| FTBL Perspective from a Clemson fan

[TigerTeacher2007]

Hello folks. Wanted to say how much we're looking forward to this game.

Should be a great one.

A couple of corrections, or just FYI's, so to speak, to help in the pre-game analysis for y'all.

The biggest misconception I think I see from this site is that our LB corps is somehow the weakest link of our team. I believe that is inaccurate.

Our coaches feel very comfortable with what we have at LB. Conner was waiting in the wings behind some absolute studs... he is no slouch. Maye was an Alabama boy that is a big hitter. Cooper played significant snaps last year as a true frosh.

Also remember that they are playing behind a very good defensive line (Sapp, Jackson, Scott, and Bowers) and in front of one of the country's best secondaries (at least STARTING secondaries...depth could be a concern.) The fact of the matter is, our LB corps doesn't have to be GREAT. They have to hold serve, which I am confident they will do.

The bigger question, and what you guys have mentioned, but not enough, is whether or not our offensive line will hold. Our OL is big (starting 5 averages close to 6'4 305), talented (Bowden has made OL a focus in the past five years in recruiting), but green.

Honestly... NOBODY knows what to expect out of this group. They are an unknown quantity. The individual pieces are there. But this group has never played a game together as a unit.

How will this translate on gameday?

I'll discuss that in my preview/prediction for y'all.

Until then, thanks for your comments and thanks for letting me on your board!

**EDIT**

Also wanted to let y'all know, since it was mentioned in a post from a week or so ago, that Ray Ray McElrathbey was a non-contributor to the team.

If y'll recall, he was the young man that was raising his little because his mother had a crack and gambling problem. Got lots of national attention.

We offered him a grad assistant spot so he could get his graduate degree and continue to help out with the football program.... but he (understandably) wasn't doing what was necessary on the field to contribute.

Even before the change, he was in no way getting a foot in the depth chart.

 

[Swamptick]

Welcome to the site!

 

[reger60]

Thanks for sharing your insight. We really enjoy talking to rivals here. Looking forward to a great matchup and hearing more from you as we get closer to the game.

 

[shipley00]

Welcome. I think we are all looking forward to the game. As some have mentioned, I miss big out of conference games.

As for your concern about the talk of your LB corp being the weakest link, when you have a very good DL and excellent, I think it's safe to say LB will be the weakest link on Defense. I think there are similarities there between Clemson and Bama. We have one stud, but young LB in McClain, but some unproven but highly thought of kids. I expect to see at least one if not two freshman playing that opening weekend.

So how do you like the ABC broadcasts? I've been less than impressed with Alabama's CBS and ESPN coverage (although still better than Lincoln Financial)

 

[TigerTeacher2007]

ABC is usually pretty good...

I think we'll get their best crew too, with it being a national game.

Can't wait!

 

[TerryP]

Re: ABC is usually pretty good...

I think we'll get their best crew too, with it being a national game.

Can't wait!

With Gameday there, we'll see Herbie in the booth probably with Musburger...who the third is, I don't know. I don't watch a lot of ABC coverage on football.

 

[Guest]

Re: ABC is usually pretty good...

I think we'll get their best crew too, with it being a national game.

Can't wait!

With Gameday there, we'll see Herbie in the booth probably with Musburger...who the third is, I don't know. I don't watch a lot of ABC coverage on football.

I seriously dislike Musburger.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Welcome to the site! Your other 2 posts were good reads as well.