Racism and Biogtry in the NBA....and Beyond

With today's post, I'm going to do two things I don't normally do. First, I'm going to talk a little NBA tonight. However, if you are looking for a game preview/recap like I do for football, you'll have to look elsewhere. Secondly, I'm going to talk about race issues and stereotypes not only in sports, but life in general. I typically tend to stay away from these type of topics as it can become very heated and stir things up but after the news of Mark Cuban's remarks today along the need to get a new post out for this week, I decided to make the exception.

If you have not heard of the controversy surrounding Donald Sterling you either have been living under a rock, or been living under a rock. Sterling's comments that surfaced through a private conversation hit the airways and light a fire underneath an ongoing issue in America. Its been seen everywhere...CNN, FOX, ESPN, the local news, social media...EVERYWHERE!!! I won't go into too much detail on Sterling as I suspect that if you are reading this, you already know the story. However, you might not have heard the comments made by Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban today during a one-on-one interview. I'd like to start by saying this isn't an Anti-Mark Cuban post. Cuban is one of the most well known owners in the NBA and outside of the Lakers in the West (No comments, please...I'm still mourning the horrific season we just had) Dallas is a franchise I typically don't mind pulling for. However, my respect for him dropped significantly today. Racism and Bigotry exist all over the place. This isn't just a Donald Sterling or Mark Cuban problem its widespread and from Don Imus (did you forget about him?!?) and Al Sharpton... to the Sever at Outback Steakhouse and salesmen at the Car Dealership...we all need to do better. If you haven't gotten the chance to listen to his interview, you can find it here and click on the "Cuban Comments" tab at the top of the page.

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion and free speech but the timing and content of his interview makes my skin crawl. Here we are in 2014 and still facing some of the same issues and prejudices that troubled our nation in the 1960's. In that interview, Cuban makes the statement that "we are all prejudice in some way or another." I'd have to say that depending on the issue or "thing" he might be correct on that. Maybe. However, his next statement is where I began to have a issue. "If I see a black kid in a hoodie and it is late at night, I'm walking to the other side of the street. And if on that side of the street there is a guy that has tattoos all over his face. White guy...bald head, tattoos everywhere...I'm walking back to the other side of the street. And the list goes on of stereotypes we live up to and are fearful of," Cuban said.

I'm not sure what you took from those statements but what I took from it is that not only does it seems he is in the corner of Donald Sterling and the controversy surround his comments but that he supports these prejudices and find them "okay" because we all do it. Well guess what, its NOT okay. It does not make it acceptable or alright because "we all do it". My mom and grandmother always tell me "two wrongs don't make a right". It is 2014 and it is a shame that we are still wrapped up in these stereotypes which are often false. What makes Cuban's comments "worse" in my opinion is that not only did he make this statement publicly in a controversial time in the NBA, but that his comments go beyond race, although race is obviously extremely significant. Putting African American kids and those who have tattoos into a category of being dangerous or as a threat simply because of the way they look is stupid, ignorant, shallow and plain out unacceptable.  Especially coming from someone in his position. Like I said, we are all entitled to our own thoughts and beliefs but to openly display these prejudices especially in the manner he did in the shadows of the Trayvon Martin case was simply not a smart move on Cuban's part. It is disrespectful and borderline heartless.Think before you speak...words can't be unsaid!  My grandma and mother also always tell me, "sometimes its best to just keep your mouth shut" Cuban needs to have a talk with my folks! I think comedian Steve Harvey said it best.....when you are a celebrity or well-known, you can't always just rattle off how you feel about certain things. You can't always say what you want to say, when you want to say it!

Like I said before, these prejudices exist everywhere. As an African American male growing up in South Carolina, I get it more often than I'd like and have reached a point where I actually don't even pick up on it all the time. I've become numb to it in some ways...but I look at that as a good thing. Why? Because it is time for us to MOVE FORWARD. If we keep placing blame for the past and not working collaboratively to be better as a nation and world, we are not going to see progress. I remember it like it was yesterday...when I first arrived at Presbyterian College, a small liberal-arts college in Clinton, SC (where we have around 1300 students and African Americans account for just about 10% of that [and that seems a bit high in my personal opinion....but you get the point]) I remember moving in, meeting people and getting settled into the college life and just within the first two or three weeks of being there I was probably asked "Oh..are you a football player?" at least 10 times when I introduced myself to people. It didn't really dawn on me until the fourth or fifth time it happened but just goes to show how it exist in both younger and older generations. I'll be the first to say I don't fit the stereotype of a African American male and I don't try to because its stupid and restricts progress. I graduated from PC May 10th and beat the stereotypes of young black males that exist in our country. I've never been to jail...don't have any baby mama drama or anything of that nature. NO, I'm not perfect and not taking a shot at those who may fall into that category, either. I know image is everything....especially in the professional world.  Right or wrong....you will be judged by how you appear, but to look at someone walking down the street and prejudge them is just ignorant.

