Sunday, Sep. 07, 2008

Let it Rip: Clemson fans sound off

Aagain Clemson entered the season overrated and over-inflated. And again a pin burst their silly bubble and let out all the hot air. Thunder and Lightning looked like fizzle and frazzle.

BETTY STONE

St. Matthews

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Dear Tommy: I am so concerned. I looked for the Clemson football team from 8 o’clock last Saturday night until the third quarter. They never did show up. Where, oh where, could they be?

They may have boarded the wrong bus. May I suggest that your defensive coordinator be placed in charge of this detail? Obviously, he has not become exhausted by his current duties.

My husband played football for Frank Howard in the early ‘40s. I can imagine the dialogue in the halftime dressing room. It would not have been pleasant —but it may have been effective.

I beg you, coach Bowden. Use your ingenuity and unlimited resources to locate these valuable young men.

I am truly worried about their future. Aren’t you?

MARGARET MIMMS

Bishopville

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OK, so Ron Morris is not an ACC fan. But to suggest that the ACC “should consider dropping into the Division I-AA level” is ridiculous.

I concede the SEC is a stronger football league and I will refrain from pointing out in what areas the ACC outshines the SEC. One doesn’t have to denigrate another conference to make your own conference look better.

LINDA CRIMMINS

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I know it is Ron Morris’ job to offer his opinion no matter what anyone else thinks. I also want to thank you for the great things that you have said about Clemson in the past. Somehow, I want to think that in your candor you are trying to motivate and to improve the quality of college football in the state of S.C. Your column titled “Brutal loss confirms weakness of the conference” goes beyond that of motivation.

I will agree Clemson probably played the worst game of football I have ever seen them play. I am an alumnus of Clemson and have stuck with them no matter what the circumstances and have even been behind the Gamecocks when it looked as though the state of South Carolina would benefit.

The Gamecocks played an abysmal game last Thursday except at the end and have really never made much of a showing in the SEC. Have you ever thought about writing a column that makes a case for the Gamecocks to rejoin the ACC so that they can at least win a conference championship?

HARRY BROWN

Springfield

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I will give Ron Morris the nod on three points: 1. ACC is weak. 2. SEC is the best. 3. Clemson got manhandled by Alabama.

But answer this; how many non-conference teams does the SEC play early in their schedule that are nationally ranked? The only barometer they use to measure themselves is against themselves.

If they are so powerful let Florida and LSU schedule a Southern Cal, Oklahoma or even Texas. Your comments remove any reason for Clemson to have a great season because no matter what, it won’t be good enough. That is unfair.

It’s not over yet for the Tigers or the ACC. A lot can happen in three months.

GORDON GAINEY

Camden

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It is premature to claim Clemson’s demise and lack of national credibility after the first game in August. How will Ron Morris look when Clemson is 12-1 or 11-2 and playing in a BCS game? It is quite possible for Clemson to return to its No. 9 ranking or exceed it by season’s end.

Your column shows the same lack of clarity, patience, and reasoning many fans demonstrate after a loss. You should be above this type of behavior and avoid such journalism.

As for the ACC vs. SEC argument, it is a waste of time. No sane, reasonable person would suggest the ACC is a superior conference to the SEC. The SEC is a better football conference. End of story.

I find it funny the same football program you choose to mock and cast stones at is the same program that will likely allow you to travel to Florida in December and January to enjoy the ACC Championship and BCS bowl games. Not bad for a little ol’ ACC school.

PRESTON MARSHALL

Atlanta

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Ron Morris shows a lack of class, no tact, and a tone to your anti-Clemson reporting that leaves much to be desired if you hope to be a respected sports writer.

But thanks, you have lit a fire that will drive this Tiger Team to a great season.

All vinegar just makes you look bad. Why not add a little sugar with the vinegar?

JOE BAILEY

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Why is it so important for SEC fans to believe and reiterate that the SEC is so much stronger than the ACC? At the USC vs. N.C. State game fans were chanting “SEC, SEC.” When South Carolina would make a good play I could hear a fan yell “Welcome to the SEC. This ain’t high school baby!”

N.C. State is probably the worst team in the ACC. Carolina had four interceptions in the first half against the “worst team in the ACC.” It wasn’t until N.C. State’s starting quarterback got injured that there was any sort of momentum change toward South Carolina.

Clemson got it handed to them Saturday night. No question about it. Fans again were chanting, “SEC, SEC,” but it wasn’t the SEC that handed it to them, it was Alabama.

In reality, the only ACC team that South Carolina plays on a regular basis is Clemson. South Carolina has won two of the past eight games against Clemson.

SEC is better than the ACC? Who cares? What should matter is that Clemson is consistently better than South Carolina.

AUBREY HUTTO

Lexington

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I have kept my mouth shut long enough. It is obvious your paper relishes a Clemson loss from the comments that are written to the pictures that are printed.

The other issue that gets old is the comparison of the ACC to the SEC. Any football fan will tell you the SEC, year to year, has better teams and tougher competition.

CD MEETZE