The “Next-To-Great” Tommy Bowden
Does Tommy Bowden suffer from a complex born of being surrounded by greatness?”
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FROM STAFF REPORTS
In early 2006, after a couple of coach-less programs desperately pursued Steve Spurrier, wanting him to leave South Carolina to revive their collapsed football teams, the USC administration increased Spurrier's salary. It was after his first year, a year in which he had won at Tennessee and beaten Florida, fielding a team that lost loads of talent that was recruited by former coach Lou Holtz (for discipline reasons.) In connection with Spurrier’s upgrade in pay, Tommy Bowden, in effect, quipped: “At South Carolina, they give you a raise if you win seven games, here at Clemson, you win seven games and they’ll fire you.”For the most part, the media laughed and dutifully printed Bowden’s claim without vetting it. Of course it was untrue. Bowden had maxed out at six wins in 1999; seven wins in 2001; seven wins in 2002 and six wins in 2004. Fact is, when Bowden made the derogatory comment toward Spurrier and USC, he had won only seven or fewer games a majority of his seasons at Clemson. And he had not only been retained by Clemson, he had been given a raise with a multi-million dollar buyout clause in his contract.While Bowden’s declaration would have been classless, even it were based in truth, you have to ask: Why does a man in his position feel he must lie to draw bravado and attention to himself? (And that is not Bowden’s only looseness with the truth: See the Tony Nelson and Eric Young.) Considering what we‘ve seen Bowden do: I think if we look around him we can answer the question about his less-than-candid nature.His whole life, Tommy Bowden has lived in the shadow of his father, Florida State University’s Bobby Bowden. Bobby Bowden is one of college football’s greatest coaches. Bobby Bowden has earned a spot in many a big game. And on some of those occasions, when faced with a challenge, Bobby Bowden stepped up and won the “BIG” game. His Seminoles were National Champions in 1993 and 1999. In addition to his championships, Bobby Bowden dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference for a decade, winning championships, seemingly with the least of effort.Though he is but a shell of himself now, many would argue that Bobby Bowden’s accomplishments are no doubt the reason Tommy Bowden, who has failed to win even one championship in the hapless ACC, has been given a considerable amount of cache as a college football coach.While dwarfed by football greatness in his family, it is not the only place the diminutive Tommy Bowden finds himself lacking.In 1999, after Brad Scott engineered one of the most miserable coaching jobs in the history of South Carolina football, Lou Holtz took over as the head coach of the Gamecocks. At that moment, Bowden went from a big fish in a small pond, that had contained only a blubbering and incompetent whale as competition, to Mr. Nobody, paling to “Football Legend Lou Holtz.” The popular Holtz, like Bobby Bowden had not choked in his big moment, and he won a National Championship in 1988. A feat Tommy Bowden could not even dream of. While Tommy Bowden was able to defeat Holtz more times than not, Bowden still failed to win big games as he and Holtz coached in the same state. In fact, it was not until Bowden’s ninth year at Clemson (2007) that he was able to match Holtz’s best two years at SC. Both Holtz and Bowden amassed win totals of 17 in two years. Holtz did it in years two and three at SC and Bowden did not do it until years eight and nine. Still: Holtz won two New Year’s Day bowl in those years, while Bowden has lost two bowl games, and has never won an NYD bowl game.Exit Holtz: and who shows up on the scene at South Carolina” the aforementioned Steve Spurrier. Another of the greatest coaches in college football history. And like Holtz and Bobby Bowden, Spurrier shined at one of his most-opportune moments, winning the National Championship in 1996.In addition to his stature, Spurrier is also building a contender at South Carolina. Something Holtz, given his energy level, was not able to maintain. But with Spurrier’s drive and determination, it seems Bowden will again be overshadowed by a great man. And with the success Spurrier is having at building the Gamecock program, Bowden is likely to be beaten by the “Head Ball Coach” for the rest of his tenure at Clemson.While Bowden must look up and wish he could be, the ACC seems to dip in quality each year. Yet Bowden has failed, even when a crown has been virtually laid at his feet.And now James Davis, the possibly highest-quality running back Clemson has ever had, is leaving Bowden. Clemson, even with the talented Davis, was pretty much an under-performing offense, so it lessens the big-game opportunity for Bowden in the future. Yes: there is something to be said for Bowden meeting a level of mediocrity annually in an ever-slipping ACC, but the fact that he has stumbled so visibly when his chance was handed to him, will likely haunt and scar Bowden. To be sure, Bowden’s performance has launched his legacy as the best coach ever to stand “Next-To-Greatness.”
