Clemson lore. He is widely recognized as the greatest Clemson football player and all-around athlete the school has ever seen.

McFadden was named an All-American in both football and basketball in 1939, in addition to littering the Clemson record books as a passer, runner, punter, and defensive back. He remains the highest drafted player in Clemson history at No. 4 and led the NFL in yards per carry his one year in the league.

Tight End: Bennie Cunningham

As a tight end, Bennie Cunningham was freakish. He sits at No. 16 on Clemson’s all-time reception list; for a tight end, that number of touches is unheard of. He received All-American honors in 1974 and '75 and went on to win two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wide Receivers: Jerry Butler, Perry Tuttle, Joe Blalock

In tandem with Steve Fuller, Jerry Butler was as dangerous a receiver as they come. He gained All-American honors in 1978 and will always be remembered for his game-winning touchdown against rival South Carolina in 1977, now known simply as “The Catch.”

Perry Tuttle became the face of Clemson’s national championship with his celebratory pose on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He left Clemson with All-American honors in 1981 and the Clemson records for career receptions, reception yards, and single season reception yardage.

Joe Blalock played in the early 1940s, becoming the first Tiger to become a two-time All-American. He averaged over 20 yards per catch in his collegiate career and is a charter member of the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame.

Center: Kyle Young

Kyle Young moved mountains in the trenches and led the way for some of Woody Dantzler’s amazing scrambling. He was named an All-American in 2000 and missed only six assignments in 845 plays that season.

Offensive Tackles: Stacy Long and Wayne Mass

A two-time All-American and two-time first team All-ACC recipient, Stacy Long become a force up front. His 141 career knockdown blocks lead all Clemson offensive tackles.

Wayne Mass gained All-American honors in 1966 and All-ACC first team honors in both 1966 and 1967.

Guards: Joe Bostic and Harry Olszewski

Joe Bostic was recognized as a first team All-American in 1977 and '78, as well as being named to the ACC 50-year anniversary team in 2002.

As a first team consensus All-American, Harry Olszewski channeled strength and stability. He started in 30 consecutive collegiate games and was named to the Clemson Centennial team in 1996.

Clemson vs. Boston College: Postgame Notes

Joseph Durst — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:42:00 -0400

After watching the Clemson and Boston College matchup, things are looking good for the Tigers. Having said that, there are still many areas of improvement to be made. I've collected my thoughts in five succinct notes.

1. The defense is one area that needs no improvement. Kevin Steele's unit had a plan, and they dominated the game with that plan. By overwhelming the BC offensive line and throwing in some delayed blitz packages, the front line of the Clemson defense was dependable, consistent, and overbearing.

2. The defensive ends are starting to make some noise. Ricky Sapp and Da'Quan Bowers continually disrupted plays in the backfield. Steele even got creative by putting Bowers at middle linebacker, and having him blow past BC's guard.

3. Kyle Parker can, in fact, play like a freshman. Luckily, he did it in a game that Clemson won with ease. He was 13 of 27 with two interceptions: not exactly the performance fans were expecting. The film should tell the tale, though. Parker rarely, if ever, scanned the field or looked off a safety.

4. Clemson has one heck of a kicker in Richard Jackson. He was 6/6 against Boston College, included a 52 yard beauty. He also kicked a 58 yarder while warming up at the end of the half, and had the distance for 5-10 more yards. His six field goals tie the all time Clemson single game field goal record.

5. Andre Ellington is the future of Clemson football. I've been skeptical about Ellington, and very reluctant to call him the "next C.J. Spiller." I don't want to jump the gun, but watching him run truly is like turning back the clock 4 years and watching a freshman C.J. Spiller run. Ellington has great speed, balance, and vision and averaged an easy five yards a carry against BC. He's averaging nearly 8 yards a touch on the year, and may beat out Jamie Harper to be the premier back next season.

Clemson vs Middle Tennessee: Post Game Notes

Joseph Durst — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:08:36 -0400

At the Clemson, Middle Tennessee matchup tonight, I found several things noteworthy, and simplified my thoughts into five simple points. Here they are:

1. Kevin Steele has done a magnificent job with the Clemson defense. They were strong on red zone stands, and did a good job of pressuring Middle Tennessee's QB. Brandon Maye and Ricky Sapp were especially good in tonight's matchup.