I will say that after the interview, Cuban expressed his apologies to the Martin family for the "hoodie" comments but still stood behind his words. To me, that makes his apology null and void. I'm not calling Cuban a racist but I will say he clearly is prejudice and, to put it nicely, very ignorant. Just as I said about Sterling, as a player, coach, fan, etc I would not want to be associated with someone who (openly and with no regrets) holds these beliefs. Its another sad, sad, day in the world of sports. I can only hope that when I'm my mom's age these types of stereotypes will no longer exist. Hopefully we can soon begin to move forward and put these racist, prejudices behind us and move forward as a nation.

Primetime Football Returning to PC

During my four years at Presbyterian College I had always hoped that at some point, while I was there, we would find a way to have lights installed at Bailey Memorial Stadium and have a night game. As a huge college football fan, I'd argue that most fans and players prefer night games and the atmosphere it provides, all day tailgating, the excitement of playing under the lights, etc. Prime time games enhances the game day experience for nearly everyone involved. As a die-hard Clemson fan, I have enjoyed our recent success and the reward of having more night games in Death Valley this past season. After yesterday's unexpected news that PC, now my Alma Mater, will install stadium lights provided by Musco Lighting, the game day atmosphere in Clinton on Saturday will should improve greatly. The lights are more energy and cost friendly using 40% less energy. Just as some of the older fans and alumni stressed their opposition to night games and the issues of traveling for Clemson games, I could see some of the PC alum doing the same as a significant amount of fans that attend the game are older alumni. However, I feel this was something that needed to happen and should not only improve attendance and the game day experience, but as well as improve sales and revenue which will be used to help pay for this new project. This addition will also allow more flexibility for kickoff times, which have typically been either 1pm or 2pm throughout my time at PC. Finally, this opens the door of opportunity for playoffs games as well as Thursday night games. YES, THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES IN CLINTON, SC....someone get ESPNU on the phone, NOW! (PC fans and alum will know why this is such a big deal. Don't forget, this is coming from the smallest D1 school in the country with an enrollment right around 1300.)

I remember just earlier this year talking with one of my friends at PC and telling them if I ever won the lottery or became very successful that my first major donation back to PC would be stadium lights...looks like I'll have to change that now. Football is not the only venue that could use some work, though. Additions have been made to Martin Stadium where the Blue Hose soccer teams play, that included a new press box. Old Bailey Stadium, home of the Women's Lacrosse team could also use some work as well as a new scoreboard. Finally, both the PC baseball complex and softball complex could both use the addition of a press box and stadium lights. One of these projects will probably replace my "If I get rich I will donate _____" plan. I can speak from experience that the scoreboard at the PC lacrosse stadium needs to be burned. To the ground. With a ceremony and champagne toast. (I'm not exaggerating...as you are about to find out).


I will never forget one day while working with the Sports Info Department (as I did all four years at PC) we had a home Lax game. About fifteen minutes before the game was supposed to start, our scoreboard malfunctioned and we were forced to keep score and the official game clock on a cell phone, yes a cell phone. Guess who's job it was to do this task....yeah...mine. On top of that, we were short staffed this game so I also had to carry out my original responsibility of tracking participation, penalties and substitutions. As you can probably imagine this was one of the most stressful days in my entire life. If you've ever been to a lax game, you know there is constant yelling from both players and coaches the entire game and maintaining composure and focus while on the sidelines was difficult. I'll never forget my boss telling me after the game that he was worried I was going to leave at halftime and not come back. Of course I stuck it out and finished the game with only one major hiccup where I was forced to blow the horn mid-action due to a mishap with the clock on the phone, which I was unfamiliar with as it belonged to my boss. Needless to say players and coaches were also unhappy and frustrated with the situation, but both showed their appreciation for my work after the game.

To be clear, this is not, by any means, to take a shot at  PC but to show that this addition was much needed. Although stadium lights are not quite 100% necessary as a functioning scoreboard, adding lights was simply something that needed to happen for the PC football program. As we move forward and attempt to become a competitive Division 1 school, we must make sure we have quality facilities. Some of that responsibility and funding will fall on alumni such as myself. I'm thrilled to know that the next time I step foot in Bailey Memorial Stadium it will likely be for a night game...something that hasn't happened at PC since October 27, 1990.


