Clemson discovered a option to win on Saturday, rallied from a 14-point deficit regardless of 4 turnovers and a quarterback change, and prevailed although its two quarterbacks accomplished solely 15 passes.
In the event you’re an orange pom-pom waiver, that was the story of the afternoon in Demise Valley, the Tigers surviving and advancing, remaining considered one of six undefeated power-conference groups within the nation by squeezing previous Syracuse, 27-21. For these of us primarily based in actuality, who watch the whole nation carry out on a weekly foundation and already had doubts about Clemson, this was an alarming efficiency.
Merely put, the Tigers didn’t appear like an elite crew. They didn’t resemble something near Ohio State or the large three within the SEC of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, and even of the ilk of Michigan, TCU and Oregon.
The protection was up and down, even when it responded properly within the second half. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei couldn’t deal with the strain of a top quality protection and dedicated three turnovers earlier than being lifted for freshman Cade Klubnik. This transfer got here on the heels of coach Dabo Swinney taking victory laps this week, mocking reporters for doubting Uiagalelei, calling the early-season requires Klubnik “embarrassing.”
Syracuse misplaced this sport greater than Clemson received it. It dedicated bonehead penalty after bonehead penalty, it was on the incorrect finish of some questionable calls — the officers swallowed their whistle on a transparent roughing-the-passer penalty that continued the Tigers’ momentum — it iced its personal star, limiting standout operating again Sean Tucker to 10 touches, and coach Dino Babers handcuffed his crew by permitting 25 seconds of the clock within the remaining two minutes to elapse earlier than utilizing his remaining timeout.
Clemson’s résumé is as skinny as Swinney’s confidence in Uiagalelei was on Saturday, even when he ended any ideas of an argument afterward by saying the enigmatic junior stays his quarterback. The Tigers allowed 45 factors of their most spectacular victory at Wake Forest. They barely survived three-loss Florida State and received’t face one other ranked opponent the remainder of the season. Mediocre Notre Dame is the lone hurdle earlier than the ACC championship sport.
If Clemson does certainly win out, and it will likely be closely favored to take action, it’s onerous to see the Tigers not getting in. Their model stays sturdy and it’s unlikely an undefeated crew from the ACC can be overlooked in favor of a one-loss crew, even when that crew passes the attention check in methods Clemson doesn't.
However ask your self this: Does Clemson even flirt with an undefeated file if it performs within the SEC, Large Ten and even the Large 12 of Pac-12? Does this crew appear like it may possibly beat Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama or Tennessee? Belief your eyes. Saturday supplied a clear-cut reply that Clemson just isn't among the many nation’s finest.
Tiger turnaround
Brian Kelly didn’t overlook tips on how to coach in any case. Sure, LSU began sluggish, dropping the season opener to Florida State and falling into deep early deficits towards Mississippi State and Auburn. However Kelly has weathered that storm properly, rallying the Tigers to wins in these two video games, and has gotten probably the most out of Arizona State switch quarterback Jayden Daniels.
After Saturday’s spectacular 45-20 blitzing of Ole Miss that was keyed by Daniels’ 5 touchdowns and 369 all-purpose yards, LSU remarkably now controls its personal future within the SEC West. It'll enter subsequent week’s showdown in Baton Rouge towards Alabama tied with the Crimson Tide atop the powerhouse division. Kelly’s first season, projected to be mediocre by LSU requirements — the Tigers have been picked fifth within the SEC West — rapidly has an opportunity to be memorable.
Miami meltdown
If I needed to decide one of many large applications from the Sunshine State to interrupt although again in September, it will’ve been Miami. That is why I’m on the backside of The Publish’s faculty bettor’s information. The Hurricanes are the worst of the large three, and Florida and Florida State are hardly contenders.
Miami has dropped 4 of 5 below new coach Mario Cristobal following its ugly 45-21 loss to Duke wherein it dedicated a ghastly eight turnovers. Possibly Cristobal ought to carry again the Turnover Chain, a big gold chain worn by gamers after producing a turnover that he removed upon taking up. The established order isn’t working.
Post a Comment