2. Clemson's return game is deadly. Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller are going to reek havoc this year returning punts and kickoffs. Spiller returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and Ford ran a punt all the way back later in the game.

3. The Offensive line still needs some time to gel. They're definitely better than last year's unit, but they could still use some work.

4. The offense was a bit sluggish in the first half, and only a little better in the second half. Most of the problems appeared to be mental mistakes, like Jacoby Ford dropping several balls and a few poor blocks.

5. Jacoby Ford is still really, really fast. OK, so you all knew this already, but seeing him at the beginning of every season is like reinventing the wheel all over again. He picked up all 190 of his all-purpose yards tonight with blinding speed.

All-Time Clemson Team: Defense

Joseph Durst — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:54:25 -0400

In honor of the beginning of the college football season and a new era in Clemson football, I will be unveiling my all-time Clemson football team in a three part series. Considering the depth of football talent that has graced the Clemson gridiron, the task of compiling a single team of all-time greats was not easy.

Having said that, here are my selections for Clemson's all-time head coach, defensive coordinator, and defense. The coaches selected both led Clemson to an undefeated season, and all eleven defensive starters received All-American honors at least once in their collegiate careers.

Without further delay, the best of the best in Clemson football history:

Head Coach: Danny Ford

Picking a head coach for this all-time team other than Frank Howard was difficult, even painful. Having said that, Clemson has a solitary national championship, and Danny Ford won it. Ford received national coach of the year honors for his work that season, and his .760 winning percentage remains highest for any coach in Clemson history who coached over five seasons.

Defensive Coordinator: Frank Howard

Frank Howard is essentially the heart and soul of Clemson football. He coached the Tigers for 39 years and is now buried on cemetery hill, just above the stadium that shares his name. His defenses were once the scourge of the Southeast, and he loved Clemson University like no other.

“I love this place...I've got a spot already picked out where I want 'em to put me when I die—up there on that ole hill near the stadium. I want to be there so I can hear all them people cheering my Tigers on Saturdays…then I won't have to go to Heaven; I'll already be there.”

Defensive Ends: Gaines Adams and Levon Kirkland

Gaines Adams was a force to be reckoned with in the pass rush, tying the Clemson career record for sacks. He was only the second unanimous All-American in Clemson history.

Levon Kirkland landed his spot on the all Clemson team for his two selections as an All American and his fearsome physique.

Defensive Tackles: William Perry and Michael Dean Perry

It’s a shame the Perry brothers weren’t twins because they would have undoubtedly been the best DT combo in the history of college football. William (the fridge) Perry set the Clemson and ACC records for career sacks and the ACC record for career tackles for a loss. Michael Dean followed in his brother William’s footsteps and in the process, broke all three of those records.

Linebackers: Jeff Davis, Anthony Simmons, and Keith Adams

Adams was a two time first team All-American and finished third all time for Clemson career sacks, only trailing the Perry brothers.

With Defensive MVP honors at the 1981 Orange Bowl National Championship and most Clemson career caused fumbles, Jeff Davis (the judge) struck fear in the hearts of opposing running backs.

Named an All-American and All-ACC three years in a row, Anthony Simmons did enormous damage to opposing offenses and did it all before forgoing his senior year for the NFL.

Cornerbacks: Tye Hill and Donnell Woolford

Tye Hill brought consistency and high quality play to the table, week in and week out. He never missed a single game in four years of college and finished his senior year as an All-American first-round draft pick.

Woolford gained consensus All-American honors in 1987 and 1988 and was drafted as the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bears.

Safeties: Terry Kinard and Brian Dawkins

As the first unanimous All-American in Clemson history, Kinard was instrumental in Clemson’s National Championship defense. He gained All-American honors in 1981 and '82.

Perhaps the most talented current NFL Clemson player, Dawkins was no pushover at the collegiate level. He received All-American honors in 1995 and once intercepted three passes in a single quarter.

Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio?: The Decline of Baseball in America

Joseph Durst — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:00:29 -0500

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

Recently, Mark McGwire was once again kept out of the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. I, like many fellow MLB fans, believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that McGwire used steroids and rejoice in his rejection from the Hall.