**For the official release of this exciting news check out the PC Athletic Website: GoBlueHose.com and as always feel free to comment and discuss sports with me on twitter @CHallSportsTalk. Thanks for reading, have a great weekend and GO BLUE HOSE! (and Tigers..big regular season series finale this weekend against Boston College at home) 

I'm Back!

It has been over four months since my last post and I regret that I had to go away for so long. If you keep up with me on twitter (@CHallSportsTalk) you will know that I was overwhelmed with my school work and finishing up the last semester of my undergrad at Presbyterian College. I'm happy to announce that while I was gone, I wrapped up my last term at PC with my best overall semester, made Dean's List, successfully completed my Capstone paper and presentation (senior exit project) and finally graduated last Saturday. It was a long, and often trying journey but never have I been more proud of myself. I'm a college graduate from a well respected Liberal Arts college! It is still a surreal feeling that I'm a college graduate. I'm still on the job hunt so not exactly sure what my next step is, but I'm beyond grateful to have reached this milestone and I'm happy to see what the future holds for me! But now its time to get back to what I love...writing about sports! And while there is no way (or need) to touch on all the major headlines that I have missed since I was gone, today I will just give my thoughts on the current hot topics around the sports world and try to get back into the swing of things so that I can start posting at least twice per week again...perhaps even more now that I will have more free time on my hands! 

Clemson Pipeline to Buffalo 

The Clemson connection to Buffalo grew tremendously during this years NFL's draft as the Bills picked Clemson WR Sammy Watkins with the 4th overall pick in the draft. Watkins, who many dubbed the top WR in the draft, now joins another Florida native and Clemson great in RB C.J. Spiller. Along with Spiller, Watkins will also join former Tigers Chris Hariston, Antonie McClain, & Johnathan Meeks. Soon we may be calling the Bills the Tigers. (just kidding) Watkins is expected to be a factor and contribute from the start and if you followed his career at Clemson, you know how special of a player he truly is. Clemson fans will surely miss him this fall but we are proud of his accomplishments and I can't wait to see him excel on the next level.


 Clowney to the Texans 

As many expected, the Houston Texans took advantage of their first overall pick and snagged South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney. Like Watkins, Clowney will most certainly be on the field for the first (defensive) snap of the 2014 season for Houston. The standout DE will sport the #90 for Houston and is ready to contribute to the team and prey on opposing quarterbacks and offenses. Even as a Clemson fan, I'm happy for the guy and definitely wouldn't mind seeing him play live at some point next season. If he stays focused and in shape, he could be in for not only a solid rookie season but a stellar career just as he did at South Carolina.


Kevin Durant
With my favorite player, Kobe Bryant's best days behind him, I've slowly accepted he is reaching the back end of his career. That being said, I've began my search for a "new" favorite player to follow after Bryant's days are over. I have looked towards KD as that guy and love what he brings not only to OKC Thunder, but to the NBA overall. I remember watching him at Texas and it has been fun watching him develop into one of the best in the game. So happy for him and his first MVP award. I can only expect there will be more to come for Mr. Durant. Hats off to him. Oh and not to mention, he is also a momma's boy just like me....gotta love Durant.


Michael Sam

I'll keep this one short and sweet. I'm tried of hearing about all this first openly gay player to be drafted, play in the NFL etc. We get it. He definitely isn't the first gay player in the NFL and won't be the last. But why does this even matter? Can he play football? Is he going to be a distraction to the team/in the locker room? Those are my concerns. The rest does not matter. I know what my beliefs are and what the Bible says but what Michael Sam does in his personal life has nothing to do with me or anyone else besides Michael Sam and his significant other. My only problem is when I turn on ESPN in the morning (or whenever) I want to see RELEVANT sports news and games/highlights, NOT two men kissing on TV. This isn't the Real Housewives or some Soap Opera. Leave that private and at your home and the media needs to LET IT GO. When did we become a society where "coming out" makes headline news for WEEKS but Teddy Bridgewater holding up his promise and buying his mother a brand new car doesn't?  Let's stop making this bigger than it is...ESPN, please do better. I'd much rather hear about what Jamies Winston had for breakfast last Monday than this story that has gone on far too long. Best of luck to the guy as he heads to the Rams now lets drop this and talk about stuff that matters.....you know....like football and what these guys will bring to the table.


