What Type of Fan Are You?

Sports at every level are a great thing. Although sometimes sports lead to unnecessary violence and pure hatred towards another teams and fans, sports also has the ability to bring people from various backgrounds together and be used for in a more positive way. I can't count the number of times I've high-fived, hugged, carried on genuine small-talk conversations or randomly yelled "Go Tigers!" and started a cadence chant with a complete stranger throughout my twenty years of life. However throughout the years, I've noticed not all fans are created equal. As sports fans, we all fall into different categories. This post takes a look at the different kinds of fans you will come across during your lifetime.



Lets start from the bottom and work our way to the top because, well that's just the logical thing to do here in my opinion.

The Bandwagoner:
We all know at least one person that can fit into this category. (See 75% of Miami Heat fans today) These fans disgust me. Either they have abandoned their team and joined another or simply joined a fan base because a team has put together a string of successful seasons or won a few championships and all of the sudden they wake up one day and decide "hmmm I think I'm gonna pull for the team that's at the top of the league"...and BOOM! They are now a fan. Nobody likes a bandwagoner. Nobody. One day they are reppin' The Steelers, then the next time you turn around they are decked out in Texans gear. Pick a team and stay with it, bro!

The Advanced Bandwagoner:

Shout out to the advanced bandwagoner, though. Despite still being a bandwagon fan, these guys at least put some work in and can name a few former players and coaches. Might can remember the last time "their team" won a championship (IF that has even occurred) and they are quick to defend their loyalty which is, as Charles Ramsey says, a DEAD GIVEAWAY! If you are true fan, you should never even be questioned or have to answer to someone about your loyalty to your team. They will know without question that you are the real deal. If you have ever had to say I'm not a bandwagon, chances are...you probably are. Sorry to break the news to you, but someone has to do it.









The Closet/Fair-weather Fan:
These guys are also some of the worst around. Although you know these guys are fans, they don't really show it all the time like they should. When times are rough and their team is losing they either disappear completely or have a truck load of excuses. But just when they get a winning season or pull a big upset/beat your team, they are blowing up your phone and drive around town with their car flags waving in the air for the next month. Don't be a closet fan! Support your team through thick and thin! You can't truly enjoy the great, mountain top moments without experiencing the embarrassing and valley low moments too.




The "Overboard" Fan:
These guys are actually genuine fans, but take the game a bit overboard. These are the guys that had a few too many beers before they walked into the stadium. They forget (or don't care) that kids are around and yell profanity and talk junk the entire game annoying even their own fellow fans. These guys are best off staying at home but continue to show up every game and put a damper on everyone else's game day experience. Most importantly, these guys are the ones that get arrested for starting a fight halfway through the game once that whiskey really beings to sink in. Sadly, as hard as it is to believe (even for me at times) it really is JUST A GAME. Causing harm to someone/something or ruining a friendship/relationship over a game is just stupid. Don't do it.

The Devoted Fan:
Mad props to these guys. Despite your team being irrelevant pretty much your entire life, you show up every game and cheer your butt off although most of the time you leave the stadium watching the opposing team celebrate. You keep faith alive though and continue to support your team even when you know deep down, they are absolutely terrible. These guys deserve an award. We need more of these type of fans in the world. Never offering up excuses and they have learned to take the heckling like a champ and not be a sore loser. Hats off to the devoted fans of the world. Your day will come, but until then, keep on keeping on! And remember, if you don't remember it, it didn't happen. (Well..... not really, but still.)







The Extreme Tailgater:
One of the best known and favorite of all fans across the board. This guy probably hasn't been inside the stadium since Nixon was president, but every game day he arrives early and pulls up in his RV with a grill/smoker, tables, TVs and of course plenty of food. Hard to not like this guy ( free food...HELLO!!!) These guys are also the real deal cause I'll tell ya what...tailgating is not cheap. They might not attend the games but between paying for their prime parking spot and  providing a mouth-watering spread every weekend, these guys definitely support their team in their own special way. Gotta love the hardcore tailgaters. New Orleans-Style gumbo, anyone?



The Life-long Fan: 
This guy likely grew up coming to games with his dad and learned all the tools of trade that are needed for a successful game day trip. Its a family tradition that gets passed down and you are born and bred into this fan base. You probably attend/attended school here and will one day love reflecting back on your college days. Your old man might have had a solid parking spot/season tickets as well that he passes down to keep in the family. Another real fan here that hopefully keeps the family tradition alive and remains an active supporter of the school or organization their entire life.