Unfortunately, the task of that rejection has fallen to writers and media members instead of Major League Baseball. MLB never completely and properly addressed the steroid era, and utterly failed to take action to nip it in the bud.

The endless parade of alleged steroid users only echoes the larger picture of baseball’s sad state in America. The last 15 years have seen the importance of professional baseball enter a tailspin.

The strike of 1994 decimated the image and popularity of the sport. The great bond once experienced between fans and their heroes on the diamond has been shattered. Today’s baseball players lack the passion and swagger that once made the greatest of the greats household names.

The average American no longer connects with baseball as we once did, and although attendance numbers haven’t shown significant change, TV ratings for the World Series have plummeted over the last 20 years.

America’s national pastime has passed on from baseball, and the United States’ dominance in the sport is a thing of the past. The NFL and college football have left Major League Baseball in the dust in almost every way imaginable, except perhaps in salary. Maybe there’s a correlation?

Just when we thought baseball might be saved by the gripping home-run race of 1998, the impressive feat turned bitter as steroid use came to light.

In spite of all the problems and failings of Major League Baseball, I will always love the sport and believe that role models and heroes will continue to step forth from the game. Unfortunately, it will be up to the Baseball Writers of America to tell us whether we should look up to them as great players, or down on them as cheaters.

What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
Joltin' Joe has left and gone away.

Tajh Boyd Headed To Clemson

Joseph Durst — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:22:15 -0500

At a 5 PM press conference today, five-star recruit and U.S. Army Bowl MVP Tajh Boyd announced his decision to attend Clemson University—picking the Tigers over Oregon and Ohio State.

A mere month ago, Clemson was not even in the conversation for Boyd, but a strong push by new head coach Dabo Swinney pulled Tajh on board.

His father, Tim Boyd, was quoted recently comparing the three schools, citing the distance to Oregon and the quarterback situation at Ohio State as concerns for Boyd as he settled on Clemson.

Boyd also attributed his decision to an appreciation for the strong Christian values of Swinney.

Clemson has no set QB for the short or long-term, and Boyd will immediately have the opportunity to establish himself as the quarterback of the future at Clemson. Boyd is rated as the No. 4 QB in the country by scout.com, and capped off his senior season with a state title.

Lightning Strikes Twice: C.J. Spiller to Return for Senior Season

Joseph Durst — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:06:33 -0500

At a press conference earlier this afternoon, C.J. Spiller announced that he will return for a senior season at Clemson. It was just three years that Spiller held Tiger fans in equal suspense as he decided whether or not to transfer to Florida.

Ironically, it was Spiller's mother who convinced C.J. to stick it out at Clemson three years ago. This time around, C.J. revealed, his mother wanted him to go pro.

The return is a huge boost to a Clemson offense that will be already be losing James Davis, Aaron Kelly, and Cullen Harper. Next season, Spiller will be the featured back, getting the vast majority of carries ahead of Jamie Harper, next on the depth chart.

Spiller has averaged 5.4 yards per carry over the past two years while splitting time with James Davis. This past season, Spiller became a truly multi-dimensional back by adding an impressive passing game to his rushing and return numbers.

No doubt, C.J. Spiller will be THE offensive weapon in the Clemson back field next season. Clemson fans are looking forward to seeing lightning strike one more time next season.

Year in Review: Top 10 Sports Heroes of 2008

Joseph Durst — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:16:58 -0500

2008 has been one of the great sports years of the modern era. Sports like baseball, basketball, football, and soccer that traditionally garner considerable interest shined brightly this year. In addition, sports like tennis, golf, track, and swimming achieved new heights in public attention and interest due to unparalled performances in those sports. This is a tribute to the sports heroes behind those great performances. Without further delay: the top ten sports heroes of 2008.

Begin Slideshow

Thirty Years Later: Clemson Football from Danny to Dabo

Joseph Durst — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:56:18 -0500

They say history repeats itself, and for Clemson fans, it appears that the last three decades of Clemson football have come full circle.

Thirty years ago, before the 1978 Gator Bowl, Danny Ford was named head coach of the Clemson football team. Ford, a native of Alabama, made his mark quickly by beating Ohio State and the legendary Woody Hayes in the Gator Bowl.