Other NFL Draft Tidbits 
I was very surprised to see Johnny Manziel drop all the way down to 22 overall with the Browns. I still had not quite ruled out Houston going for him and thought surely that Cleveland was going to take him with the 8th pick but they decided to go with CB Justin Gilbert then took Johnny Football later in the first round. Jacksonville also raised some eyebrows with their 3rd overall pick of UCF QB Blake Bortles. Surely they could have saved that pick for later in the draft (especially with Manziel still on the board) but then again, what do I know? I'm just a fan. Clemson star QB Tajh Boyd had to wait a while but he finally heard his name called in the 6th round with the 213th overall pick by the New York Jets. Clemson WR Martavis Bryant is headed to the Steelers and is expected to be on the field early and often. He was a bit spotty during his career in Clemson but had a solid season last year and played a large role in the Tigers road win in Raleigh over NC State as well as a few spectacular catches in the Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State.



**It feels great to be back. Going to take a week or two to fully get back into the swing of things but hope to have the blog running full speed again by the end of the month. As always thanks to all my readers and supporters. I can't name the number of times someone has talked to me about my blog the past few months despite the fact that I had to put it on the back burner for a while. But I'm back (and hopefully) better than ever!

Orange Bowl Thriller

O-H My Goodness! 

Clemson stepped back into the National spotlight last night once again with a major opportunity to prove their worth and redeem themselves from their last trip down to South Beach. The Tigers were embarrassed in that game against West Virginia, 70-33 and up until last night were at the wrong end of jokes and one-liners poking fun at the Clemson defense. Last night though, it was the Tigers that got the last laugh as Clemson stitched their name into Orange Bowl history greatness surviving a thriller over #7 Ohio State, 40-35 in front of a 70,000 plus+ Buckeye dominated crowd in Sun Life Stadium. 

It was a much anticipated match-up that the entire country was looking forward to and most fans knew that we would be in for a high scoring thriller and the game certainly did not disappoint. From the first drive of the game where Tajh Boyd scampered down field for a 48 yard score to the late interception by linebacker Stephone Anthony that sealed the deal, this game had fans on the edge of their seat. Ironically, that is just how the game ended the last time these time these two teams met up. Luckily, this time no punches were thrown towards Clemson players, however the same can't be said for the whiteboard in the Buckeye lockerroom. Boyd's early touchdown run was matched on the next series by OSU's Braxton Miller on a touchdown drive that should have never happened. OSU took advantage of a fake punt and a unsportsmanlike penalty called on Vic Beasley following a sack of Miller, and kept driving down the field and made the Tigers pay for their mistakes. However, Clemson would turn the heat up on Miller and stay in his face all night long and the defense would prove it wasn't the same as it was two years ago forcing four turnovers on the night and putting a pretty serious hurting on dual threat QB Braxton Miller keeping him under control for the most part.No doubt in my mind Miller woke up this morning feeling the pain from last night's physical game. The Tigers were stellar on third down unlike in their previous game against South Carolina and only allowed the Buckeyes to convert on 2 out of their 13 third down conversions and once again played with a "bend but don't break" mentality and came up with stops when it mattered the most. 

In what was almost certainly Sammy Watkins last game in a Clemson uniform, the wide out from Florida showed out and reminded me of the Sammy we saw his freshmen year. It was clear from the start that the Tigers wanted to get him as many touches as possible and he came up bigger than ever for his team setting a new Orange Bowl record and becoming the All-Time receptions leader for Clemson as well with 16 catches for 227 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Florida native played his heart out and gave Clemson nation his all in his likely curtain call as a Tiger. Tajh Boyd's night wasn't too shabby either as the senior answered the call and proved he could win a big time game on the national stage and really only had two bad plays the entire night, both were interceptions. The first came deep in Buckeye territory and the second late in the game had Clemson fans on the brink of cardiac arrest. He finished with a great stat line going 31-40 for 378 yards and 5 TDs and also added 127 yards rushing and another score on the ground to lead the Tigers.

