Clemson Fan- My Thoughts

[Palmer103]

First, it's great to have you guys in the ACC. I wanted to give my thoughts on our upcoming game, and also give my take on some things I've read from the Cuse fans and team.

Home field- I was actually kind of surprised to learn that this game hasn't sold out and that there is so much emphasis on having a sellout. I think it would be great if it was, but I think people are kind of overemphasizing the impact it will have on the game for a couple reasons. While not having AC might impact a bunch of NE schools that you usually play, Clemson plays in 90-100 degree weather all summer (with 100% humidity) and runs the HUNH offense. We also have some really good quality depth across the board, so I doubt the elements will play much role in this game. I know it will be loud, but it's not something that Clemson and Tajh haven't seen before. Probably comparable to a NC State or GT, which have some great gameday environments and can be very hard to win in.

*Confidence- Pretty surprised to see the level of confidence from your team, particularly your QB. Amazing what a couple wins over Tulane and Wagner will do to a team. I'm not sure I would have gone this route, but I respect it and feel like you have every right to feel confident in your chances to win. I'm just not sure I would have put that on paper. Which brings me to my next point that Clemson is overlooking this game, which I can assure you isn't the case. If you win the game, it will be because you were the better team. We didn't play great at NC State, but it wasn't b/c we were under prepared or overlooked them. Morris and Venables are some of the best game planners in the business, IMO, but you still got to execute. We did a pretty poor job of that at NC State and if it happens again on Saturday, you guys will have a chance to win in the 4th Qtr.

To me the key to the game is your Dline. You guys MUST get consistent pressure bringing 4, 5 at the most. With Clemson's speed on the outside, you are in for a very long day if you blitz us like you did NW. Just too much speed on the outside for Clemson to put your guys into too many 1-1 situations.

I see you guys being really up for this one, and won't be surprised one bit if we fall behind in the beginning. I envision a close half time score with Clemson pulling away in the 2nd half to win by about 10-14. I got it 41-30 Clemson.

Looking forward to a great game!

 

[bnoro]

2 things - a packed dome is nothing like 90 degree temps with 100% humidity. It is purely unique. Same with the way the noise gathers under the dome. If you are going, you'll see.

as for confidence, a lot of us here are tongue in cheek with our predictions, but why shouldn't the players be confident? They should have faith in themselves to win a game, and they certainly aren't going to come out and say Clemson is going to roll us.

 

[All4SU]

Good post. I'm not sure where you get that SU is more confident than they should be. I haven't seen any of that. But I expect every team to be confident. If they aren't, then they shouldn't be playing. Fwiw, the attitude of the team changed 180 degrees when Hunt became the starter.

Full dome crowds are hard to come by until the team is a consistent winner again. The fans/locals need to see a winner.

Agree with you about our DLine. We don't want to have to blitz every down.

Also think we have to demonstrate we can run the ball effectively, and not turn the ball over. The obvious stuff.

Frankly just looking forward to playing a great team in the dome, which is a fantastic venue for college football. The crowd is right on top of you, so it is a different feel than all other facilities...kind of an arena football feel to it. And 45,000 can sound like 80,000. I've never been to see a game at Clemson, but I've been to Michigan in front of 111,000 fans, and the Dome is much louder. Of course, it could also be because SU spanked Michigan that day too.

 

[xc84]

First, it's great to have you guys in the ACC. I wanted to give my thoughts on our upcoming game, and also give my take on some things I've read from the Cuse fans and team.

Home field- I was actually kind of surprised to learn that this game hasn't sold out and that there is so much emphasis on having a sellout. I think it would be great if it was, but I think people are kind of overemphasizing the impact it will have on the game for a couple reasons. While not having AC might impact a bunch of NE schools that you usually play, Clemson plays in 90-100 degree weather all summer (with 100% humidity) and runs the HUNH offense. We also have some really good quality depth across the board, so I doubt the elements will play much role in this game. I know it will be loud, but it's not something that Clemson and Tajh haven't seen before. Probably comparable to a NC State or GT, which have some great gameday environments and can be very hard to win in.

*Confidence- Pretty surprised to see the level of confidence from your team, particularly your QB. Amazing what a couple wins over Tulane and Wagner will do to a team. I'm not sure I would have gone this route, but I respect it and feel like you have every right to feel confident in your chances to win. I'm just not sure I would have put that on paper. Which brings me to my next point that Clemson is overlooking this game, which I can assure you isn't the case. If you win the game, it will be because you were the better team. We didn't play great at NC State, but it wasn't b/c we were under prepared or overlooked them. Morris and Venables are some of the best game planners in the business, IMO, but you still got to execute. We did a pretty poor job of that at NC State and if it happens again on Saturday, you guys will have a chance to win in the 4th Qtr.