Ford had played football at the University of Alabama under the great Bear Bryant and had been an assistant at Clemson for nine years before getting the head coaching job when former head coach Charley Pell left for Florida.

Clemson football reached new heights under Ford, a now beloved figure in Tiger football lore. Just three short years after taking over the head coaching job, Ford led Clemson to its first and only national championship.

Ford became the youngest head coach to win a Division I national championship, a record he still holds. Clemson defeated Nebraska in the 1982 Orange Bowl, with Danny Ford getting the better of famous Nebraska coach Tom Osborne.

Fast-forward 30 years to the present. Clemson hasn’t won the ACC title in 17 years and just hired a brand new coach that no one had heard of six months ago. In less than a month, Clemson will play Nebraska for the first time since the 1982 Orange Bowl.

Tom Osborne is now the Athletic Director at Nebraska, and Clemson’s new head coach, Dabo Swinney, just got the permanent coaching job a few short weeks ago.

Swinney, a native of Alabama, will have a chance to make his mark quickly in the Gator Bowl against a good Nebraska team. Swinney played football at the University of Alabama under the great Gene Stallings and was an assistant at Clemson for six years before getting the head coaching job when former head coach Tommy Bowden was forced out.

Clemson has a chance to reach new heights under Swinney, and many Tiger fans believe he is capable of great success at Clemson. We see in Swinney the same passion, youth, and ability that we saw in Danny Ford.

Only time will tell how much more Danny and Dabo may end up having in common. Whatever the case may be, it took four coaches and 30 years, but Clemson football has come full circle.

Its Official: Dabo Swinney Locks Up Head Coaching Job

Joseph Durst — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:26:41 -0500

We all knew it was coming, but Monday afternoon, Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips announced that Dabo Swinney will remain Clemson's head coach.

A four year contract was previously reported by sources close to the University, but Phillips announced today that the contract will, in fact, be five years. The specifics of the deal will not be released until the Clemson board of Trustees approves the contract.

Both Clemson President James Barker and Phillips lavished praise on Swinney's character and coaching abilities.

"Coach Swinney has demonstrated that he is a very capable coach who is committed to competing athletically at the highest levels while maintaining equally high standards for academic performance and personal development of student-athletes," said Barker.

"I have had the opportunity to watch Dabo Swinney closely over the last six years both on and off the field," Phillips said.

"He is one of the bright young coaches in America. He took over a very difficult situation for the last six games and showed me what type of coach and leader he is. I was very impressed by the way the team responded to his leadership. That spoke volumes for his abilities. We are proud to have him represent Clemson as our head football coach."

Swinney will be the 25th head coach in Clemson football history, and became somewhat emotional at his press conference, commenting that he of all people was rarely speechless.

Dabo Swinney, Clemson's Fearless Leader

Joseph Durst — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:38:22 -0500

It was just over a month ago that I wrote an article arguing that Dabo Swinney should retain the Clemson coaching job after this season. Today, he virtually assured himself the job, with a 31-14 beatdown of instate rival South Carolina.

Swinney has won four of his last five games and brought Clemson to bowl eligibility after a 3-4 record at mid-season. More importantly, today he took the first steps to the heart of any Clemson fan by beating South Carolina.

As the game wound down and the crowd at Death Valley chanted Da-bo Swin-ney, I took a look at the two coaches across the field from each other. What I found surprised and excited me.

On one sideline, I found an old coach, a man who was brilliant in his day, but who never should have left Florida. I saw a man who quit on his team by never switching to a no-huddle offense and refusing to use any of his three time outs.

I saw Steve Spurrier, a man too proud to ever look desperate for a win and a man tired of coaching his failing team.

On the Clemson sidelines, there was Dabo Swinney. He ran up and down the sidelines, coaching players up and calling them down. He was never too proud to show enthusiasm or afraid of looking foolish. Swinney looked like he had bled Clemson orange his entire life and finally had the opportunity to coach there.

In this comparison, I found the true reason why I want Dabo Swinney as Clemson’s next head coach. In a flashy or big name coaching hire, there is a danger that the coach and school will remain separate entities.

Since big-name Spurrier arrived at Carolina, I have never really considered him a Gamecock. His big name and big history have kept his persona and the Gamecock nation from mixing like oil and vinegar.