And last but not least........

The Die-Hard Fan:
This one goes without saying. Everyone who knows or has seen this guy knows who he supports. His wardrobe is full of is teams colors.When the team has a 7:30pm kickoff, this guy is in the parking lot at 7:30am already gearing up for the game. This guy has multiple car flags and stickers all over his car. His tailgating spot is recognized by many and he is well known in his parking area. He travels with the team to road games near and far and lives and dies with his team. He's always there ready for game day rain, sleet, or shine and is always prepared. He gets to his seat during pre-game warm ups and doesn't leave until the Alma mater is sung. Often, these are the guys who have zero shame and paint up for games or have outrageous costumes or apparel on game day. He takes the game seriously and although he won't deck you in the face, its probably best to let him be for a few minutes following a loss. I would most likely fit into this group. Anyone who knows me knows I bleed orange and purple. Always have, always will. Die-hards like to talk a little trash but (most) know when to shut up and how to take their beating like a man as well as win to draw the line during times of celebration. They like to enjoy a drink or two before the game and might even run to the car for a drink during halftime to keep the juices flowing, but these guys mean no harm and are there for a good time and to support their team. Everyone can't be a die-hard, its a special breed and takes years to develop. But once you are there, you've reached the top of the food chain of Sports Fans.


Thoughts? 

So that about wraps up my take on the different types of fans. Let me know what you think/if you think someone should be added to the list.

SPOT THE BALL.......



113 days till kickoff!!!! 

High Expectations

With 4th and 16 still fresh on the minds of Tiger fans ( Clemson and LSU, too, for that matter) across the country, Clemson fans are eager to get back in Death Valley and see what the Tigers can accomplish this season. Following a 25-24 thriller over LSU in the Georgia Dome, many people have their eyes on the Tigers this year and for good reason. With arguably the most explosive offense in the country and a defense that is improving and on the rise, the pieces are in place for 2013 to be a very special season for Coach Dabo Swinney and company. However, if the Tigers are to take it to the next level they will be without three of their star players from last season in wide-out Deandre "Nuk" Hopkins, running back Andre Ellington and TE Brandon Ford. Hopkins, who tore apart secondaries and led the Tigers with 18 touchdowns and 1408 yards receiving, decided to forgo his senior season and was drafted 27th overall in the first round to the Houston Texans.

Word on the street is Hopkins will be starting from the day 1 with the Texas and should make an immediate impact. Ellington, who battled injuries his entire career ended his days in a Clemson uniform with a bang ending the 2012 campaign with over 1,000 yards on the ground including a 5.1 per carry average and 8 touchdowns. Brandon Ford also played a huge role in the Tiger offense last season and filled the shoes of Dwayne Allen quite well, who jetted for the NFL instead of staying for his senior season in 2012. These three will definitely be missed, but with QB Tajh Boyd, WRs Sammy Watkins, Charone Peake, Martavis Bryant and RB Roderick McDowell all returning along with the services of freshmen standout WR Germone Hopper, the offense shouldn't experience much of a drop off from last year, if any at all. Most importantly, Clemson still has offensive genius Chad Morris on the sidelines calling plays and his fast tempo offense will continue to wear down defenses again this year with his 100 offensive snaps per-game goal.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers have to find a replacement for the likes of Mallicah Goodman, Xaiver Brewer, Johnathan Meeks and Rashard Hall but return key starters in LB Spencer Shuey, DT Deshawn Williams, DE Vic Beasley, and and DB Bashaud Breeland. The defense also brings in two players who will likely see significant action from day 1 including DE Shaq Lawson and Ebenenzer Ogundeko. The LSU game provided Clemson fans with hope for the future and with a full season under Venables now in the books, players should only began to buy into the system and begin playing at a higher level in 2013. The defense should only improve and once they begin to gel they will take pressure off the offense to drop 40 points per game again this year. Again, the LSU game was a perfect example of when the defense comes to play, the offense doesn't have to do as much work. 

