Georgia is still on my mind.....

Clemson gets a W, TV audience gets an entertaining game, and we climb in the polls.  It can't get much better than this. But, it does...

Recruits nationwide are calling and either committing or putting Clemson on top.

We had a few commitments from recruits attending the game.

ABC did a fantastic job filming and walking us through the players' loading the busses and running down the hill.  I have never been so pleased.  It still gives me goose bumps today!

We saw an all powerful SEC defense do the injury fake once again as they try to stop our offensive  tempo.  Note to SEC, we weren't even that fast Saturday night, we are going to improve on that.  

In opposition to some opinions, UGA has a fantastic team.  Their QB is one of the best.  The entire offense is extremely talented.  At running back, they are all one step away from breaking through, every play.  Their defense had some holes out there, but overall they were really good.  Special teams are good.  Place kicker has some inconsistency, sorry, I am an expert on kickers!  Punter was really good.

Tigers come out of the game, banged but not broken.  We get our Tight End back this week.  

Dabo finally gets to tell the media to get a different story line about our let downs in the past.  I agree, it's time to move on, we are very consistent.  I also agree, our players deserve that talk to stop.  They have worked their fannies off in the offseason.  Our overall conditioning is awesome. So media, find something else to report.  The inconsistent thing is OLD!!!

Tajh moves, in my opinion to the front in the Heisman race.  I hate to even comment on this, but looking at the other front runners, there is no question, Tajh has the edge.  It's a long season, however, I get that.

So many positives came out of this game.  It was an all day party.  Death Valley had never been louder.  The orange at night is electrifying.  

Here's the better part....My guest for the game, was attending her second game after graduating back in the early 80's. her husband is a Georgia graduate and they attend those games.  She is my hero, more so than any player on the field.  You see, she has stage 4 cancer and is fighting for her life.  She stood, she sat, she sweated, she cheered, but most of all she smiled.  A big, bright beautiful smile.  Could it be, that Tiger Victory was drawn up just for her?  Does God care for her that much?  I answer a resounding YES!  As I finished off my pregame blog last week, I ended with 2 little words...those words mean so much more than last week....

I BELIEVE

Night Game in Death Valley...UGA comes to town

Clemson versus Georgia.  Tigers versus Bulldogs.  The Tiger versus Uga.  Orange versus red. It's been several years since these two teams have met each other in football.  Personally, I haven't really missed the rivalry, I kind of put it on the back burner for several years now.

A few things I recall about the series during the 80's, don't ever wear orange to Athens.  Definitely don't attend a night game in Athens on Labor Day night, believe me when I say this.  It's not your friendliest of places.  In fact, I've never had so many bottles and cans thrown at me trying to get into a stadium ever.  I'm sure those days are better,  I sure hope they are!

This game is huge for my Tigers.  I went up to the scrimmage for former players a few weeks ago and there is something different about this Tiger Team.  We have sizable linemen.  Huge, fast , linemen.  We have incredible talent at wide receiver.  We have a seasoned quarterback, who by the way is on everyone's Heisman Watch List.  We have 4 very fast and strong running backs.  Our kicking game with CatMan and Pinion could not be any better. Defense?  Yeah, they dominated the scrimmage and did more yelling and jumping around than I have seen in many years.  Linebackers are talented.  Freshman Ben Boulware is a beast, very talented and can mouth off and prove it!  I love this kid.  This is the same defensive line that pushed LSU around in the bowl game.  I am still basking in that situation!

On the flip side, Georgia is too, very talented.  Offense is very good and can put up some points behind a very good and seasoned quarterback.  Running backs have always been a positive for the Dawgs and this year is no different. The defense lost 8 starters, they have had some injuries, but don't smile too much, I'm sure they just reload.

Thinking about the game, several things went through my mind.  Will it be we have to out score them?  Can we put up big numbers against the infamous SEC defense?  I wish I could look in a crystal ball and give you some answers.  One thing is for sure, GameDay hoopla in addition to night time in the Valley are all huge pluses.  I've spoken with Dabo a few times and he says motivation has not been an issue this off season.  Our guys get they have to be ready and confident.  They have worked super hard this summer and are tired of beating up each other.  They are excited. They are motivated.  They are in outstanding physical condition.

8:00 pm August 31, National Spotlight, GameDay festivities.  Death Valley, the hill, the rock, Tiger Rag, orange attire, tailgating, Tiger Walk, the BIG STAGE!  What a way to start a season.  

ARE YOU ALL IN?

Go Tigers!  I BELIEVE...

Danny Ford and the Tigers travel to Tallahassee , oops wait...

It's here.  It's Gameday , Tigers versus Noles on the big stage.  College GameDay crew set up and Lee Corso choosing the winning team, Tiger Head or hmmm is it the spear ?  Or will he put on an Indian headress?  Lol.