That’s why I want Dabo Swinney as Clemson’s next head coach. I want the guy with the coaching talent who is willing to become the face of a program and prepared to grow alongside the program.

Many fans want a flashy hire, but how often do flashy hires really work out? How many more times does a legendary coach rise up from within a program?

I, for one, will eagerly await the announcement of Dabo Swinney as the permanent head coach and hope that he will retain his enthusiasm for the game and lead Clemson to great things.

All the President’s Men: A Cabinet of College Football Coaches

Joseph Durst — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:03:03 -0500

Sports has long been the sanctuary for the hard working American. Sports are an escape from the grind of daily life—our jobs, our troubles, and the troubles of the world. They have stood as a sanctuary away from the real world.

In this past presidential election however, politics clamored into the sports arena with the greatest force seen since perhaps the 1936 Summer Olympics in Nazi Germany.

Candidates in the previous election recognized a massive voting bloc in this country that tends to go untapped. Whether it was the candidates on Monday Night Football or Sarah Palin dropping a puck at a hockey game, the political world was unabashed about its invasion of sports.

Players came out in support of candidates in record numbers; even pushing some teams, like the Cleveland Browns, to put a gag order on political discussion in the locker rooms.

Now that the election is over, I and many of my fellow sports fans were expecting to be rid of politics (at least for four years). Unfortunately, we were sadly mistaken.

In a recent 60 minutes interview, president-elect Barack Obama claimed that he would “throw his weight around a little bit” to get a college football playoff system enacted.

I, for one, am tired of politics in my sports, and thought that it would only be fair to turn the tables. If politics can intrude in sports, let’s take sports to politics and return the favor.

Since Obama is so interested in college football, why don’t we take a look at his potential cabinet… on the sole condition that he must pick from college football coaches.

1. Secretary of State – Bobby Bowden (Florida State)
If there is a face of college football the last thirty years, it has probably been Bobby Bowden. Few college football coaches have ever been as liked or respected as Bowden. He always speaks his mind and he’s friendly to a fault – a perfect representative of college football.

2. Secretary of the Treasury – Phillip Fulmer (Tennessee)
We need a Secretary of the Treasury who understands the current financial crisis. In Phillip Fulmer, we have an insider. No one better understands the current bailout and golden parachute situation than Fulmer, who will be paid 6 million dollars at the end of the season to stop coaching. Also, is there any way that Phillip Fulmer is former Republican presidential candidate, Fred Thompson’s long lost brother?

3. Secretary of Defense – Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech)
Frank Beamer truly is the master of the defensive game. His success in defensive turnovers and special teams has made the term “Beamer Ball” an everyday phrase in college football.

4. Attorney General – Steve Spurrier (South Carolina)
When it comes to quarterbacks, Steve Spurrier is the prosecuting attorney, the judge, and the jury. He has an impressive conviction rate, having only coached one college quarterback that he never pulled out of a game. This year, Spurrier has tried three different QB’s at South Carolina.

5. Secretary of Agriculture – Chris Peterson (Boise State)
Every year Peterson somehow manages to grow nationally recognized Boise State teams from the barren recruiting soil that is Idaho.

6. Secretary of Transportation – Nick Saban (Alabama)
Saban has travelled the college football landscape like few others. He’s been the head coach at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama. He enjoyed success at all four schools and is currently challenging for his second national championship.

7. Secretary of Energy – Mike Leach (Texas Tech)
The media loves Mike Leach because of his energy and great sound bites. A 64 team playoff? Who knows what he’ll say next.

8. Secretary of Education – Charlie Weis (Notre Dame)
Things are not as they should be at South Bend, but Notre Dame still has the highest graduation rate among BCS college football teams.

9. Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Joe Paterno (Penn State)
After 59 seasons on the Penn State coaching staff, Paterno (81) was the runaway favorite to represent the veterans.

10. Secretary of Homeland Security – Bob Stoops (Oklahoma)
No one defends home field like Bob Stoops and Oklahoma. Stoops holds the best home winning percentage among BCS coaches with a staggering 59-2 record at Memorial Stadium.

Clemson Interviews Lane Kiffin

Joseph Durst — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:47:21 -0500

It was recently reported that Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips has interviewed former Oakland Raider's coach, Lane Kiffin, within the last two weeks.