 The Clemson defense once again did their part and the Clemson offense simply couldn't be stopped, although the refs did their best to derail the Tiger offense. Never in my life have I seen so many holding calls in a game and the fact that they missed one of the easiest calls of the entire night on Ohio State's offense against Vic Beasley while it was literally right in front of them is simply baffling to me. I still haven't figured out the call in which we were stopped short on fourth down but got the first down (or so we thought) via a late hit penalty on Ohio State. The play was reviewed, (which I also don't understand as he appeared to be clearly short) and when it was all said and done, it was the Buckeyes football and the penalty was basically taken back like it never occurred. But I digress on that one, glad we got the win and don't have to see these refs on a regular basis and hopefully ever again. They were bad. Really, really bad. The Tigers not only took down one of the best offenses in the country, they put up some pretty impressive numbers themselves finishing with 576 total yards. Boyd played arguably the best game of his career and lead his team like a true leader should. He was composed and focused and put the ball where his play makers could go up and take advantage of this well over matched Buckeye secondary. From Watkins to Bryant, to Williams, Hopper and Leggett, there was simply too much for Ohio State to handle. 

For Clemson fans, the best part of the night (following the win of course) had to be when Swinney fired back at Spurrier who took a shot at the Tigers following the Gamecocks win over Wisconsin on New Years Day saying "Two Capital One Bowl Championships are good but that State Championship is pretty nice too!" Swinney trolled on Spurrier and company during his trophy presentation as well noting that the Tigers are the first team to win (and even PLAY, for that matter) in a BCS Bowl. I loved it especially since I had been getting text messages from Carolina fans since the 1st quarter. I thought after the game I would be in the clear but actually STILL had Gamecocks tweeting and texting me running their mouth...I honestly couldn't stop laughing. Nice try Coots, but we are going to be enjoying this one for a while AND WE SHOULD! You guys have our number right now in the rivalry but South Carolina had absolutely NOTHING to do with OUR game last night. So please, exit stage left.

I'm so proud of this team and this season. 11 wins yet again and now our first BCS Bowl Championship. This senior class has restored the ROAR in Clemson, SC and great things are ahead for this program if they can remained focused. Last night the guys proved they belong to be discussed among the top teams in College Football and shut the door not only on Ohio State's offense but also in the face of all the press,media and fans across the nation that have been trolling Clemson since their lost to West Virginia on that very same field two years prior. If you are the type that loves stats, especially surprising ones, check this out: Clemson became the FIRST team to beat Ohio State when they've scored at least 35 points. Read that last sentence again, its not a typo. The Buckeyes are now 279-1-1 when scoring 35 or more points. The tie came back in 1978 in a 35-35 game with SMU. The Tigers also handed Urban Meyer his first BCS game loss and only his second loss since he arrived in Columbus last season. I wonder if Clemson fans will still be hearing about THESE stats for the next two years. Doubt it, I highly doubt it. But the future is bright for Clemson football and I'm already fired up for the 2014 season opener in Athens against Georgia. Clemson stepped up big last night and captured a win that was 32 years in the making. 32. We deserve to enjoy this one for a while and trust and believe that we will do just that! Go Tigers...2014 Orange Bowl Champions!! 

Life After Tajh

Its almost that time. We have only 60 minutes left to watch Tajh Boyd play in a Clemson uniform. Its been quite the roller coaster ride full of ups and downs but at the end of the day #10 will go down as one of the All-Time Clemson greats and rightfully so. He's gone above and beyond what I personally expected out of him and has taken Clemson to the next level and made the Tigers a serious threat in the ACC and beyond. He has come a long, long way from his first days at Clemson. I was there and saw Boyd try, but come up short in rallying his team to a victory over South Florida in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. I was there and saw the empty seats and lack of spirit and enthusiasm from both the Clemson football team and the fans. I read the stories and message boards of Tiger nation and their reactions to our first losing season in 11 years. It was a depressing and difficult time to be a Clemson fan. I remember it like it was yesterday. But things would quickly turn around. Boyd went back to the drawing board and went to work. And the next year he led the Tigers to an impressive 8-0 start (cue the "Shock the World Tour") and some believed that this might finally be the Tiger's year and they would be the Cinderella team of 2011. I was back in Bank of America Stadium later that season to watch him lead the Tigers to an ACC Championship in convincing fashion on the very same field the Tigers played for a meaningless bowl game trophy the season before. I saw Clemson fans coming out of the woodwork after that game only to see them jump right off the bandwagon and once again throw Boyd under the bus (just as they did following the Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and South Carolina games that season) following the 70-33 loss in the Orange Bowl to West Virginia. His performance in big games became a serious concern.

