Keys To Victory

Its About That Time........


The long wait is almost over and in just a few days #8 Clemson will welcome rival #5 Georgia to Death Valley for the first time since 2003. This game has all the ingredients for an instant classic and will draw viewers from across the nation. All eyes will be set on Clemson, SC Saturday night. Who will rise to the occasion? Who will be the game-changer? Those questions will be answered Saturday. But as for now, I'm going to give my two cents on what I believe the Tigers must do if they want to take down the Bulldogs.

Clemson's Keys to Victory: 

1. Get Physical 

This game is going to be a hard-hitting, physical, match-up and it will ultimately be won in the trenches. Swinney has praised the play of his offensive and defensive lines during spring ball, fall camp and heading to the opener against UGA. That is exactly what the Tigers need. On offense the guys have to be zoned in and protect Boyd in the pocket. Defensively, Clemson has to get off the ball fast and put some pressure on Murray. Marshall and Gurley are going to get their yards but keeping that to a minimum and blocking up those holes will be key. And when you get your hands on a ball carrier, wrap up and bring him down. Bottom line....play angry and make UGA earn every inch of that football field all night long. No free gifts!!!!

2. Protect Your House 

This is a big one. We don't get many night games in Death Valley these days so we MUST take advantage and show the nation why Clemson has one of the greatest stadiums and crowds in college football. Fans need to arrive to the game early (Stay the ENTIRE game) and be loud. Really loud. I have been at games where I couldn't even hear what my friend next to me was saying. We need to blow the top off of Death Valley Saturday night. I think its embarrassing when you let another team come into YOUR house and leave with a win. You don't let that one neighbor you dislike walk in your house, sit down and take the remote control and start flipping the channels do you? Didn't think so. Likewise, you shouldn't let someone come into Death Valley, control the game and leave with a win. It just shouldn't happen. Period. 

3. Weather The Storm

Emotions will be running high all night and it will be extremely important to remain focused and be able to move on quickly from each play; no matter how positive or negative it is. Move on. Play the next down. The valley will be rocking but you can only play off emotions for so long and eventually you have to settle in and play football. Keep fighting hard all night long and don't allow a bad play or decision turn into a bad quarter, half or game. Keep a short memory and be prepared for a roller-coaster, physical game. Staying poised and calm will help keep the ship stable even if the waters become a little rocky during the game. 

4. Get Off The Field

This is another key point in my opinion. When the Tigers are on defense and its 3rd down, we have to get the stop and get off the field. Georgia's offense can score on you at any given time from anywhere on the field. That being said, when we are given the chance to get our offense back on the field, we have to take advantage. Time of possession will be huge and keeping the ball in the hands of Tajh Boyd while also having a rested defense will pay huge dividends down the stretch. This offense literally wore down LSU with its tempo in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. But if the defense isn't coming up with big stops all night long and allows UGA long, clock-eating, and productive drives, time could run out on the Tigers. 

5. BELIEVE!!!!!

This one may be the most important of all and is completely mental. If the Tigers want to win this game they have to believe they can do it. Forget what the "experts" say, forget what the fans have to say and when calls on the field don't go your way, tuck your head and move on. But above all things, believe that you can take down the #5 team in the nation and make a bold statement to start the 2013 season. Right now the sky is the limit and we control our own destiny. Don't stop believing...this just might be our year.