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
After Big Win, Tigers and Gamecocks Take Two Different Paths
After Big Win, Tigers and Gamecocks Take Two Different Paths
BlogSpot News Service
Staff Writer
The kick sailed through, the clocked turned to :00 and TigerNation screeched with unbelievable relief.It was the euphoria that comes from postponing the fear that Steve Spurrier, in his third year with an injury-depleted team, was not quite able to embarrass Clemson’s ninth-year coach.But since the Tigers’ improbable 23-21 comeback, last-second win over the Gamecocks, the two teams seem to have taken different paths.First, rumors swirled that Tiger head man Tommy Bowden was talking to Arkansas about being a replacement for Houston Nutt, who had departed for Ole Miss. While ESPN reported that there was no guarantee that the Arkansas Board of Trustees would accept Bowden because of questions about his abilities, Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips hurriedly, if not prematurely, locked championship-less Bowden into $2 million-plus, long-term contract. At South Carolina, Steve Spurrier sent the message that the Gamecocks’ horrible skid, that included losses to what many would consider inferior opponents in Vanderbilt and Clemson, most likely had to do with a deficiency in his defensive coordinator’s staff. Spurrier’s defensive coordinator was allowed to leave to take the DC job with Nutt at Ole Miss.At Clemson, the oft-accused villain for Clemson’s inability to rise above football mediocrity, will stay at the school. Offensive Coordinator Rob Spence, the butt an avalanche of criticism after any Clemson loss - most of which come on the few times the Tigers take on any above-average opponent - said he was offered a $100,000-plus annual raise to become OC at Tennessee. Although many media sources reported that Spence turned down the job, there was never any confirmation that he was actually offered the position by the Volunteers.Meanwhile, Spurrier was successful in his effort to lure former Georgia DC Brian VanGorder to Columbia. VanGorder’s credentials are impeccable and even more important, he has coached in the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division, and he knows that he will be facing the toughest slate of opponets in the country. Still, he gladly accepted that challenge. In addition to VanGorder, the Gamecocks were able to snag Maryland Special Teams Coach Ray Rychleski, one of the best in the nation. Ironically, without a blocked punt, South Carolina likely would have ended the season with a victory over Clemson and been in a bowl game. Aside from the coaching murkiness at Clemson and triumphs at South Carolina, player personnel has become an issue at both schools. As if the administration was sending a message to Bowden, three of his starters were banned from the Peach Bowl. The player dismissals came after Bowden attacked the Clemson University administration (in February) when some of his recruits, who likely would not have been cleared for enrollment by the NCAA, were denied by the university.At South Carolina, University President Andrew Sorensen announced his resignation. Sorensen drew sharp criticism from Spurrier in August for the last-minute denial of NCAA-approved recruits.In other personnel-related developments, Bowden, who often uses faith to gain an advantage with recruits and their families, allowed Courtney Vincent to play in the Peach Bowl after the player was arrested for Driving Under the Influence just days earlier. That move came after Bowden learned of the academically ineligible players. To add insult to injury, despite Bowden’s choice to forgo discipline of Vincent, the Tigers loss the bowl game 23-20.The bowl loss was crucial because of the fact that Clemson was favored and Auburn was having what many feel to be a down year. Before the loss, Clemson supporters in the media expressed opinions that the Tigers’ assumed 10th win (over Auburn) would beckon back the memories of Clemson icon Danny Ford. Even though, Clemson Head Coach Ken Hatfield won 10 games at Clemson after Ford’s departure. The loss only served to increase the size of the already large monkey on Bowden’s back as he enters 2008.Also related to personnel developments, James Davis, the key player in Clemson’s offense, has announced that he will turn pro and not return to Clemson. Tiger fans, who on queue from Bowden are accustomed to the belief that ballyhooed recruits can replace their greatest performers and surpass them, may learn the hard way of Davis’ unique talent and value to the team. Still, Bowden has managed to set up such a non-competitive host of opponents to supplement an already laughably weak slate of Atlantic Coast Conference foes, Davis’ departure will likely have less affect than it would if the Tigers’ schedule offered a more legitimate challenge. Besides Davis, in a sign of possible no-confidence, other players are mulling a departure from Clemson. And any one of them leaving will be harmful to the already underachieving Tigers’ chances in 2008.At South Carolina, Jasper Brinkley, one of the top linebackers in the country, is returning for his senior year as is Wide Receiver Kenny McKinley, also one of the top players in the country.While Gamecock fans were left to sulk after a late-season defensive collapse, changes are being made and there is a lot of reality based optimism among the GamecockNation.And while Clemson fans have a long history of being able to overlook serious off-season blows to their program, logic says 2008 could be a difficult one for the Tigers.If the post-November developments at Clemson and South Carolina are any indication, Gamecock fans have a lot to look forward to. At Clemson, Tiger fans need to try to not think about the long-term deals their athletic director has given to their coaches, who have underachieved to this point. It is truly a tale of two decidedly different directions.
