Aftermath

Over the last few days I have thought quite a bit about what happened Saturday in Atlanta and what it means for the future of the Clemson football team. One thing that struck me is how quickly things change - not just for Clemson, but for Alabama, too. The outcome of one game could have a devastating effect on one team and an incredible bounce for another. Here are some key points as I see them:

Team Psyche
This one has to hurt, but how will the team respond to the beat down on national TV? Make no mistake - I believe Alabama is a better team than most think, but how good is to be determined. Clemson on the other hand is bruised and battered mentally and physically. Will the mental wounds heal or is this a team headed for oblivion? The schedule favors the Tigers over the next three weeks with two FCS teams, a pretty weak N.C. State, and a Maryland team that only beat Delaware 14-7. As horrible as Saturday was Clemson could end the month 4-1 and 2-0 in the ACC.

Recruiting
This one hurt in more ways than just losing to Alabama. It was already difficult competing with SEC schools for talent because of the disparity between the two conferences in terms of cache. This isn't going to help. It will be used against Clemson (and other ACC teams) during recruiting. Can't say that I blame them. If you are Craig Loston and you have a chance to play for Texas in the Big 12 or LSU in the SEC or Clemson in the ACC who do you choose? I'd be shocked if it was Clemson.

Coaching Changes
It's becoming apparent that something needs to change. While I remain resistant to changing the entire staff for several reasons, it's become painfully obvious that the Tigers are really easy to defend, and also, pretty easy to move the ball on. Clemson dominates teams in which they have a clear edge in talent, but when the talent is close or equal, the Tigers fall short to better preparation, schemes and adjustments.

In 2007 the Clemson offense averaged 100.4 more yards per game and twice as many points (51 vs. 25.1) per game when facing Louisiana-Monroe, Furman, Central Michigan and Duke than they did against the rest of their schedule. The Tigers fatten their stats on the sisters of the poor and struggle against everyone else. Rob Spence should not be retained. Vic Koenning should be on a short leash. While the disparity is not close to what Spence's offense generates (the defense only allows 20 more yards a game and 7 more points against the 9 stronger teams) Koenning's defense generated 11 turnovers in those four games and only 14 in the other 9. To some extent I'm sure this happens with a lot of teams - fatten your stats against your I-AA opponents (or weaker FBS opponents like Monroe and Central Michigan). The difference is Clemson repeatedly comes up short in marquee games and appears to be out coached and unprepared. Depending on how the next 11 games turn out Tommy Bowden and the other assistants should be put on notice.

What's it all mean?
The season isn't over. Most of the team's goals remain within reach. 10 wins, division championship, ACC Championship, BCS bid and BCS win. Only one was lost - an undefeated season - and that was an extremely remote shot from where I sit. It's easy to over react and panic at this point. But, that's a course I'm not ready to take at this point.