Then I watched him go back to work yet again in the off-season dropping a few pounds and adding some muscle and speed that clearly made him a more dangerous threat heading into the 2012 campaign. Now, not only did you have to worry about his arm strength but him lowering the shoulder and running more often giving the opposing defense one more thing to worry about. We watched as he made countless "home-run" type plays placing the ball perfectly for guys like Deandre Hopkins, Brandon Ford, and Sammy Watkins to go up and make plays. Clemson's offense became one of the most explosive in the country and as a Tiger fan, it was a thrill to watch our offense work under offensive coordinator Chad Morris. Of course 2012 had its low points as well. A disappointing finish against both Florida State and South Carolina had many believing Boyd simply couldn't win the "big ones". Boyd answered many of those questions and proved all the experts and nay-sayers wrong with his performance against LSU in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl and led the Tigers to unbelievable come-from-behind victory over #8 LSU. His progression and maturity as a football player shined Bright Like a Diamond that night. (Yes, I just went there. Sue me.) Even Boyd himself left the Georgia dome that night believing he had played his last game in a Tiger uniform and was ready for the NFL after an overall solid season.

Luckily for Clemson, not only did Boyd return for his senior year, but so did offensive coordinator Chad Morris who appeared to be the leading candidate for the head coaching position at Texas Tech. However, the Red Raiders chose former Tech QB Kliff Kingsbury and Clemson nation led out a collective sigh of relief. The Tigers brought all the momentum in the world into their 2013 season opening showdown with long time rival, Georgia, in a top ten battle that would have instant BCS implications. Boyd again rose to the occasion and led his team to victory to become to the first non-SEC team to defeat two ranked SEC opponents in consecutive games. Boyd has re-written the Clemson record books and has earned his right to not only the Clemson hall of fame but will surely be honored by the ACC the future as well.

Now we have only 60 minutes left of seeing #10 play for Clemson. Its been a wild ride full of program defining wins and heartbreaking losses. Boyd has helped changed the perception of Clemson football and "Clemsoning". The Tigers are 31-8 with Tajh has their starter. Impressive to say the least, however, those losses include 3 to South Carolina as a starter. (Kyle Parker started the 2010 game and played until the 2nd half) Yup, arguably the best QB in Clemson history never took down the Gamecocks and that will leave a lingering blemish on his otherwise sparkling career as a Tiger. One thing is for sure, regardless of what happens against Ohio State, Boyd deserves a warm standing ovation when he walks off the field for the final time on January 3rd. He has helped turn around this program and we would not be where we are today with the services and dedication from #10. So on behalf of Tiger nation, Tajh Boyd, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

That being said, its time to start preparing for life after Tajh. The good news is the Tigers already have two talented and competitive replacements in Cole Stoudt and Chad Kelly. In their limited playing time this season in "clean-up" duty, we have seen flashes of potential from both quarterbacks and I can't wait to see how this plays out through spring ball and fall camp leading up to another season opener against Georgia, this time "Between the Hedges" in Athens, GA. In my opinion, Stoudt would have to be the early favorite heading into the off-season. Although Chad Kelly should (and will) be right on his heels.

And speaking of Georgia, we have another guy named Deshuan Watson a 6-3, 190 QB out of Gainesville, GA that will also be in the mix and is expected to be the next great Clemson quarterback. He will challenge both Stoudt and Kelly from day one. He is ranked the #1 dual threat QB coming out of the 2014 class and will be on campus in January. Watson is nursing an MCL injury suffered in his last High School game and although it won't require surgery, he will under go rehab in the coming months in order to be ready for spring practice. One thing is for sure, the competition for the starting job will be intense. All three want nothing more than to be the starter for the season opener and have the potential to do so. Chad Morris noted during interviews last week that Bowl Practice is an early look into who will have the edge heading into spring practice. He is pushing all three to play at a high level. We will miss Tajh Boyd but it appears that next year Clemson will not be rebuilding, but simply reloading. It is going to be fun to watch it all pan out.

Bowl Predictions

Capital One Bowl

January 1, 2014--Orlando, Florida 1pm EST 

#9 South Carolina (10-2) vs #19 Wisconsin (9-3) 