BlogSpot News Service
Staff Writer
The kick sailed through, the clocked turned to :00 and TigerNation screeched with unbelievable relief.It was the euphoria that comes from postponing the fear that Steve Spurrier, in his third year with an injury-depleted team, was not quite able to embarrass Clemson’s ninth-year coach.But since the Tigers’ improbable 23-21 comeback, last-second win over the Gamecocks, the two teams seem to have taken different paths.First, rumors swirled that Tiger head man Tommy Bowden was talking to Arkansas about being a replacement for Houston Nutt, who had departed for Ole Miss. While ESPN reported that there was no guarantee that the Arkansas Board of Trustees would accept Bowden because of questions about his abilities, Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips hurriedly, if not prematurely, locked championship-less Bowden into $2 million-plus, long-term contract. At South Carolina, Steve Spurrier sent the message that the Gamecocks’ horrible skid, that included losses to what many would consider inferior opponents in Vanderbilt and Clemson, most likely had to do with a deficiency in his defensive coordinator’s staff. Spurrier’s defensive coordinator was allowed to leave to take the DC job with Nutt at Ole Miss.At Clemson, the oft-accused villain for Clemson’s inability to rise above football mediocrity, will stay at the school. Offensive Coordinator Rob Spence, the butt an avalanche of criticism after any Clemson loss - most of which come on the few times the Tigers take on any above-average opponent - said he was offered a $100,000-plus annual raise to become OC at Tennessee. Although many media sources reported that Spence turned down the job, there was never any confirmation that he was actually offered the position by the Volunteers.Meanwhile, Spurrier was successful in his effort to lure former Georgia DC Brian VanGorder to Columbia. VanGorder’s credentials are impeccable and even more important, he has coached in the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division, and he knows that he will be facing the toughest slate of opponets in the country. Still, he gladly accepted that challenge. In addition to VanGorder, the Gamecocks were able to snag Maryland Special Teams Coach Ray Rychleski, one of the best in the nation. Ironically, without a blocked punt, South Carolina likely would have ended the season with a victory over Clemson and been in a bowl game. Aside from the coaching murkiness at Clemson and triumphs at South Carolina, player personnel has become an issue at both schools. As if the administration was sending a message to Bowden, three of his starters were banned from the Peach Bowl. The player dismissals came after Bowden attacked the Clemson University administration (in February) when some of his recruits, who likely would not have been cleared for enrollment by the NCAA, were denied by the university.At South Carolina, University President Andrew Sorensen announced his resignation. Sorensen drew sharp criticism from Spurrier in August for the last-minute denial of NCAA-approved recruits.In other personnel-related developments, Bowden, who often uses faith to gain an advantage with recruits and their families, allowed Courtney Vincent to play in the Peach Bowl after the player was arrested for Driving Under the Influence just days earlier. That move came after Bowden learned of the academically ineligible players. To add insult to injury, despite Bowden’s choice to forgo discipline of Vincent, the Tigers loss the bowl game 23-20.The bowl loss was crucial because of the fact that Clemson was favored and Auburn was having what many feel to be a down year. Before the loss, Clemson supporters in the media expressed opinions that the Tigers’ assumed 10th win (over Auburn) would beckon back the memories of Clemson icon Danny Ford. Even though, Clemson Head Coach Ken Hatfield won 10 games at Clemson after Ford’s departure. The loss only served to increase the size of the already large monkey on Bowden’s back as he enters 2008.Also related to personnel developments, James Davis, the key player in Clemson’s offense, has announced that he will turn pro and not return to Clemson. Tiger fans, who on queue from Bowden are accustomed to the belief that ballyhooed recruits can replace their greatest performers and surpass them, may learn the hard way of Davis’ unique talent and value to the team. Still, Bowden has managed to set up such a non-competitive host of opponents to supplement an already laughably weak slate of Atlantic Coast Conference foes, Davis’ departure will likely have less affect than it would if the Tigers’ schedule offered a more legitimate challenge. Besides Davis, in a sign of possible no-confidence, other players are mulling a departure from Clemson. And any one of them leaving will be harmful to the already underachieving Tigers’ chances in 2008.At South Carolina, Jasper Brinkley, one of the top linebackers in the country, is returning for his senior year as is Wide Receiver Kenny McKinley, also one of the top players in the country.While Gamecock fans were left to sulk after a late-season defensive collapse, changes are being made and there is a lot of reality based optimism among the GamecockNation.And while Clemson fans have a long history of being able to overlook serious off-season blows to their program, logic says 2008 could be a difficult one for the Tigers.If the post-November developments at Clemson and South Carolina are any indication, Gamecock fans have a lot to look forward to. At Clemson, Tiger fans need to try to not think about the long-term deals their athletic director has given to their coaches, who have underachieved to this point. It is truly a tale of two decidedly different directions.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I'm still having a hard time finding answers for Saturday
First, let me say NO, I don't think Steve Spurrier is doing a bad job at South Carolina.
But if Clemson, Georgia or any other team was playing like SC is now, I'd be all over them with the idea that the party was over for Bowden, Richt...etc....
With SC, it's four days since the offensive meltdown versus Vandy, and the answers are getting more difficult to come by. The way the team is playing and the patterns are just inexplicable.