We will learn a great deal from our guys right off the back when Aaron Murray brings his Georgia Bulldogs to town Aug. 31st, a game which will be played in Death Valley on ABC at 8pm and will likely bring ESPN's College Gameday crew back to campus. The game will have instant BSC title  implications and will draw a large TV audience. It will be another prime opportunity for Clemson to show the nation what they can do and can open the door for not only a great season but national exposure for recruiting as well. It is a golden opportunity for Clemson and just like they did against LSU in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl, they will have to find a way to seize the opportunity and prove all the "Nay-Sayers" wrong. 

If everyone can stay healthy, Clemson's schedule is definitely one that has a manageable path to a BCS bowl berth. The Tigers have two Thursday night games this year, one on the road at North Carolina State and another at home against Georgia Tech. Atlantic division rival FSU has to travel to Death Valley this year which also helps. The Tigers also have conference road trips to Syracuse, Maryland, & Virginia all of which Clemson should be the favorite. As always, Clemson ends the season with arch rival South Carolina, which takes place in Columbia this year. Outside of Georgia, Florida State and South Carolina I don't anticipate Clemson being the underdog in any other game this season and they "should" be able to take care of their business. But that, of course, remains to be seen and is why we play the game. With South Carolina also primed for a great season and avoiding regular season meetings with LSU and Alabama this year, it isn't so far fetched to think we could have another showdown of 10 or 11 win squads squaring off late in November. If there ever was a time to be a football fan in South Carolina, this is year. Both schools are in position to make a BCS title run. The question is can they stay healthy and win the games in which they are "supposed" to win. Never thought I'd see they day where two years in a row we could be seeing a top 10 (or even top 5) showdown in November. But this year, that idea is definitely possible. Can't wait to see how it all plays out. One thing is for sure, it is going to be a fun and exciting season for Tiger and Gamecock fans across the nation.

Only 119 days until kickoff........
SPOT THE BALL!!!!!!!! 

This Is It...A Legendary Career Ends Tonight

Final Curtain Call for Ray Lewis

This year's super bowl is one for the first time in a long time that I'm really not too interested in. Baltimore vs San Francisco. As a Panthers homer and follower of my favorite player in the league, Peyton Manning, I have no dog in this fight whatsoever. I honestly could NOT care less who wins this and much like the BCS title game, I'm mainly just hoping its a good, enjoyable game. And on that note, I pray its much better than the BCS title game proved to be. But if I had to pick someone to pull for tonight, hands down it would be Baltimore. I've never really been a fan of Ray Lewis but as a football fan, I respect him and his style of play. He is a legend and it'd be cool to see him go out on top. 

Some people are pulling against Baltimore for the same reason I'm pulling for them and I can understand why 100%. Lewis is one of those guys you either love or hate. He has been turning heads since his days at "The U" down in Miami and his off the field life is far from spotless. From being charged with murdering two men in 2000 to being the father of six children to four different women, people haven't had to look hard to find something negative to say about Ray Lewis. However, on the field he has terrorized offenses for years and tonight he will try to do it one last time. Many thought we had seen the last of Lewis when he tore his triceps early in the season but Lewis recovered enough to return and currently is the leader in tackles during the playoffs. Talk about heart and determination. Not sure how much he has left in the tank, but trust you will get 150% from #52 tonight. And as the leader and face of this franchise, you can bet he will make sure he gets the absolute best from his teammates tonight as well. 

If anyone knows how to get someone fired up and inspired to play football and go knock someone on their back, its Ray Lewis. I can't imagine the intensity and emotion that will pour out and fill the locker room during his pre-game speech. To be honest, I'd be a little intimidated to be in there with him. Win, lose or draw, I'm looking forward to seeing Lewis do his last dance at midfield once the final whistle blows. Hopefully, for the Ravens and his sake, it will be celebrating a Super Bowl victory. And whether you love him or late him, if you are watching the game tonight, I'm willing to bet you'll be keeping your eyes on #52. Hats off to a legend as he prepares to take the field one last time! 