The Gamecocks enter this match-up riding a five game winning streak and are looking for their third straight 11 win season in Columbia. South Carolina QB Conner Shaw has left his mark on the Gamecock football program and will look to go out on the winning side when he takes the field against Wisconsin. Shaw has been impressive again this season completing 61% of his passes for 21 touchdowns and only 1 interception this year. You'd be hard pressed to find a ratio that solid anywhere in the country. Mike Davis has led the way on the ground for Carolina with 1134 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. The Gamecocks haven't always blown  the competition, but when it came down to the wire, more times than not, they found a way to get the job done. The Gamecocks were 4-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less this season. Wisconsin hasn't drawn too much attention throughout this season but definitely deserve all of South Carolina's respect. The Badgers have a solid rushing attack and average 283 yards per game ranking 8th in the nation. They average nearly 36 points per game and are a stingy group on defense giving up only 14.8 points per game. A Top QB-RB duo in Joel Stave who has tossed for over 2,000 yards this season (20 TDs, 12 INTs) and Melvin Gordon who is closing in on a 1500 yard season with 1466 yards entering the bowl game and 12 touchdowns lead the way. The Badgers handled two top 25 teams with relative ease in #19 Northwestern (35-6) and #25 Minnesota (20-7) and gave Ohio State all they could handle on the road in Columbus before falling to the Buckeyes 31-24. I could see this one going either way but give the ever-so-slight advantage to Shaw and the Gamecocks. They've found a way to win close games and they get it done on New Years Day. 

The Pick: South Carolina 

FedEx Orange Bowl 

January 3, 2014--Miami, Florida 8:30pm EST

#12 Clemson (10-2) vs #7 Ohio State (12-1) 

Both teams enter this game looking to redeem themselves from their previous performance. The Tigers had six (!!!!) turnovers against the Gamecocks and couldn't seem to get out of their own way in their regular season finale loss in Columbia. Ohio State's last outing didn't turn out so well either and the Buckeyes were horrible on third down covering on only 1 of 10 against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship. Both of these teams have explosive offenses. Ohio State is fourth in the country in scoring offense putting up 46 points per game and the Tigers aren't too far behind with 40.2 per game. Along with high powered offenses, both teams also have suspect defenses. Clemson simply didn't have an answer for Winston and the Seminoles who dropped 51 on the Tigers and Conner Shaw had his way against Brent Venables' defense. That should scare the daylights out of Clemson fans. With all due respect to Conner Shaw, if we couldn't slow him down its going to be even more difficult to stop the rushing attack of not one, but TWO 1,000 yard rushers in QB Braxton Miller and RB Carlos Hyde. However, Ohio State's defense has also had some major issues especially in the pass defense department which keeps this game way more interesting and scary for Buckeye fans. In their last two games, the Buckeyes gave up 755 yards combined through the air. If you've watched the Tigers at all this season you know they have a wealth of big play receivers and you better believe Clemson will take shots down field early and often and challenge this Buckeye defense. I'm also interested to see what the Tigers can do on the ground. If and that is a big if, Clemson establishes a running game early and Boyd is able to tuck it and run and pick up 4, 5, or even 6 yards here and there, that will open up the passing game and I like our chances and match-ups against Ohio State's defensive backs.

I think this game is going to be a shootout. While I'm not convinced Ohio State has played  (and beat) a quality opponent, the same could be argued for the Tigers. I think this game comes down to who can up with that big turnover that gives their team an extra possession that could be the difference in this high scoring frenzy. Clemson will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and looking to redeem themselves from not only the 70-33 loss to West Virginia in Miami two years ago but their two embarrassing losses this year to Florida State and South Carolina...the only two teams that defeated Clemson last season as well. Bottom line is I think there is more uncertainty on the Tiger sideline. What team will show up in Miami? The one that took down UGA? How bout the team that was down 17-0 against FSU before some fans even got to their seats? Only time will tell. That being said, I have to go with the Buckeyes in a close one. 

The Pick: Ohio State

BCS National Championship

January 6, 2014--Pasadena, California (8:30pm) EST

#1 Florida State (13-0) vs #2 Auburn (12-1) 

I don't believe there is a single person in the WORLD who had these two teams meeting up in Pasadena but if you've watched this wacky season of college football, this match-up should no surprise you. Florida State has cruised through this season with ease and have been dominant every time they stepped on the field. The Seminoles are 2nd the nation in points scored with 53 per game and on defense they are 1st in the nation allowing only 10.7 points per game. Freshmen sensation and Heisman winner Jamies Winston has been phenomenal but has had quite the supporting cast as well. The Seminoles have NFL-ready talent at nearly every single position on the field and have a head coach that is quickly on the rise and is on pace to be among the greatest to ever coach at Florida State. Auburn has been the comeback team of the year. The Auburn Tigers were just 3-9 last year and now they are 12-1 and are 60 minutes away from capturing another National Championship. Gus Malzhan has been simply amazing and his Tigers have found the most improbable ways to win this season. In back-to-back games to conclude the regular season, Auburn scored in the final moments of the game to win. Some would call it luck, and they would be right. However, some times its better to be lucky than to be good. Auburn however has proved its not only lucky, but a great football team and they have earned their trip to Pasadena, make no mistake about it. Florida State on the other hand could be more questionable. Yes they have been absolutely dominant, but their level of competition is not even in the same ball park as Auburn. (SEC! SEC! SEC!....happy now?) That being said, Auburn is a very predictable team. They literally run the same handful of plays time and time again at you. I guess you could say that they bore you and put you to sleep with it then catch you napping and hit you with the big play. With plenty of time to prepare and break down film, I think this FSU defense will be well prepared for Tre Mason and company and will make them fight for every yard. I'm by no means an ACC homer but if there was ever time for me to pull for the ACC against the SEC, its now. I think Winston and the Seminoles get the job done in Pasadena by a touchdown. 