How is it that Spurrier took a 2005 team that had been taught little discipline and riddled with dismissals and beat Tennessee and Florida?
How can SC begin to stumble and end a 9-1 streak the way it did to Vandy after Spurrier has been on the job for three years?
I know upsets happen, but when you look at the deepening of the problems, why does this team seem to decline as the year wears on. With Spurrier, SC fans are just not used to that.
One reason given: the team is young. But if you use that one, how do you account for the fact that the defense, where just about all of the freshman play, has performed well enough to win all the games played this year?
Another reason given: no talent at O-Line. But we have been told we have the best talent at O-line since Spurrier got here.
Another reason given: We have a RS freshman QB. It's game nine, so he is not a freshman anymore. Neither are the new WRs. And, why is the fifth-year senior QB on the bench? We've been told to look at other college football powers to observe how many RS seniors play elsewhere. And we've been told we'd be good when we had RS seniors starting. So why do ours play so poorly we we bench them?
Is it the OL coach? Why have we let go of other coaches, yet the problem at this position persists with no change being made?
It was a "bad day" is a reason given: but how can you play like you did in the second half versus UNC and then claim another "bad day" a week later?
I think what makes the whole thing harder is the negative direction of the team. and it could not come at a worse time.
Most of us were relieved to get to Vandy while SC was 6-1. We figured we escaped the lighter part of the schedule and were allowed to grow up to be in a strong position for the critical stretch run.
But if you're like me, I just have no confidence SC can beat Tennessee.
Could Vandy have been a "wake-up" call? Yes, but the same should have the case with UNC.
The conclusion: I'm left here with a lot of questions and wondering if SC can win another game.
And what's scary, Spurrier is now talking about the 2008 season and "competing" (a term worn out by Brad Scott.) not winning the SEC East.
I know no one is obligated to work to soothe my concerns, but I'm just not getting a good feel for the SC football predicament right now. It just makes no sense.
I hope I'm wrong, and a spirited performance and a win in Knoxville can turn it all around.
But as a Gamecock fan, who has seen this sort of thing before, it's just difficult to fathom with Spurrier at the helm.
But if Clemson, Georgia or any other team was playing like SC is now, I'd be all over them with the idea that the party was over for Bowden, Richt...etc....
With SC, it's four days since the offensive meltdown versus Vandy, and the answers are getting more difficult to come by. The way the team is playing and the patterns are just inexplicable.
How is it that Spurrier took a 2005 team that had been taught little discipline and riddled with dismissals and beat Tennessee and Florida?
How can SC begin to stumble and end a 9-1 streak the way it did to Vandy after Spurrier has been on the job for three years?
I know upsets happen, but when you look at the deepening of the problems, why does this team seem to decline as the year wears on. With Spurrier, SC fans are just not used to that.
One reason given: the team is young. But if you use that one, how do you account for the fact that the defense, where just about all of the freshman play, has performed well enough to win all the games played this year?
Another reason given: no talent at O-Line. But we have been told we have the best talent at O-line since Spurrier got here.
Another reason given: We have a RS freshman QB. It's game nine, so he is not a freshman anymore. Neither are the new WRs. And, why is the fifth-year senior QB on the bench? We've been told to look at other college football powers to observe how many RS seniors play elsewhere. And we've been told we'd be good when we had RS seniors starting. So why do ours play so poorly we we bench them?
Is it the OL coach? Why have we let go of other coaches, yet the problem at this position persists with no change being made?
It was a "bad day" is a reason given: but how can you play like you did in the second half versus UNC and then claim another "bad day" a week later?
I think what makes the whole thing harder is the negative direction of the team. and it could not come at a worse time.
Most of us were relieved to get to Vandy while SC was 6-1. We figured we escaped the lighter part of the schedule and were allowed to grow up to be in a strong position for the critical stretch run.
But if you're like me, I just have no confidence SC can beat Tennessee.
Could Vandy have been a "wake-up" call? Yes, but the same should have the case with UNC.
The conclusion: I'm left here with a lot of questions and wondering if SC can win another game.
And what's scary, Spurrier is now talking about the 2008 season and "competing" (a term worn out by Brad Scott.) not winning the SEC East.
I know no one is obligated to work to soothe my concerns, but I'm just not getting a good feel for the SC football predicament right now. It just makes no sense.
I hope I'm wrong, and a spirited performance and a win in Knoxville can turn it all around.
But as a Gamecock fan, who has seen this sort of thing before, it's just difficult to fathom with Spurrier at the helm.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Is media embellishing SC's negative, mishandling Clemson gaff?
Spurrier sacks critical fans
http://www.thestate.com/gamecocks/story/207468.html
The State newspaper has gotten new life in SC's horrific failure Saturday versus Vandy and Clemson's "resurgence vesus CMU (Charity and Mercy University.)
