I’ve long thought lowly of Clemson’s football program. They’re always telling you how good they are and screaming for your attention before the year starts. Then they get into the season and lose a few big games to knock themselves out of serious bowl or national title contention. Then after their hopes for a big season are already gone, they go out and win a big game or two after it’s already too late. It’s the same story year after year with them. Clemson is the apotheosis of an overhyped/underachieving program. That’s why when I read Cullen Harper’s quote following Tommy Bowden’s firing on Monday, I was laughing out loud:
Harper, who was benched after the Tigers’ loss to Wake Forest and replaced by highly regarded sophomore Willy Korn, said the program needed to cut ties with Bowden.
“It’s what he deserved,” Harper said. “Dabo Swinney is a fine man and will do an excellent job.”
Later Monday, Harper expanded on his comments, explaining that Bowden “tried to motivate us, but guys were off the bandwagon. There were things I disagreed with and that my teammates disagreed with. I didn’t appreciate it when he would say some off-the-wall things about me to the media. I guess one thing I can say is he gave me an opportunity to come to Clemson and play.”
I think your first clue that Tommy Bowden had lost his way and needed to be “relieved of his duties” was when he called Nick Saban for advice following the 34-10 loss to Bama. Everything about that move sounded wrong. They obviously had bought into the preseason hype and didn’t know how to react and rebound from the thumping. That all falls on the head coach as far as I’m concerned. And then to go out and bench your starting quarterback hoping that will be the answer to your problems? Clearly shows you’re lost. I’m not sure that’s a program that’s ever going to be a powerhouse, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Tommy Bowden wasn’t cutting it. He got what he deserved.
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