I have had the chance to watch some player interviews this week.  The one that stood out to me was our own Sammy Watkins.  When asked about the oddsmakers making my Tigers a 14 point underdog, Sammy had the perfect response.  He said, "the analysts don't have anything to do with the outcome of the game, we do." You really have to love that kid and especially love he will get one on one coverage today...  I predict Sammy is ready for that breakout game.  He's been practicing and practicing, hearing the naysayers in his head.  He's ready to "shock the world" again.
:-))

Another interesting tweet I read this week was from James Davis, the thunder player in the thunder and lightning combo a few years ago.  I was beginning to wonder about James with his little brother committing to South Carolina, but I think he showed his true orange pride when he had this comment this week, " So Tigers, we are underdogs, FSU has not played anybody yet, and it is time to knock them right in the mouth!". I guess that's where the phrase, Smashmouth football comes from. Haha

Now, let's rewind back to the glory days.  It's late 1980's.  I think the exact year is 1989.  A coach by the name of Danny Ford takes his Tigers to Tallahassee for a showdown with the top ranked Seminoles.  I will never, ever forget the pregame festivities that year.  The Cheif was on horseback riding toward the middle of the field to throw the flaming spear into the Seminoles logo.  This whips the FSU fans into a frenzy.  As the camera captures the exact moment of the spear throw, there in the forefront is a smirking Danny Ford who gives a little chuckle.  Yep, our beloved coach just dissed the most exciting FSU pregame highlight.  Lol.  This still makes me chuckle.  One thing you can say about Danny Ford, he was never intimidated by any college team or their arena.  So unlike, the interview I heard on the Tallahassee radio a few years later, where Ken Hatfield hoped to "keep the game close."

So, tonight Tiger fans, as you see the pregame play out before your eyes, remember the "smirk" and join me in pulling for our Tigers to get a nice victory, just like we did in 1989.

Go Tigers !

Drum Roll, please...Unleash! Is unleashed

The day is finally here, my pastor's book, Unleash is available in bookstores and will be available online tomorrow.

Perry Noble grew up in the upstate of South Carolina and has a very colorful background.  I have had the pleasure of being one of the owners of NewSpring Church which is based out of Anderson, attending the Columbia Campus.

Please enjoy this excerpt from the book, that I finished reading yesterday...

You probably don't remember where you were on October 21, 2006, but I remember it quite well.  

I love college football and my favorite team is the Clemson Tigers.  I've been a Clemson fan ever since I can remember, and there's nothing quite like being in Death Valley (the nickname of their stadium) and watch them dominate their opponent.

On that day in October 2006, the Tigers were playing their rivals, Georgia Tech.  Both teams were nationally ranked, it was a night game, and ESPN's Gameday was there.  Needless to say the atmosphere was electric.

Without going into too much detail , I'll just say that Clemson absolutely whipped Georgia Tech's rear end.  The final score was 31-7, and I can honestly say, I've never heard the stadium as loud as it was that evening.  People were going crazy, proclaiming their love for Clemson and declaring that they were the greatest football team to have ever walked the face of the earth.  I think I even witnessed a few people throwing their babies onto the field.

Emotions were at an all-time high.  Clemson was on a roll.  No one and nothing could stop this team.....

LIE #2. Emotion will sustain my devotion

Get a copy of Perry's book and read how he ties this story and so many others into our walk with Jesus Christ.  You will not want to put it down!

Jim Stuckey...a note about former Tigers

Good afternoon Tiger Fans and friends!

Being a wife of a former Tiger athlete, I get information all the time about former players and their current lives.  This past week I read a really moving email from one of the greatest guys to put on a Clemson uniform, Jim Stuckey.  Jim was an outstanding defensive lineman back in the late 1970's.  I can remember that #83 being bigger than life.  My walk back through time as I thought about Jim brought up some very fond memories of him.  I remember the loss at South Carolina his senior year and the determination on his Mother's face as she made her way onto the playing field after the game to console her son.  At the time no one was allowed onto the field, but that didn't stop a mother from making her way out there and comforting her son.  Jim had a 3-1 record against the Gamecocks but that loss coupled with his last regular season game, was weighing heavily upon him.  Being a Mother, let's just say I would have done the same thing and probably, would have even used the same words Ms. Stuckey used, "I am going to take care of my son, get out of my way!". I think I know where Jim got his toughness from!  Lol.

Another situation I remember is meeting up with Jim a few years ago after his long career playing for the San Francisco 49ers.  Jim won 2 Super Bowls on that team. I walked up to him at the Mandren Center, gave him a hug, complimented him On his physical fitness after all these years, and straightaway asked to not just see his Super Bowl rings, but to let me hold them and put them on.  He chuckled and handed them to me and gave me that Aw Shucks southern boy look, that has always captivated my heart with Clemson athletes.  They were the size of lug nuts and adorned with numerous diamonds, impressive to this country girl!

Fast forward to this week, a note about Jim's extensive back surgery in Mount Pleasant.  His surgery was successful but very invasive and Jim has months and months of rehab to get back to being mobile again.  He's in pain and very sore from his ordeal, but he took the time to email his Tiger brothers and let them know he is still a fighter and looks forward to getting out on the golf course again.  There was a mention of a walker being used in this early stage of rehab, and to that the tears formed and fell from my eyes.  My Jim Stuckey?  That #83 that terrorized quarterbacks and running backs at Clemson's Death Valley?