Kiffin joins Brent Venables, Oklahoma defensive coordinator, as the second candidate known to have been interviewed for the job.

Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson and Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp are also widely believed to be near the top of Clemson's list.

Terry Don Phillips has promised an interview to interim head coach, Dabo Swinney, at the end of the season. Swinney's stock has dropped some after going 1-2 in his first three games, and Clemson's success or failure in its final three games will go a long way in determining Swinney's future.

The Tigers play Duke on homecoming at Death Valley Saturday at noon.

Five Reasons Clemson Should Keep Dabo Swinney

Joseph Durst — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:03:20 -0400

1. Familiarity with the program

Dabo Swinney has been at Clemson since 2003 under Tommy Bowden and has a level of familiarity with the football program that would take an outsider years to obtain.

This fact couldn’t have been more obvious in Swinney’s attempt to reach out to the Clemson fanbase and student body last week. He’s well aware of the impressive fan support that Clemson can muster when the fans and students are challenged.

Few coaches coming from the outside could “take the pulse” of the program like Dabo Swinney has. It took Tommy Bowden, for example, several years after coming to Clemson to realize he had a fan support muscle that could be flexed.

2. Energy

After 10 years of Tommy Bowden, the fans at Clemson are ready for an emotional leader. We want to see someone at the helm of the team that understands our emotional highs and lows.

The extent of Tommy Bowden’s emotional release was picking a ref and chewing him out for three quarters of every game. I want a coach who isn’t afraid to hug his wide receiver after a great catch or to discipline a loafing kicker in the middle of a game.

3. Recruiting

It’s no secret to Clemson fans that Dabo Swinney has been the man behind the curtain of Bowden’s recruiting success for some time now. Swinney has been a force in the recruiting world, bringing in many of Clemson’s recent blue-chip players and being ranked in 2005, 2006, and 2007 by Rivals.com as a top 25 recruiter in the country.

4. Terry Don Phillips (Clemson Athletic Director)

Terry Don Phillips has taken a considerable amount of heat the last two years. From within the university, he was criticized for keeping Tommy Bowden around too long, and from those outside the Clemson community, he was attacked for changing coaches midseason.

I joined in the criticism myself after I saw him on the sidelines of the Georgia Tech game talking to Swinney. ADs have no place on the sidelines meddling in the coaching aspects of the game. However, I found his explanation that he was merely vocally upset over a poor holding call against Clemson to be satisfactory.

Whatever criticism you may have of Terry Don Phillips, it’s hard to ignore the gains Clemson athletics as a whole have made under the Phillips administration. The football program is now better than it was under (a name that goes unspoken among the Tiger faithful for good reason) Tommy West, and basketball has made huge strides under Oliver Purnell.

All of this leads to my point that Terry Don Phillips is, in fact, a good athletic director and knows good coaching potential when he sees it. As AD of Oklahoma State, he brought on board both Les Miles and Mike Gundy. Les Miles went on to win a national title at LSU, and Mike Gundy is now the head coach of the sixth-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Ultimately, if Phillips makes a poor hire this offseason, it will likely be his last at Clemson. As a result he will be fearless in picking whoever he believes to be the best man for the job, big name or not. Based on Phillips' successful past, I trust him to make the right hire, and based on what he said this week about the program’s direction, he appears to be leaning toward Swinney.

5. Clemson Tradition

Most Clemson fans won’t admit it, but what we all really want deep down is another Danny Ford (if Ford himself is not a possibility). Ford brought Clemson its crowning achievement in the form of a national championship that makes fans feel that their program is (rightly or not) superior to in-state rival’s South Carolina’s and many of the ACC programs Clemson plays on a week to week basis.

The similarities between Swinney and Ford are certainly striking: Both men were born in Alabama, attended the University of Alabama, and played varsity football there (all three things also happen to be held in common with legendary Clemson coach Frank Howard). Ford and Swinney also share an enthusiastic energy and unusual youth as head football coaches at a large Division I school.

It’s certainly not much of a job qualification to have a few glaring similarities with the Clemson coaching elite, but maybe it’ll be enough to tip the scales and allow the administration at Clemson to do the right thing and give Swinney a shot.