Tigers Get Physical, Stun LSU 25-24 in Chick-Fil-A Bowl

All month long Clemson nation heard it....they didn't stand a chance against LSU. That the Tigers were going to get another embarrassing bowl blowout loss for the second straight year....our defense wasn't good enough, we weren't tough enough up front.....Dabo was suspect in big time games and the list goes on and on. But in the words of Dabo himself, WHAT THEY SAY NOW?!?! Clemson came into the Chick-Fil-A Bowl and stunned the nation and booted LSU out of the Georgia Dome with a Game-winning 37 yard FG by Chandler Catanzaro aka "CatMan" as time expired. Things look rough early as Watkins fumbled and went down with a injury that sidelined him from the game and made Clemson basically re-make their entire game plan at a moments notice. But unlike the Clemson of the past, the Tigers responded and overcame two turnovers that led to 10 LSU points and a blocked extra point to rally from a 24-13 deficit in the fourth quarter to take the 25-24 victory. Lets take a look at some of the keys to Clemson's monumental win over the #8 LSU Tigers.

Lets start with the defense. We knew the offense could put up points but it was Clemson's defense that won this game. Clemson held LSU to ONE, YES (1) yard of offense in the fourth quarter. Again, that is not a typo. It happened. Look it up! The D-line of the Tigers gave LSU headaches all night and sacked QB Zach Mettenberger six times. Clemson forced three-and-outs all night and Clemson shut the door on LSU on 3rd and short on three separate occasions Monday night. Travis Blanks also had his first career interception in the defenses' stellar showing. Malliciah Goodman had the game of his life with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss and caused pressure and disrupted the LSU offense all night long. What a way for the senior to go out. Clemson played as physical as I've ever seen and didn't back down from LSU despite having a few blown plays that led to touchdowns for the Bayou Bengals.


Now on to Special Teams....this one kind of hurt us until the end. We had poor field position all night long and LSU conversely had much better starting places on their drives but the Tiger defense played inspired, smart and hard-nosed, SEC-style football and did their job to keep the Tigers in the game. And the Clemson offense did their job to keep drives alive and give the defense time to rest up. Kinda funny how the physicality thing kept coming up but in the end, it was LSU gasping for air and having numerous suspect "cramping issues" and injuries late in the game. Guess we showed who was tougher last night. That's what our offense can do to you, wear you down. More on that later though. In the end, hard to argue about special teams when you kick a game winning field goal to beat a team you had "no chance" against.

Okay, how bout that Clemson Offense!!!! Sweet little baby Jesus, Tajh Boyd is a grown man if I've ever seen one. He took a beating all night long from standing in the pocket to make throws to running the ball 29 times right down the throat of the LSU defense getting slammed every single time and popping right back up. Played the game of his life...look at his stat line, 36-50 passing, 346 yards, and 2 TDs and no turnovers. (Both Clemson Turnovers were fumbles--one by Watkins, one by Ellington) Boyd led this team like a true veteran and played like a man on a mission. And you can't say enough about our boy and my MVP of the year Deandre "NUUUUUUKKKKKK" Hopkins. Broke the Bowl record for receiving yards reeling in 191 yards on 13 catches for 2 laser TD passes both of which were caught in traffic in the end zone. Also have to mention the play of our tight end "Big Ford Diesel" Brandon Ford coming through with some big catches including a HUGE 30 yard catch to get Clemson down to the LSU 14 yard line when the Tigers were driving and down 24-16 with time quickly running out in the fourth quarter. And once again Roderick McDowell aka HOTROD came in with some big carries rushing for a very important 26 yards on the stat sheet on 7 carries. Clemson offense punched LSU in the mouth racking up 445 yards total offense and ran exactly 100 plays and simply beat down the LSU defense. They were cramping, they were tired and they were just flat out getting beat, and couldn't do a thing to stop it! Grown man football. SEC football...Clemson played like it belonged on the field and then some last night and deserved this win more than LSU. Bottom line.



Last I just want to talk about the heart of this team and coaching staff. With Watkins going out on the first play of the game we had to adjust our entire game plan and playbook for the night. Then LSU took the ball right at us and two plays later had the 7-0 lead. I've seen many times when we would have automatically laid down and took a beating. Even more so after we got down 24-13 in the second half. But Clemson came to win and never backed down. They kept clawing, kept fighting and pushed hard until they reached the finish line. I'm also glad that we showed some swagger and gut to ourselves when things got chippy. I don't condone fighting on the field at any degree but when you run your mouth and get up in our players face and push them around, you better know we are giving a little shove back and not backing down. Let them know you mean business and that you are going pop right back up and hit them in them in the mouth again the next play. Again, grown man football. Tough. Physical. Tighten up that chin strap and lets battle!!! I loved it. Never seen that from this team. We have to keep that going! That is how you win football games. Look at Alabama. Tough, physical and hit you hard EVERY play. We got the wood laid to us EVERY play but got right back up and lined up for the next play. It was a beautiful thing, folks! And to think 4th and 16...game on the line what do we do...throw it up to none other than Hopkins and he keeps the drive alive. That play will go down in Clemson history and will be talked about for the next 30 years.