Yes, that Jim Stuckey, former athlete with all the talent in the world.  You see, he played hard, lived hard, and has now slid into middle age, like so many of his Tiger brothers.  Their bodies going through hip and knee replacements, back surgeries, elbow surgeries, etc.  would they change their former careers????

Absolutely not....they did it for all of us.  Fans in the stadiums who clapped and cheered for our Tiger Heroes.  In the words of Jim Stuckey,  "It's something about being a Tiger, I love you all".  And the email simply signed at the end,

Stuck

My friend, get well soon.  God bless you..

Clemson holds on to beat Auburn 26-19...My Take on things

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog.  If this is your first time here, I blog about college athletics (esp. Clemson University) and high school athletics.  I also blog about my family's endeavors, friends, and my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ.  All of the above, from a Lady's point of view!!

I can't believe week one of college football has arrived and passed.  We made the decision as a family to enjoy this one from home with the garage crew and not fight that Georgia Dome mass exodus.  LOL.  Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled we were asked to play in the Kick off game and I know a lot of my friends made the trip.  I am also certain they had a good time, so thanks Atlanta!

I was thrilled with the outcome of this game, Auburn is a very good team.  They are physical and play very smartly.  Their kicking game is outstanding.  I am relieved this is our last meeting with Auburn in the regular season.  Enough close games is enough!  We will take the 2 wins we have against them during this 3 game stand and think back of what if in our overtime loss to them during their National Championship run a few years ago.

The negative thing about this game was the absence of Sammy Watkins, the best wide receiver and special teams player in the nation.  Yes, I truly believe this.  I have seen Sammy do some things that make a direct outcome on winning the game.  Sammy was suspended for 2 games, this one against Auburn and next week's home opener against Ball State.  All of that being said, let me be clear, Dabo made the right decision, you make a bad decision personally, there have to be consequences.  You've let yourself and your team down, not to mention your family.  The great part about this punishment is Sammy has changed his life around, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and being baptized a few weeks ago.  He has also done all the work required of him to become a part of this team again.  I have had the opportunity to hug on Sammy lately and let me clarify, this young man is special, he made a mistake, let's move on.

The positives of this game consist of a very nice offensive effort, Nuk Hopkins was on fire and caught a record breaking 13 receptions.  It was funny when some friends looked at me during the game and said, "Sammy who?"  I said very funny, but seriously, Nuke had a great game, along with a healthy Andre Ellington, and the leaner and meaner Tajh Boyd.  Early in the game, I looked at everyone and said, "Boys and girls, we have a running, scrambling quarterback!". No one deserves it more than Tajh.  A kid who puts in extra time always at practice, meetings, and game book memorization.  Not to mention his calm demeanor and politeness.

Our defense did all right.  We had a few blown coverages, left some receivers wide open that cost us, but hey with our new coordinator and brand new system, all in all we looked aggressive and played extremely hard.

What stood out the most and is the most encouraging is the condition of our players.  Wow, in the words of Dabo, we could have played a 5th quarter.  Also second to that, our offensive line did a fantastic job protecting Tajh and making holes for Andre.  I was so happy for these guys who don't get a lot of credit over the season.

So, as I await the season opener at home, the Mom in me really looks forward to taking a friend of mine, Kelci Avery up with us for the first time.  She is a high school senior and has narrowed her college choices to Clemson and NC State.

I'll let you know what she says about the game day atmolsphere...I personally think she'll see there is something in these hills!

Go Tigers!!

Georgia on my mind....Bulldogs that is

I was keeping up with the baseball game last night, Clemson vs Georgia. I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled away with a nice victory. This game also brought back a great memory I wanted to share.

It was the spring of 1983. The Tigers headed out to Athens on the vans for a mid week showdown. Bob was still shining bright after a great football game against the Dogs earlier that Fall. We came away with a victory against them on the gridiron although it was a very close game.

I was left at Clemson, someone had to work, right? I didn't get to listen to the game but upon the return trip by the team, I heard the van drive up beside our apartment and a lot of celebrating was going on inside that van. We beat Georgia, can't remember the exact score, but I do remember it was something like 15-7. The guys were screaming for me to get ready, we were all going to Mac's Drive In for a late night dinner!

On the trip to Mac's Bullett informs me Bob was heckled pretty badly at Georgia, with the football thing, and I looked to see if Bob was upset, but he wasn't, in fact he was grinning from ear to ear!

Come to find out, my hubby, went 4 for 4 that day with 3 homeruns and a double that hit the top of the fence. He had 8 rbi's. He had two more at bats but they intentionally walked him for those two. He said every time the crowd would get on him, he'd just hit another homerun. Needless to say, things quieted down really quickly.

And that my friend, is why Georgia is on my mind....#great memories