The State's first feature article on Monday (10-22) made sure to note the booing fans at SC versus Vandy. A reference to the story posted on Gamecock Central ignited differing opinions and got fans pointing fingers and criticizing other SC fans. That is likely what The State intended.
But the truth is: if you look at the headline, and then read the story, you see that the headline is very inaccurate. Spurrier seems more hurt by the fans' booing than he is critical.
And I'd say Spurrier makes somewhat of an apology when he said: “I would hope the booing would cease, and hopefully we won’t give ’em a lot of reasons to boo. I hope that doesn’t continue.”
Also: When Clemson got embarrassed by VT, I don't remember much media coverage of the much more and frequent booing that rained down on Tommy and the Tigers. Maybe it was covered, but not with the same prominence and the attempt to tear apart the team, coaches and fans, as The State is doing with SC.
Part of the article: (Below)
A year after he chided fans for applauding after a close loss to Auburn, Spurrier expressed disappointment in the boobirds.
“That’s the first time that’s happened, isn’t it? I just assumed they were booing me and the coaches for a bad play call,” Spurrier said Sunday. “I hope they weren’t booing our players. I’ve always sort of gone under the thought that professional players get paid, so you can boo them all you want. They accept that. But college kids are amateurs. I don’t think you should boo them.”
The crowd grew restless watching Spurrier’s offense give away four turnovers, allow seven sacks and commit five false-start penalties by linemen. The fans booed loudest at the end of third quarter when a scrambling Blake Mitchell was hit while he threw, resulting in an incompletion on fourth-and-5 in Vanderbilt territory.
“We had sporadic play there. That’s just the way it happened,” Spurrier said. “I would hope the booing would cease, and hopefully we won’t give ’em a lot of reasons to boo. I hope that doesn’t continue.”
Now, look at how State State handles Clemson's James Davis promising a win versus Maryland on Saturday.
I am glad The State reported it. That is progress for the Tiger beat writer, Paul Stelow. He normally avoids any controversy that could prove to be negative or harmful to Clemson.
But instead of keying on the stupidity of the Clemson player's comment, Strelow is fearful of what it can do Clemson's psyche, while the focus should be on how punkish and thuggish this behavior from the Clemson player is.
But what is TOTALLY inexcusable in this incident (and should be the lead) is Tommy Bowden's reaction. Bowden twists and spins the ramifications of Davis' action, with a bunch excuses and dodges.
MoRon will tell us what a "class-act" Bowden is, but this shows the really sickening side of what Tommy Bowden represents to college football.
If Bowden had any class he would apologize and explain that Davis may have been a little overly excited. Instead Bowden comes off looking more disgusting than the kid.
Davis promises a win at Maryland
http://www.thestate.com/tigers/story/208272.html
Part of the article: (Below)
“No hesitation. We’re going to win this game.”
Asked after Monday night’s practice about Davis’ guarantee, coach Tommy Bowden pulled out an article about Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen’s Sunday teleconference in which Friedgen was quoted as saying, “We are going to go back and get ready for Clemson and I expect to win.”
“So I looked up the word ‘expect’ in the dictionary — considered likely or certain to happen — so he’s done guaranteed a win,” Bowden said. “So I think James saw that Sunday night ... and thought, well, if he can motivate his team. So he did what Ralph did.”
http://www.thestate.com/gamecocks/story/207468.html
The State newspaper has gotten new life in SC's horrific failure Saturday versus Vandy and Clemson's "resurgence vesus CMU (Charity and Mercy University.)
The State's first feature article on Monday (10-22) made sure to note the booing fans at SC versus Vandy. A reference to the story posted on Gamecock Central ignited differing opinions and got fans pointing fingers and criticizing other SC fans. That is likely what The State intended.
But the truth is: if you look at the headline, and then read the story, you see that the headline is very inaccurate. Spurrier seems more hurt by the fans' booing than he is critical.
And I'd say Spurrier makes somewhat of an apology when he said: “I would hope the booing would cease, and hopefully we won’t give ’em a lot of reasons to boo. I hope that doesn’t continue.”
Also: When Clemson got embarrassed by VT, I don't remember much media coverage of the much more and frequent booing that rained down on Tommy and the Tigers. Maybe it was covered, but not with the same prominence and the attempt to tear apart the team, coaches and fans, as The State is doing with SC.
Part of the article: (Below)
A year after he chided fans for applauding after a close loss to Auburn, Spurrier expressed disappointment in the boobirds.
“That’s the first time that’s happened, isn’t it? I just assumed they were booing me and the coaches for a bad play call,” Spurrier said Sunday. “I hope they weren’t booing our players. I’ve always sort of gone under the thought that professional players get paid, so you can boo them all you want. They accept that. But college kids are amateurs. I don’t think you should boo them.”
The crowd grew restless watching Spurrier’s offense give away four turnovers, allow seven sacks and commit five false-start penalties by linemen. The fans booed loudest at the end of third quarter when a scrambling Blake Mitchell was hit while he threw, resulting in an incompletion on fourth-and-5 in Vanderbilt territory.