To me the key to the game is your Dline. You guys MUST get consistent pressure bringing 4, 5 at the most. With Clemson's speed on the outside, you are in for a very long day if you blitz us like you did NW. Just too much speed on the outside for Clemson to put your guys into too many 1-1 situations.

I see you guys being really up for this one, and won't be surprised one bit if we fall behind in the beginning. I envision a close half time score with Clemson pulling away in the 2nd half to win by about 10-14. I got it 41-30 Clemson.

Looking forward to a great game!

Crowd - we don't want a sellout to increase the temperature. We want it for the noise. It's enclosed so the noise can be deafening. If we start out well, you'll see. I do agree that heat and humidity will not favor the home team but the noise level hopefully will.

Confidence - They (SU) think they can beat Clemson. I would want nothing less. We have had some good upsets here, none more thrilling than a 1984 win against #1 Nebraska. To me, this a bit like that game except there will be a lot more people there and believe it or not, it won't be as big an upset. No one is thinking wins v. Tulane and Wagner make us a national contender but we do see a team that has improved after losses to PSU and Northwestern under a different QB. As for Clemson players overlooking this game. Their interviews come across that way. Maybe it's a relaxed southern thing but I have the feeling that if someone asked some of them why they thought they would beat Boston College this week, they would say why without correcting the questioner. That's just my take.

 

[dollarbill44]

Lol. A lot of visiting fans have said this before coming here. If it is full and loud, it is like no other place I've watched a sporting event.

 

[TheCusian]

They think our players are cocky because Hunt is confident, via this home spun propaganda: http://www.tigernet.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=1274327&tstart=0 Shafer's "lock them in the dome" is getting some play too.

I'll say one thing - for all of the classy Clemson fans posting here this week - their board is filled with overconfident blowhards. Sheesh. I was thinking I'd root for them vs FSU if they win vs us - but man, that forum is a akin to clogged toilet.

 

[sufandu]

Pretty good points. I think you may be underestimating how loud the Dome can be. I'm not saying our fans are any louder than anyone else, but the Dome is a unique stadium. The crowd is very close to the field (think Cameron Indoor), and the sound reverberates off the roof, making it louder than most open stadiums. Bnoro is right when he said the heat thing is also unique. It's why guys from Tennessee were cramping when they came in in '98. I'm not saying your players aren't in shape or that you don't have depth, it's just different. The scary thing for us is that our players may not have ever experienced it either.

I'm not exactly sure what to expect. Our offense has looked good the last two games but against the likes of Wagner and Tulane. Our d-line has not produced a consistent pass rush going back to last season, and I think that will be our biggest challenge. The one thing I'm confident of is that your players will leave the dome knowing they played a physical team.

 

[Palmer103]

2 things - a packed dome is nothing like 90 degree temps with 100% humidity. It is purely unique. Same with the way the noise gathers under the dome. If you are going, you'll see.

as for confidence, a lot of us here are tongue in cheek with our predictions, but why shouldn't the players be confident? They should have faith in themselves to win a game, and they certainly aren't going to come out and say Clemson is going to roll us.

In my OP, I did say that I have no problem with the confidence from the team expecting to win, just that I wouldn't have gone to the media with that. Most of what I'm basing this on is summed up in this article, but there have been other things too. Again, no problem with it, just surprised and wouldn't have been so public about it myself...

http://www.tigernet.com/story/football/Opposing-sideline-Syracuse-confident-win-No-3-Clemson-12069

 

[690West]

They think our players are cocky because Hunt is confident, via this home spun propaganda: http://www.tigernet.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=1274327&tstart=0 Shafer's "lock them in the dome" is getting some play too.

I'll say one thing - for all of the classy Clemson fans posting here this week - their board is filled with overconfident blowhards. Sheesh. I was thinking I'd root for them vs FSU if they win vs us - but man, that forum is a akin to clogged toilet.

Its the difference between a moderated forum and the wild west.

 

[TheCusian]

Its the difference between a moderated forum and the wild west.

Or the difference to a public park rest room and a members only country club bathroom ; ).

 

[Palmer103]

So, I've obviously never seen a game in the dome, but seen Clemson play in the UGA Dome quite often. I get that it is closed in, etc, and it isn't the same as other venues, but I also think it needs to be kept in perspective. I've never seen the Carrier Dome at the top of lists on toughest places to play (where Clemson is a fixture).

