Clemson Can't Convert

Clemson did not quite pull a Clemson Saturday night, though they failed to take advantage of several opportunities to knock off the number one team in the nation and take the driver’s seat in their division. With the national spotlight focused squarely on him, FSU’s backup quarterback played ok, forcing too many balls and paying the price with two costly interceptions – one returned for a touchdown.

The Tigers missed out on at least SIX opportunities to win the game. Stoudt’s first quarter pass to an open tight in was too low, and the resulting field goal attempt was shanked left. A second missed field goal (3) had the kicker freaked out – he returned to the bench, threw a towel over his head, and sulked. With such negative body language it’s no wonder Dabo shied away from further attempts. A first and goal dive play up the middle was ruled down at the one foot line, though a replay might have overturned the call (4). One play later Watson inexplicably lined up in the shotgun, and the backup center snapped the ball over his head (5). As time counted down Clemson had one last chance to win the game. Driving deep into Seminole territory the Tigers appeared to be marching down for a game-winning score – but lost a fumble (6). FSU ran out the clock and forced overtime.

In overtime Clemson failed to make a first down. Scared to miss a third field goal, Dabo went for it on fourth down. I didn’t like the play call – Watson retreated almost five yards before handing off, forcing the running back to carry the ball six yards for a first down. This gave the defense plenty of time to penetrate and tackle the ballcarrier for a loss. All FSU had to do was kick a field goal to win, so they were going to keep the ball on the ground. Clemson spread out their defense, expecting a pass. Dismayed, the Clemson defense allowed FSU to score in just two plays.

Jameis Winston clearly was not ready for all the spoils that came with the Heisman Trophy. The university may not be either. For this his third offense FSU was only going to suspend Winston from half of the Clemson game, until the school president stepped in and suspended him for the entire game (because Winston lied about his transgression – strike four!). Even with all that Winston  did not grasp the severity of the situation, as he suited up and went out on the field to warm up. Head coach Jimbo Fisher had to send him back to the locker room to take off his uniform. 

While it’s admirable that Winston wanted to cheer on his teammates and help out however possible, the last thing Winston and the university needed was his twisted smile continuously plastered on national TV the entire evening. No matter how well Winston plays the rest of the season, any hopes of a second Heisman are long gone. And with what’s currently going on in the NFL, does Winston think they’ll be welcoming him with open arms? He’s be better off coming back to FSU for his junior year – if he manages to not get kicked off the team.

Before the game both Fisher and Swinney were forced to shun questions about Winston from sideline reporters. Though FSU hasn’t had a squeaky clean history, I have admired both Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Bowden. As Texas A&M learned last year, handling a wayward Heisman winning QB can be tricky. Cutting ties with an Isaiah Crowell is one thing, but kicking a Heisman winner off your team is much harder.  

After the game Clemson student manager Ben Miller was stricken with abdominal pains and was treated by team doctors. The pain increased after Miller returned to Clemson, and Sunday he was admitted to the hospital for surgery. With the off week, Ben hopes to be back on the sidelines September 27 for the North Carolina game.  

UGA/TROY: Hopefully Keith Marshall’s isn’t seriously injured, though the Dawgs have three other backs waiting in the wings. Nice that all three quarterbacks got playing time, and the defense was able to keep the shutout. Nice tune-up for Tennessee. Gurley: 72 yards on just a few carries.

Bama/Florida: The Gators started out tough, but couldn’t keep up with Bama. The Tide will continue to improve, and would be a formidable opponent in the SEC Championship Game. Florida scored at least one defensive touchdown, but is sure to play Georgia tough next month.

Mississippi State / LSU: the second loss for LSU. Perhaps they won’t be a factor in the SEC West this year – though they could be a spoiler.

South Carolina / Vandy: no shame in a close win by the Gamecocks, after last week’s emotional victory over Georgia.