“We had sporadic play there. That’s just the way it happened,” Spurrier said. “I would hope the booing would cease, and hopefully we won’t give ’em a lot of reasons to boo. I hope that doesn’t continue.”
Now, look at how State State handles Clemson's James Davis promising a win versus Maryland on Saturday.
I am glad The State reported it. That is progress for the Tiger beat writer, Paul Stelow. He normally avoids any controversy that could prove to be negative or harmful to Clemson.
But instead of keying on the stupidity of the Clemson player's comment, Strelow is fearful of what it can do Clemson's psyche, while the focus should be on how punkish and thuggish this behavior from the Clemson player is.
But what is TOTALLY inexcusable in this incident (and should be the lead) is Tommy Bowden's reaction. Bowden twists and spins the ramifications of Davis' action, with a bunch excuses and dodges.
MoRon will tell us what a "class-act" Bowden is, but this shows the really sickening side of what Tommy Bowden represents to college football.
If Bowden had any class he would apologize and explain that Davis may have been a little overly excited. Instead Bowden comes off looking more disgusting than the kid.
Davis promises a win at Maryland
http://www.thestate.com/tigers/story/208272.html
Part of the article: (Below)
“No hesitation. We’re going to win this game.”
Asked after Monday night’s practice about Davis’ guarantee, coach Tommy Bowden pulled out an article about Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen’s Sunday teleconference in which Friedgen was quoted as saying, “We are going to go back and get ready for Clemson and I expect to win.”
“So I looked up the word ‘expect’ in the dictionary — considered likely or certain to happen — so he’s done guaranteed a win,” Bowden said. “So I think James saw that Sunday night ... and thought, well, if he can motivate his team. So he did what Ralph did.”
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Can SC Rebound?
Any winner will tell you it's not adversity that does you in, it's how well you react to it.
That being said, SC's loss to Vandy, while disgusting, it is not the end of the trail.
Anybody with a goal, analyses a slip-up by how much it will cost them in the expenditure to achieve the payoff.
In the gamecocks' case, the Vandy loss did not cost much. That is IF: the team wakes up this morning, puts the loss out of memory and moves forward with a new determination.
All SEC East teams have at least two losses, and the Gamecocks have beaten its direct competition to this point. That's why a loss to Vandy is the easiest loss among SEC East teams the Gamecocks to absorb. The 'Dores are not a direct competitor.
Still, the Gamecocks have to see the loss and their performance as a "Wake-up" call. If they do that, the team can come out ahead.
NOTES: I'm guessing Spurrier is not too happy with OL Coach John Hunt at this point. The OL has been a constant source of embarrassment for Spurrier. Spurrier said in a pre-season press conference that the OL was the most-talented he'd had since being at SC.
The inability to block is bad enough, but the five procedure penalties is a discipline issue and that goes right back to the coach. Look for a change as soon as SS can make it.
EXTRA: Did Gamecock fans have any idea that Georgia fans were having so much trouble accepting that Spurrier has come to SC and passed their program. There was so much glee from Bulldog fans over SC's loss to Vandy, it spoke volumes. Tiger and Tar Heel fans were the same, but they are a little easier to laugh at. Georgia fans are just ridiculous. Their players tried to dance on Vandy's mid-field art last week, because they were intoxicated with beating the 'Dores ( team that defeated them in 2006 in Athens.)
That being said, SC's loss to Vandy, while disgusting, it is not the end of the trail.
Anybody with a goal, analyses a slip-up by how much it will cost them in the expenditure to achieve the payoff.
In the gamecocks' case, the Vandy loss did not cost much. That is IF: the team wakes up this morning, puts the loss out of memory and moves forward with a new determination.
All SEC East teams have at least two losses, and the Gamecocks have beaten its direct competition to this point. That's why a loss to Vandy is the easiest loss among SEC East teams the Gamecocks to absorb. The 'Dores are not a direct competitor.
Still, the Gamecocks have to see the loss and their performance as a "Wake-up" call. If they do that, the team can come out ahead.
NOTES: I'm guessing Spurrier is not too happy with OL Coach John Hunt at this point. The OL has been a constant source of embarrassment for Spurrier. Spurrier said in a pre-season press conference that the OL was the most-talented he'd had since being at SC.
The inability to block is bad enough, but the five procedure penalties is a discipline issue and that goes right back to the coach. Look for a change as soon as SS can make it.
EXTRA: Did Gamecock fans have any idea that Georgia fans were having so much trouble accepting that Spurrier has come to SC and passed their program. There was so much glee from Bulldog fans over SC's loss to Vandy, it spoke volumes. Tiger and Tar Heel fans were the same, but they are a little easier to laugh at. Georgia fans are just ridiculous. Their players tried to dance on Vandy's mid-field art last week, because they were intoxicated with beating the 'Dores ( team that defeated them in 2006 in Athens.)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
All games are now big
SC is 6-1 and has played itself into position to have a BIG year. The Gamecocks need to win today as a lead-up to one of the biggest games in the SEC versus Tennessee next Saturday.