I can't say enough about this team. 11-2 record and bowl champions over LSU. Headed to the off-season and in shape to have an even greater season in 2013. I'm disappointed in the so-called fans that left the game early but like I told some of my friends, I'm GLAD they missed the celebration afterwards cause they didn't deserve to share in this historic moment. Call me crazy but hands down I think this is the biggest win of my lifetime. At the prime age of 20 I can count the number of relevant bowl wins we've had in the last 20 years on one hand but this one will go down as one of the biggest ever. Tombstone victory. This could be a great stepping stone into the 2013 season and I'm thrilled to see us take this momentum into next season when we open up at home against another great SEC team in the form of Georgia. Enjoy this one for a while Clemson nation, cause I know I'm going to! Happy New Year and Go Tigers!! See you in the REAL Death Valley in the fall! ALL IN....ALL THE FRIGGIN TIME! WE. TOO. DEEP! AYE! AYE!

Its Bowl Season!

Now that Christmas has come and gone and New Years Eve just days away it can only mean one thing...time to get those new years resolutions written down and, more importantly, we are now in the midst of nearly two straight weeks of college football action. I have yet to actually watch much of the games to this point but that will soon change especially when I head to Atlanta to see Clemson take on LSU New Years Eve. I had planned on not going and saving the little money I have left after Christmas shopping and stay at home, but Coca-Cola/Coke Zero gave me the hook-up with four free tickets so clearly I'm now going and pretty excited about seeing this BCS caliber match-up live. In my final post of 2012, I'm gonna take a brief look at the battle of Tigers and  the REAL Death Valley as well as pick winners for South Carolina's showdown in Tampa, a few other games of interest and all the BCS Bowls. Here we go!

Prediction Time: 

Clemson vs LSU: Chick-Fil-A Bowl

December 31, 2012

If you ask anyone, they'll tell you Clemson doesn't stand a chance in the Georgia Dome on New Years Eve. I mean, seriously, they are playing a team from the SEC...and Clemson didn't even win a horrible ACC conference. There is just no chance in the world Clemson can match LSU's talent and skill and are destined to endure another embarrassing blowout in a bowl game for the second straight year. (Yeah that sounds kinda  ridiculous doesn't it?) Any team can lose on any given day, THAT IS WHY WE PLAY THIS GAME IN THE FIRST PLACE! Who had Notre Dame running the table this summer? Who thought Texas A&M would give Alabama the business and stand tall in its first season in the SEC, and by a show of hands, who thought Urban Meyer would bring a 12-0 record this season to Columbus? I'm willing to guess not many people honestly saw any of those scenarios happening. But they did. And Clemson has a grand opportunity to turn some heads as well. LSU is far from "unbeatable". Sure they loss to Alabama by only four points but they also barely escaped Auburn on the road by two points...yes the same Auburn that went 3-9 this year and showed head coach Gene Chizik the door. Clemson has losses to two overall respectable teams in Florida State and South Carolina. However, both of those were the Tigers biggest games and they failed to get the job done when the pressure was on. Easier said than done, here are my four keys to a Clemson victory against LSU: 

1. Get Physical. Win the battle in the trenches and keep Montgomery off of Boyds back. Clemson did not contain South Carolina's Clowney and he made them pay for it. Same deal applies here. 

2. Make 3rd Downs Manageable- LSU has a great defense, and Clemson will have to put themselves into manageable situations on 3rd down. 3rd and 8, 9 10, etc spells trouble for Clemson and will allow LSU to bring more pressure and force Boyd into hurried throws and mistakes. 

3. Time of Possession- Against SC, the Tigers only had the ball for a near 8 minutes in the second half. They will have to avoid constant three and outs when on offense and get their defense off the field as soon as possible. Les Miles isn't afraid to go for it on 4th down and will likely test the heart of this defense a time or two on fourth down. It'll be up to them to respond. 

