Monday August 25, 2008

Huge Game or Big Game?

Huge Game or Big Game?
Every game is big and the next game is always the biggest game. But is Saturday’s game big? Is it huge? Is it the biggest game in the history of sports?

I can make arguments on both sides of just how big the game is but it might be difficult to convince fans that it is not a huge game.

The Game is Huge Argument
Here are a few items to support the idea that this game is huge:
1. National Title-If a team is ranked ninth in the pre-season then it should have national championship aspirations. I am not sure that is a realistic goal with this team and Clemson could still win it all even if they did lose Saturday. However, a national title dream would be a lot easier to envision if the Tigers defeat Alabama.

2. Momentum-The season is long but it would be nice to start the season with a quality win over a ranked team. This team could build some early momentum with a win on national TV.

3. Perception-If Clemson is to take the next step it will take wins over programs like Alabama. The Crimson Tide may not be the program they once were or will be in the next few years but this would be a marquee win over a big program. A win over an SEC team would help the perception that Bowden can’t win a big game.

4. Conference-The conference stuff doesn’t matter to me but some think it’s a big deal. For those that pay attention, any ACC/SEC games are big battles.

5. Confidence- A win over the Crimson Tide would validate this team’s preseason expectations and would give them confidence to get them throughout other big games this season.

6. Recruiting-Clemson recruits the states of Georgia and Alabama heavy. Any win in Atlanta and in the Georgia Dome gathers attention from Georgia prospects. Dabo Swinney and Vic Koenning recruit the state of Alabama more and more each year. A win over the University of Alabama only helps future recruiting in that state.

The Game is Big but Not Huge Argument
Here are a few reasons why this game is not as big as some would make it out to be:
1. Goals-Clemson can accomplish almost every goal they set even with a loss to Alabama. They can still win the ACC’s Atlantic Division. They can still win the ACC. They can still go to a BCS bowl game. They can even still have a national title chance even though it would be difficult. The only thing they would not have is an undefeated season.

2. ACC Title-The Alabama game has nothing to do with the conference title. The Tigers could lose by 100 on Saturday and it would mean nothing in terms of the ACC. This team could rebound for a loss and still dominate the conference.

3. BCS-Clemson could still get to a BCS game even with a loss Saturday by winning the conference. Even if they lost Saturday and did not win the conference, they could still make it to a BCS game with a 10-2 record. This scenario would be difficult because the Tigers play two D-I AA teams this year.

4. It’s Only September-Saturday is only the first game of the year. They will be remembered for the other 11 regular season games and any post-season play. There is plenty of time to make up for a potential loss Saturday.

With all of that said, I think it is difficult to think of Saturday as anything but huge. There was a time in my life where I was not sure if Clemson would ever play Alabama again. Saturday represents a chance to beat a big time program on a big stage.

If Clemson wants national respect then Saturday is a must. If the Tigers want to stay in the top ten then Saturday is a big game. If they want to make a big splash to open the season then Saturday is a must.

I tend to look at Saturday’s game as an opportunity instead of a burden. It is a great situation because they have an opportunity to impress but have an insurance policy in the next 11 regular season games in case they don’t on Saturday.

Clemson will get negative attention for playing The Citadel and South Carolina State but they could not have played Alabama with it were not for the flexibility those school provided. The Tigers were scheduled for a trip to Louisiana Tech but that game was not a national deal like Alabama. In my opinion the Alabama game was worth dropping Louisiana Tech and adding South Carolina State.

Big Game For a Few
I would never be able to tell Dabo Swinney that Saturday’s game is not huge. Dabo will be facing his alma mater for the first time and he has a ton of friends still close to the program. He also recruits the state very hard.

Vic Koenning and Tommy Bowden have both coached in the state of Alabama and this type of game is big for them because of past relationships they have in the state.

The Tigers have several players from Alabama so I would never try to tell Tyler Grisham, Jock McKissic, Brandon Maye, Brandon Clear, Byron Clear, Antoine McClain and Drew Traylor that Saturday’s game is not huge.

There is also a decent amount of Clemson alumni in the state of Alabama and it would be a lot easier to live there with a Clemson win Saturday night.

Blog Schedule
Tomorrow we will look Clemson’s offense and they might fare against Alabama’s defense. Wednesday we will take a look at the Clemson defense and what they will face in the Alabama offense. Thursday we will take a look at a few keys to the game and peak at the special teams for Saturday’s contest. Friday we will have our usual E-Mail Bag segment so send your questions to mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

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