Being ranked sixth in the BCS poll makes any SC game BIG. And if the Gamecocks keep winning each game gets bigger.
The reason the Vandy game takes on more significance this year has more to do with the fear of a bad day than the competitiveness of the game.
SC also needs to work on getting better. The feeling is that SC has yet to play a complete and good game. Each week there seems to be lapses in the quality of play, so everybody is waiting for the Gamecocks to put it all together for four quarters. Until that happens there will be a heavy supply of doubters.
But if the Gamecocks don't slip up today, you have to believe that the advantage goes to Steve Spurrier next week when matched in a one-game situation against Phillip Fulmer.
Versus Tennessee, if Fulmer did not have David Cutcliffe back to bail him out, it would be somewhat easier for SC. But Cutcliffe is good and a difference-maker at Tennessee.
SC fans will be watching the Tennessee at Alabama game too.
Lou Holtz once said if a team is used to winning, you want them to win a week before you play them. Holtz also said it's better to play a team if they lost the week before, if they are used to losing. I'm not sure that applies to Tennessee. I'm hoping Alabama takes care of Tennessee. The Vols seem to have a little momentum with them. 'Bama could stop that, though it's more likely Tennessee will win.
While it is imperative that SC keeps winning, Clemson is in a very dangerous situation.
Coming off an embarrassing loss to at home, after another high-hopes start, TigerNation is in the "Here-we-go-again" mode for yet another year.
But usually the Tigers' schedule provides so many opportunities to get out of the losing rut, by playing the dregs of college football, Tommy Bowden extricates himself to the relieved shrieks of their fans.
That being said, Central Michigan has averaged around 50 points a game in winning its last three. So you have a team on a positive streak versus a team in Clemson, that could be hanging its head and has a hard time getting up for yet another of its many patsy games.
A Tiger loss to the Chippewas would end much of the speculation that Bowden will produce yet another rabbit from his hat.
And a slip-up by the Tigers today spells the onslaught of an era some have expected is long overdue at Clemson. There are those of us who have never believed Tommy Bowden was top-shelf, or anywhere near it, in the first place.
It's not likely, but today could provide evidence of a slope so precipitous, that Bowden's personal safety may be threatened by those who have bought into his line for years, and now feel like dupes.
Being ranked sixth in the BCS poll makes any SC game BIG. And if the Gamecocks keep winning each game gets bigger.
The reason the Vandy game takes on more significance this year has more to do with the fear of a bad day than the competitiveness of the game.
SC also needs to work on getting better. The feeling is that SC has yet to play a complete and good game. Each week there seems to be lapses in the quality of play, so everybody is waiting for the Gamecocks to put it all together for four quarters. Until that happens there will be a heavy supply of doubters.
But if the Gamecocks don't slip up today, you have to believe that the advantage goes to Steve Spurrier next week when matched in a one-game situation against Phillip Fulmer.
Versus Tennessee, if Fulmer did not have David Cutcliffe back to bail him out, it would be somewhat easier for SC. But Cutcliffe is good and a difference-maker at Tennessee.
SC fans will be watching the Tennessee at Alabama game too.
Lou Holtz once said if a team is used to winning, you want them to win a week before you play them. Holtz also said it's better to play a team if they lost the week before, if they are used to losing. I'm not sure that applies to Tennessee. I'm hoping Alabama takes care of Tennessee. The Vols seem to have a little momentum with them. 'Bama could stop that, though it's more likely Tennessee will win.
While it is imperative that SC keeps winning, Clemson is in a very dangerous situation.
Coming off an embarrassing loss to at home, after another high-hopes start, TigerNation is in the "Here-we-go-again" mode for yet another year.
But usually the Tigers' schedule provides so many opportunities to get out of the losing rut, by playing the dregs of college football, Tommy Bowden extricates himself to the relieved shrieks of their fans.
That being said, Central Michigan has averaged around 50 points a game in winning its last three. So you have a team on a positive streak versus a team in Clemson, that could be hanging its head and has a hard time getting up for yet another of its many patsy games.
A Tiger loss to the Chippewas would end much of the speculation that Bowden will produce yet another rabbit from his hat.
And a slip-up by the Tigers today spells the onslaught of an era some have expected is long overdue at Clemson. There are those of us who have never believed Tommy Bowden was top-shelf, or anywhere near it, in the first place.
It's not likely, but today could provide evidence of a slope so precipitous, that Bowden's personal safety may be threatened by those who have bought into his line for years, and now feel like dupes.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Recruiting is a wild ride
Just look at the current headlines as it tells the story.
Usually, highly-touted recruits in the Palmetto State will keep both SC and Clemson on their list even if they are not planning on committing to one of them. High School coaches encourage the players to name the state schools as a possibility even if it is just a courtesy.