4. Execute- This one is obvious but I'm serious. Everyone has to do their part and execute. Play until you hear the whistle. Clemson has all the talent in the world on offense and has to make use of it if they want to win. Get Watkins some touches early (beyond the line of scrimmage for heavens sake!!!), make the running game a priority and take notes from SC and get your Tight End involved in the offense. Big Ford Diesel...that means you, brother! 

Bottom Line: It isn't often that I come into a game honestly worried but LSU scares me.... a lot. They are a great team with a even better coaching. I know we can win this game, but I don't know if we will actually play like it and get the job done. Clemson rose to he occasion against Auburn to kick off the season on this very field but overall, the Tigers have not played well in Atlanta as of late. Will the demons of this city make their return or will Dabo and company shock the world? We shall see, but as for me....I have to go with my gut. 

The Pick: LSU 34 Clemson 20

Other Games of Interest: 

South Carolina vs Michigan: Outback Bowl

Janurary 1, 2013 1pm

Pick: South Carolina 

Georgia vs Nebraska: Captial One Bowl

January 1, 2013 1pm

Pick: Georgia 

Wisconsin vs Stanford: Rose Bowl

Januray 1, 2013 5pm

Pick: Standford

Northern Illinois vs Florida State: Orange Bowl

January 1, 2012 8:30pm

Pick: Florida State

Florida vs Louisville: Sugar Bowl

January, 2 8:30pm

Pick: Florida

Oregon vs Kansas State: Fiesta Bowl

January 3, 8:30pm

Pick: Oregon

Texas A&M vs Oklahoma: Cotton Bowl

January 4 8pm 

Pick: Texas A&M 

Notre Dame vs Alabama: BCS National Title Game

January 7 8:30pm 

Pick: Alabama 

Big Opportunity for Clemson

It goes without saying that Clemson would love to erase the horrific memories of last season's bowl performance...or lack thereof against WVU last year and salvage, to a degree, this season with a win over LSU in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl on New Years Eve. The Tigers made most of their ACC competition look like high school squads but couldn't get the job done with they needed it most against Florida State and arch rival South Carolina. Both the Noles and Gamecocks had a stellar defense especially up front and dominated in the trenches to take control in both of those Tiger losses. As I mentioned in my last post, for Clemson to take the next step, we have to get more physical up front and play tougher. Get a swagger to us and play with heart. Once we start getting tougher up front and causing pressure, it will only help us in the secondary. The less time our defensive backs have to worry about a player breaking loose, the better. If we can't disrupt plays up front from the start, we put ourselves in better position to stop giving up the huge chunks of yards and plays we did all season long. Furthermore, we aren't going to get better until we play better teams. To be the best you have to beat the best, and to beat the best you have to start by playing the best. With South Carolina on the rise, LSU looming on New Years Eve and a showdown with UGA to open the 2013 season, the Tigers have a prime opportunity to gain some respect and make that next step towards being an elite college football team. I think its fair to say that the next two games for Clemson are the biggest in my lifetime when it comes to the big picture. A loss in both of those games will have Tiger fans getting very uneasy but two wins might would send Clemson nation into a frenzy.




A win on New Years eve along with keeping the likes of Hopkins and Boyd would have Clemson ranked in the top 15 heading into next season and a win at home against a talented UGA team would get the fans in orange buzzing and hungry for a run at the BCS title. There would be some well deserved respect earned for Clemson and it would also give the Tigers their first bowl win since 2009 in the Music City Bowl. However, a loss to LSU and UGA would mean three straight defeats to SEC competition and even more so than  now, fans would really begin to question coach Swinney  and his performance in big time games.  To be honest, I really think he has to find a way to go 2-1 against LSU and then UGA/SC next year to avoid catching some major heat from fans and administration, which will be no easy feat. And if the Tigers don't win the ACC next year either, Dabo will find himself on the hot seat. Bottom line. As I've said before, you have to beat South Carolina and Dabo is staring a 5th straight loss in the eyes when the Tigers head to Columbia next November. Running through the ACC is great but it isn't preparing us well for the better teams we line up against and we are exposed in all the key positions. LSU is similar to South Carolina. They might not have the most exciting offense in the country, but their defense backs them up and doesn't give up many points. Clemson has a great opportunity on its hands and I think they can truly benefit from looking back at the SC game film and seeing what went wrong and what went right. Learn from that game. I'm no football genius but you simply can't allow the other team to have the ball for over 20 minutes of the second half. That is unacceptable. Clemson will also have to find a way to keep a talented DE off of Boyds back. Greenwood, SC native Sam Montgomery is another monster player and they will have to keep him out of the backfield....something they couldn't do when they lined up against Clowney. The Tigers will definitely be hungry for a win as seniors Andre Ellington, Dalton Freeman, Spencer Benton, Johnathan Meeks, Jonathan Willard, and Malliciah Goodman will all be playing their last game in a Tiger uniform and want to go out on a positive note and set the tone for what will be a HUGE off-season. Clemson has had a record breaking season but with no ACC title and a fourth straight loss to Carolina, this game simply put is a must win if the Tigers want something to show for this 2012 campaign.