I'd be interested to see your take on where the Carrier Dome ranks compared to some other home fields that I have been to and/or are more familar with.

Here is the list:
FSU
Auburn
SC
UGA
GT
NC State
VT
UNC
MD

 

[storange]

Overconfident I heard your scout team was running FSU plays this week

 

[Palmer103]

Crowd - we don't want a sellout to increase the temperature. We want it for the noise. It's enclosed so the noise can be deafening. If we start out well, you'll see. I do agree that heat and humidity will not favor the home team but the noise level hopefully will.

Confidence - They (SU) think they can beat Clemson. I would want nothing less. We have had some good upsets here, none more thrilling than a 1984 win against #1 Nebraska. To me, this a bit like that game except there will be a lot more people there and believe it or not, it won't be as big an upset. No one is thinking wins v. Tulane and Wagner make us a national contender but we do see a team that has improved after losses to PSU and Northwestern under a different QB. As for Clemson players overlooking this game. Their interviews come across that way. Maybe it's a relaxed southern thing but I have the feeling that if someone asked some of them why they thought they would beat Boston College this week, they would say why without correcting the questioner. That's just my take.

I'm really glad you brought this up on the player interviews. If you are unfamiliar with Clemson, I completely get why you would think that. The interviews were the same before UGA and will be the same before FSU. We respect the hell out of every opponent we face, but the players don't talk about that. It has been beaten into them to control what you can control and it's about Clemson and not the opponent. If the other team beats you, so be it, but don't let Clemson beat you. They are very well schooled, on how to answer and handle these press conferences. One of the reasons I was surprised by your QB being so open about his feelings. Guess I've just adapted to the way Clemson does things. Not saying one way is better than the other, just different strokes for different folks...

If you want more perspective on Syracuse, listen to Morris's and Venable's weekly press conference. They'll get into much more specifics about the opponent, without obviously disclosing the game plan.

 

[bnoro]

In my OP, I did say that I have no problem with the confidence from the team expecting to win, just that I wouldn't have gone to the media with that. Most of what I'm basing this on is summed up in this article, but there have been other things too. Again, no problem with it, just surprised and wouldn't have been so public about it myself...

http://www.tigernet.com/story/football/Opposing-sideline-Syracuse-confident-win-No-3-Clemson-12069

Didn't see that article, but it's odd those quotes haven't been reported anywhere else... Not saying they're fabricated but they seem a bit questionable.

 

[Palmer103]

Overconfident I heard your scout team was running FSU plays this week

Lol, there is zero chance that was the case. Guess if you dig deep enough, you can find anything on the internet. Would love to hear where you heard this from...

 

[cuseincincy]

In my OP, I did say that I have no problem with the confidence from the team expecting to win, just that I wouldn't have gone to the media with that. Most of what I'm basing this on is summed up in this article, but there have been other things too. Again, no problem with it, just surprised and wouldn't have been so public about it myself...

http://www.tigernet.com/story/football/Opposing-sideline-Syracuse-confident-win-No-3-Clemson-12069

I don't really see what you find surprising. Hunt says he could see flaws or misreads in the defense when analyzing the film. I bet the Clemson coaches saw those same things. I mainly read that our players are not going to be awed because #3 Clemson is coming in. Been there done that. Lousiville came in last year at #9 and undefeated and SU took em to the woodshed in a game that was not as close as the final score of 45-26. Year before #15 WVU came in and after a 49-23 whipping limped back to the hills. Make no mistake that we understand that Clemson deserves to be the 14 point favorites they are. But no one wearing Syracuse Orange will be shocked if we find a way to win. Hopefully it will be a great game and SU doesn't lay a big fat egg. We really do not know how good our team is. We are not the same team that lost to PSU & NW but all we know is we can beat the crap out if crappy teams.

 

[storange]

Lol, there is zero chance that was the case. Guess if you dig deep enough, you can find anything on the internet. Would love to hear where you heard this from...

I heard from a very warm compassionate down to earth poster,, that nobody ever questions hes know as Saint Tristen

 

[GoCuse14]

I heard Clemson is only bringing their B team. Thats over confidence!

All kidding aside, hope both teams play hard and there are no injuries. Well I hope we play hard and Clemson forgets to show...being honest.

 

[sutomcat]

So, I've obviously never seen a game in the dome, but seen Clemson play in the UGA Dome quite often. I get that it is closed in, etc, and it isn't the same as other venues, but I also think it needs to be kept in perspective. I've never seen the Carrier Dome at the top of lists on toughest places to play (where Clemson is a fixture).

I'd be interested to see your take on where the Carrier Dome ranks compared to some other home fields that I have been to and/or are more familar with.

