The Time Is Now

There is plenty of hype surrounding Clemson football this year and for good reason. With a top 10 finish last season capped off by an impressive bowl win over LSU along with a strong recruiting class and most importantly, having both Tajh Boyd and offensive coordinator Chad Morris back for the 2013 campaign, the expectations are as high as ever in Tigertown. Clemson's schedule sets them up to make a run at not only another ACC crown but to take a shot at bringing a national championship to Clemson. A home slate that includes Georgia, SC State, Wake Forest, Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech (Thursday Night), and The Citadel. While on the road, the Tigers will face North Carolina State (Thursday Night), ACC--newcomer, Syracuse, Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. If I had to make a guess right now I'd say Clemson will be favored in every single game with the only possible exceptions (in my opinion) being Georgia, FSU and South Carolina. Two of these games (UGA and FSU) will be played at Death Valley and all three are definitely prime-time worthy. And furthermore, all three are "revenge games". Both South Carolina and FSU got the best of the Tigers last season, and although it was 10 years ago I remember all to clearly sitting in Death Valley watching UGA dominate us in a 30-0 loss to start the 2003 season. I haven't forgotten and I'm sure most other Clemson fans haven't either. Nothing would make me happier than to see us take down the Bulldogs on Aug. 31st in front of a sellout crowd in Death Valley and among millions of viewers across the nation on TV. The best part about this game, for both teams is that its in week 1. The loser has plenty of time to play "catch-up" and maneuver themselves back into BCS title talk down the stretch.

Throughout the latter Bowden years it seemed we were often just a few plays away from taking it to the next level. But time after time we faltered down the stretch and allowed division foes such as Maryland, Wake Forest and Boston College come into Death Valley as the underdog and escape with a win. But times have changed since the Bowden era. Swinney has given Clemson two division titles, one co-division title, and one ACC Championship. Solid recruiting classes and bringing in two of the best coordinators in the game have taken Clemson a step closer and 2013 just might be the year if the Tigers can step up and MAKE this their year and their moment.



Now is the time to take the next step. The pieces are in play and its time to make it happen. There is not a doubt in my mind that if somehow the Tigers were to run the table (and of course win the ACC in the process) we would be playing for a National Championship in Pasadena, California on January 6, 2014.
Though getting through the season without a loss will be extremely difficult, it is more than "doable" and to be honest, I would be shocked if Clemson doesn't at least capture its 2nd ACC Championship in three years this coming season. Now that is not to say that if the Tigers don't win the ACC this season isn't successful, (see 2012 season) but if we are really going to take the next step, we need to have control of our own conference first. I'm tried of being "one play away" or "one defensive stop away" from greatness. As Coach Swinney said "you can stand at door of greatness forever but sooner or later you gotta knock down the door!" Well boys and girls, now is that time. Clemson has been labeled as under-achievers, over-rated and choke artist in years past. Heck, some people have even given us the pleasure of being used as "pulling a Clemson" when their team blows a major opportunity.






Its time to get back to what Clemson football used to be. Teams use to fear coming to Death Valley and facing the Tigers and we need to bring that back. I want to see helmets flying I wanna hear those bone-chilling "pops" from someone laying the wood to the opposing team. Bring back the swagger Clemson's defense used to have. We know the offense is more than capable but if we can stay healthy and get our defense to play to at a high intensity level, we are going to be a darn good football team and awfully hard to beat. And lastly, the fans need to step up. I was disgusted and still am at how many people left the LSU game early and ended up missing one of THE greatest moments in Clemson history. From the Georgia game to the last whistle of our bowl game, we need to be loud and proud and support our team. How great would it be to have Death Valley sold out for the Citadel in November just as it will be for UGA in August? It would be a wonderful thing. The preparation starts now. Practice is right around the corner and its time for us fans to get ready as well. Get those khakis with tigers paws dry-cleaned, get your car flags and stickers ready, and get ready to show up early and in full force Aug 31st and all season long. I don't think I have to remind you how late this rivalry between the bulldogs goes back. Lets show up opening weekend and show the nation why they call it Death Valley and why game day in Clemson is unlike any other experience. There is only 47 days till kick off. Our boys are getting ready and so should you. The time is now. Lets go make 2013 OUR year.

One Team. 

One Dream. 

One Clemson. 

BEAT GEORGIA!!!