Bad News for Gamecock Fans

Is Marcus Lattimore's career as a Gamecock over?

Junior Running Back to forgo senior season, declare for 2013 NFL Draft 

Rumors broke early Monday morning that South Carolina Running Back Marcus Lattimore had made the decision to declare for the NFL draft, thus ending his career at the University of South Carolina. Ending a career in which just three years time, and truthfully only two full seasons combined due to injuries, that has turned him into not only a legend in South Carolina Gamecock history, but college football as a whole. Many people had Lattimore listed as a strong candidate for the Heisman heading into this season, but after suffering another devastating season-ending leg injury on October 27th against Tennessee, Lattimore was forced to watch the second half of the season from the sidelines for the second year in a row. Marcus had already overcome the odds and returned this year stronger and better than ever rushing for 662 yards and 11 touchdowns. It appeared he hadn't missed a beat and had made a full and complete recovery. However, a gruesome, gut-wrenching injury against the Vols left some, myself included, wondering if #21 would ever take the field again...whether it be for South Carolina or in the NFL. Hands down the worst injury I have ever seen. It left Williams-Brice Stadium nearly silent for over 10 minutes that dreadful afternoon in October.

So far, Lattimore is on schedule with his rehab and isn't using crutches. However, after suffering two injuries capable of ending his career two years in a row, it was time for Marcus to sit down and think over his next move. He promised Gamecock fans that they had not seen the last of him. I think he will be back too, but according to sources close to the situation, the next time we see Lattimore he'll be sporting a new jersey and possibly a new number as well. If the rumors are true, Marcus will leave South Carolina a year early as the all-time leading TD King in Columbia and will finish with 2,766 yards and 38 touchdowns overall. (Makes you wonder just how much he could have done had he stayed healthy all three years!) After his injury against Tennessee, Lattimore received an outpouring of support from athletes and coaches all over the nation including RGII, 2012 Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel, and NBA star Lebron James, all of which reached out to Marcus via twitter following his injury. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley even dubbed October 29th, 2012, also Marcus' 21st birthday, statewide "Marcus Lattimore Day" and a Student Government organized pep rally was held in his honor on campus.At the rally, teammates, head coach Steve Spurrier and AD Ray Tanner all addressed the crowd and honored Lattimore.


 As a Clemson fan, I must say there hasn't been another Gamecock player in my lifetime I've had more respect for. Such a good guy with a hard work ethic and a love for football. He gave his all to this University and program and earned the respect of fans and players across the nation. I'll be the first to say once he is ready to take the field again, I'll be one of his biggest supporters at the next level. He is a class-act guy and I wish him nothing but the best and a healthy career from here on out. If and when he makes his second big return to football, he will join the the ranks of Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, and Eddie George; all of whom overcame major leg/knee injuries to play again. Like these guys, Lattimore will have to not only have to work hard to make his return, but prove to owners and coaches that he is fully recovered and worth the risk with his past history of injuries. #21 no doubt has NFL talent and ability but it will be interesting to see who is willing to invest in him and how early he will go in the draft. Lattimore has the toughness and skill you can't coach. No other player in the country has his combination of size and ability to get the tough "between-the-tackles" yards as well as be able to explode through holes and accelerate and make cuts and moves like Marcus. His big size and speed make him a nightmare to bring down and 9 times out of 10, he's gonna get a yard or two more after in the initial contact. That ability and talent play in his favor big time as he prepares to embark on his journey to the NFL. Best of Luck, #21!