Here is the list:
FSU
Auburn
SC
UGA
GT
NC State
VT
UNC
MD

I have been to Byrd Stadium before. The crowd was very laid back, the seats were far from the field, there was little in the way of a home field advantage.
This was before the stadium was renovated. Perhaps it is better now.

The crowd is closer to the field at the Dome than at any venue for college football I have ever attended. The roof makes it exceptionally loud as well.

Can't speak for the others you list, though I have been to UVa, which was also a relatively quiet and sedate atmosphere for college football, not unlike BC.

 

[Palmer103]

I heard from a very warm compassionate down to earth poster,, that nobody ever questions hes know as Saint Tristen

Lol, I'll take what I know about our program, how we do things, and the fact that this hasn't even been mentioned in any clemson circles over your source...

 

[JeremyCuse]

Lol, I'll take what I know about our program, how we do things, and the fact that this hasn't even been mentioned in any clemson circles over your source...

Hes jonesing you, Tristan is a former member here. Inside joke.

 

[OrangeTarheel]

Such a great week to be a 'cuse fan -- with a 2-2 record and a change of QB's after 2 games we have little to lose and everything to gain by playing the #3/4 team (!) in the country. Clemson beat #5 Georgia and has us and Boston College before #8 FSU. If they win that it won't matter if they lose to South Carolina in the last game.

Great position for us, lots more expectations on the Tigers as they set their sights on #1. The longer the game stays close the more pressure there is on those Tigers and the more confident the Orange becomes ...

 

[storange]

Lol, I'll take what I know about our program, how we do things, and the fact that this hasn't even been mentioned in any clemson circles over your source...

No its a inside joke I think as a 14 point underdog you have to pump your kids with confidence. Your beaten before you leave the tunnel if you dont. And I don't blame Clemson players for being a little cocky, They have already handled Georgia and their playing a team that got blown away by NW and beaten by a very mediocre PSU so lets have at it

 

[Palmer103]

I have been to Byrd Stadium before. The crowd was very laid back, the seats were far from the field, there was little in the way of a home field advantage.
This was before the stadium was renovated. Perhaps it is better now.

The crowd is closer to the field at the Dome than at any venue for college football I have ever attended. The roof makes it exceptionally loud as well.

Can't speak for the others you list, though I have been to UVa, which was also a relatively quiet and sedate atmosphere for college football, not unlike BC.

Got ya. FWIW, and what I know about Syracuse, I would certainly put the Carrier dome over BC, UVA, and MD. No doubt about that...

 

[jkm54]

I'm really glad you brought this up on the player interviews. If you are unfamiliar with Clemson, I completely get why you would think that. The interviews were the same before UGA and will be the same before FSU. We respect the hell out of every opponent we face, but the players don't talk about that. It has been beaten into them to control what you can control and it's about Clemson and not the opponent. If the other team beats you, so be it, but don't let Clemson beat you. They are very well schooled, on how to answer and handle these press conferences. One of the reasons I was surprised by your QB being so open about his feelings. Guess I've just adapted to the way Clemson does things. Not saying one way is better than the other, just different strokes for different folks...

If you want more perspective on Syracuse, listen to Morris's and Venable's weekly press conference. They'll get into much more specifics about the opponent, without obviously disclosing the game plan.

So what you are saying is that there are unique details/characteristics about the Clemson program that the casual college football fan might not know about and may misinterpret? Well, I guess we'd say the same about the Syracuse program, such as perhaps comparing the Carrier Dome to the Georgia Dome. As many have said, a packed Carrier Dome is a unique place to play. It's not on many lists because a packed Carrier Dome hasn't existed since the McNabb years. One of the other posters made mention to the fact that even our players might not know how to play in it. If we were continually packing the Dome, I think you'd see it climb the list of more difficult places to play. Gotta have a winning program to get there.

As for confidence, from the player's standpoint, I don't really see anything on there that is "motivational locker room" material and certainly not anything disrespectful. As for the fans, we've done ok against some ranked opponents in the past, we're excited to be in a legitimate conference with multiple legitimate opponents, and we're a fanbase that is jonesing for a winning program. These games (we hope) are a way to get there. We're also pretty excited because our AD sends several big name opponents to a stadium 5 hours away to play us and we actually get this one in the Dome. We're excited by the progress we think our team may have shown over the past 2 weeks, and we're hoping for a good game.

To me, it just seems you're willing to point out what makes Clemson different, but eager to simplify the things that might make Syracuse different.

But who really cares? I'm sure we both want the same things for our teams, a W.