But the news linked below shows that LB Robert Quinn from the Lowcountry has no interest in Clemson and has decided early to not even humor the Tigers.
USC In, Clemson Out With Quinn
LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) of Fort Dorchester has narrowed his list to a final six. USC made the cut, Clemson did not. http://www.goupstate.com/article/20071017/PSPORTS02/71017011/-1/psports
Is the true personality of the coaches at the state's two D-1 schools setting in?
The other link (below) is a story that hronicles the respect Emmanuel Cook and his family have for Steve Spurrier.
From the Story: Spurrier believed him, immediately going on the defensive on Cook's behalf. Cook said. As soon as his mother heard that Spurrier was her son's ally, she called to tell Cook that he'd made a great choice for a school. After cook was accused: "Spurrier believed him, immediately going on the defensive on Cook's behalf."
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/oct/19/hit_manfeeling_blessed_have_second_chanc19584/
Contrast the Spurrier/Cook scenario with the words of disgust C.J. Spiller's mom spoke about the Clemson coaching staff last winter when it was rumored that C.J. wanted out of Clemson, but would not be released by Bowden and Co.
It does not take a genius to figure out that success on the field draws recruits. But it should only be a fair that a coach who disgraces himself should be held accountable.
Note with Bowden the Tony Nelson episode. There, the Washington, DC-area kid was given a scholarship only to have it taken from him when Bowden got a higher-level recruit at the position. Nelson's family, high school coaches and the kid himself were left with a nasty taste of orange in their mouths, and they were not quiet about it, even if the South Carolina media more or less ignored it.
The Eric Young fiasco is another glimpse of Bowden's character. Young was the player who Bowden swore indicated he was a Clemson lock with an alleged "wink."
When Bowden was left with egg on his face as Young signed with Tennessee, Bowden sought to embarrass the kid by making the "wink" story public.
It worked, with Clemson fans anyway, as have many of Bowden's smoke-screens and excuses to discredit players and coaches to exalt himself.
But the Robert Quinn dis-respect of Clemson, C.J's drama and James Davis' criticism of Bowden during the time period of the North-South High School game last winter are all likely signs that Bowden's reputation is catching up to him.
Yes, the media, bending backwards, will tell us how "classy" Bowden is even if he continues to stumble and becomes more assailed. But it seems recruits and Bowden's own players know better.
Usually, highly-touted recruits in the Palmetto State will keep both SC and Clemson on their list even if they are not planning on committing to one of them. High School coaches encourage the players to name the state schools as a possibility even if it is just a courtesy.
But the news linked below shows that LB Robert Quinn from the Lowcountry has no interest in Clemson and has decided early to not even humor the Tigers.
USC In, Clemson Out With Quinn
LB Robert Quinn (6-6 255) of Fort Dorchester has narrowed his list to a final six. USC made the cut, Clemson did not. http://www.goupstate.com/article/20071017/PSPORTS02/71017011/-1/psports
Is the true personality of the coaches at the state's two D-1 schools setting in?
The other link (below) is a story that hronicles the respect Emmanuel Cook and his family have for Steve Spurrier.
From the Story: Spurrier believed him, immediately going on the defensive on Cook's behalf. Cook said. As soon as his mother heard that Spurrier was her son's ally, she called to tell Cook that he'd made a great choice for a school. After cook was accused: "Spurrier believed him, immediately going on the defensive on Cook's behalf."
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/oct/19/hit_manfeeling_blessed_have_second_chanc19584/
Contrast the Spurrier/Cook scenario with the words of disgust C.J. Spiller's mom spoke about the Clemson coaching staff last winter when it was rumored that C.J. wanted out of Clemson, but would not be released by Bowden and Co.
It does not take a genius to figure out that success on the field draws recruits. But it should only be a fair that a coach who disgraces himself should be held accountable.
Note with Bowden the Tony Nelson episode. There, the Washington, DC-area kid was given a scholarship only to have it taken from him when Bowden got a higher-level recruit at the position. Nelson's family, high school coaches and the kid himself were left with a nasty taste of orange in their mouths, and they were not quiet about it, even if the South Carolina media more or less ignored it.
The Eric Young fiasco is another glimpse of Bowden's character. Young was the player who Bowden swore indicated he was a Clemson lock with an alleged "wink."
When Bowden was left with egg on his face as Young signed with Tennessee, Bowden sought to embarrass the kid by making the "wink" story public.
It worked, with Clemson fans anyway, as have many of Bowden's smoke-screens and excuses to discredit players and coaches to exalt himself.
But the Robert Quinn dis-respect of Clemson, C.J's drama and James Davis' criticism of Bowden during the time period of the North-South High School game last winter are all likely signs that Bowden's reputation is catching up to him.
Yes, the media, bending backwards, will tell us how "classy" Bowden is even if he continues to stumble and becomes more assailed. But it seems recruits and Bowden's own players know better.
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