A Tiger Not Really Going Out Like a Lion

By MikeBullock  |   Monday, November 23, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
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For many running backs, 114 total yards and a touchdown would be a good game. And while Clemson phenom C.J. Spiller did just that Saturday, as well as set a new NCAA single season yardage mark, what the back didn’t do was prove any of his Heisman detractors wrong.

There’s no doubt Spiller is amazing, and it’s obvious by the new yardage benchmark he’s had one of the best seasons ever for a college running back. Unfortunately for Clemson lovers, it’s really hard to believe that those who feel Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Stanford’s Toby Gerhart are more Heisman worthy have been convinced otherwise by Spiller’s performance this past weekend.

When looking at the entire game, in fact, Spiller’s rushing total is a dark lining in a silver cloud. Clemson fought their way into the ACC title game on December 5th. Coach Swinney, having celebrated his fortieth birthday on Friday, got a belated present when he hit the mark to elevate his contract from $800,000 to $1.8 million. Add to all that Spiller’s aforementioned run to the record books and it would seem the Tigers had a pretty special day.

On closer inspection, the tale unfolds in a less glitzy manner. Spiller was held to just 58 yards on the ground, Kyle Parker only passed for 234 yards and it seemed every time Clemson took the lead, Virginia responded until the Tiger defense finally took a stand, well actually four stands, and allowed their team to take a commanding lead before sealing it up 34-21.

While this certainly wasn’t the exclamation point on a dream season Spiller fans would have hoped for, there is still at least one more chance to shine before the fat lady sings. And, against Georgia Tech, who some already have favored to beat Clemson, Spiller will need to reach down deep and pull out another game for the ages.

If the Clemson star can do that, and the defense can perform at the level it’s shown over the last five games, Clemson will find itself in the Orange Bowl for the first time since 1982.
That’s the kind of performance that lands Heisman trophies, and that’s the kind of performance C.J. Spiller needs to deliver on December 5th. Anything else will be anti-climactic.
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