The Pick: Florida State

Other Picks:  

Chic-Fil-A Bowl:  #24 Duke (10-3) over #21 Texas A&M (8-4)

Gator Bowl: #22 Georgia (8-4) over Nebraska (8-4) 

Alamo Bowl: #10 Oregon (10-2) over Texas (8-4) 

Outback Bowl: #16 LSU (9-3) over Iowa (8-4) 

Cotton Bowl: #8 Missouri (11-2) over #13 Oklahoma St (10-2) 

Rose Bowl: #4 Michigan St (12-1) over #5 Stanford (11-2)

Fiesta Bowl: #15 UCF (11-1) over #6 Baylor (11-1) 

Sugar Bowl: #3 Alabama (11-1) over #11 Oklahoma (10-2) 

Redemption

As most of us expected, Clemson was selected by the Orange Bowl to represent the ACC taking the place of Florida State who will square off against Auburn for the BCS National Championship in Pasadena, California January 6, 2014. The Tigers will take on #6 Ohio State down in Miami on January 3rd and will seek to redeem themselves from their last trip to South Beach. I don't think I have to remind you (but I will anyway) of the 70-33 woodshed beating put on my Tigers by West Virginia two years ago in Miami. After that loss, Coach Dabo Swinney promised Clemson nation that it wouldn't take another 31 years for the Tigers to return to the Orange Bowl and just two years later he has followed through on his promise. Although Clemson fans would have obviously liked to win the ACC outright, I don't think you will find many Tiger fans complaining about where Tajh Boyd and company will be spending the holiday season.

Clemson has a great opportunity standing before them next month. If the Tigers hope to redeem themselves from their last appearance in Miami and also ease the sting of last month's loss to rival South Carolina, this is a game they have to win. A win over #6 Ohio State would not only be a great ending to this season but would go a long way in proving the Tigers are truly a BCS worthy team and are ready to take that next step. However, it won't come easy. Urban Meyer is in his second year as the head coach of the Buckeyes and has an impressive 24-1 record in Columbus. The Buckeyes have two 1,000 yard rushers in QB Braxton Miller and RB Carlos Hyde and have big, physical players all over the field, many of which will likely be playing on Sundays later in their career. When you sit down and view the teams side-by-side, there are actually quite a few similarities. Both teams have high powered offenses that can light up the scoreboard and beat you in a variety of different ways. However, both the Buckeyes and Tigers have some significant areas of concern on defense, specifically in the secondary. That being said, I think we could very well be headed towards a high scoring affair in Miami and it should be an exciting game.

Tajh Boyd has basically re-written the Clemson record books but has struggled in big-time games and will leave Clemson having never beaten South Carolina. His legacy and draft stock will be heavily affected by the outcome of the Orange Bowl and you have to think that Boyd would want nothing more than to end his career with a BCS bowl victory over the Buckeyes and will leave it all out on the field. It's going to be a great opportunity for Clemson to make a statement on the national stage. Will they rise to the occasion? Or will it be the same old story yet again? Only time will tell but you really can't stress just how big this game is for the Tigers. Not only would it be big to end the season with a signature win and help with recruiting but it would be a great springboard for the 2014 season. Although the Tigers lose some key guys on offense including Tajh Boyd, Roderick McDowell and (most likely) Sammy Watkins, Clemson will be more-so reloading, rather than rebuilding next year. The defense should be even better next year and potentially be among the best in the country. Many people don't realize that Clemson led the nation in a quite a few defensive categories during the duration of the season. Once the smoke clears at the QB position, the Tigers should also be in pretty good shape offensively. To get to the point, a win in Miami along with all the returners coming back and a solid recruiting class could have the Tigers preseason ranked in the top 5 heading into the fall of 2014. But lets just take things one at a time. And for now that means focusing on Ohio State and playing what will have to be their best game of the season to take down Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.