Sunday Notes
By: Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
Two weeks ago today, the Cheez-It Bowl held a press conference to introduce the Dec. 29 matchup between Clemson and Iowa State.
That gathering with Dabo Swinney and counterpart Matt Campbell feels like two months ago.
Yeah, it's been a time here in December as we've tried to stay on top of not just two major Clemson figures departing for head-coaching jobs, but the analysis of Swinney going all-in (house) to fill the spots.
Normally by Dec. 19 we've fully immersed ourselves in the study of Clemson's opponent in the CFP semifinal, accompanied by subscribers making the matchup a dominant part of message-board conversation.
Full disclosure: I've yet to spend a minute watching Iowa State to try to get a feel for Campbell's team. And the guess is for most of you it's also been a peripheral topic as you concern yourselves more with the big-picture theme of whether and how Clemson will get back to the national contention that felt almost automatic as recently as four months ago.
Matt Campbell is going for his fourth season with at least eight wins as Iowa State's head coach. (Getty)
This week there will be a natural shift toward the bowl game and some rather important stakes. And we're not talking about the instant referendums that will come from jittery fans who want to judge these hires right here and right now.
Yeah, we'll know a bit more about these coaches and their styles after 60 minutes of football in Orlando. But it's crazy to think that'll play a significant role in determining whether these unconventional moves will ultimately be a success or a failure.
The legitimate stakes reside in securing a 10th win for the 11th year in a row, and creating some good vibes that could offset some of the sour taste from a recruiting class that took some major hits in the aftermath of major turnover.
For the longest time, you couldn't stop thinking about Clemson's postseason matchups. Now you have to sort of remind yourself to think about this one.
In a way that weirdness is an apt way to punctuate a season, and a postseason, unlike any other. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
It's a little bit of a shame that Iowa State had standout running back Breece Hall opt out, and that the Cyclones have lost several significant players to departure for this one.
Yet upon hearing the Cyclones will be without their top two receivers, one can just envision D.J. Uiagalelei rolling his eyes. Try reaching the end of the season without your preseason top five or six wideouts.
We have the utmost respect for Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. He's compelling to listen to, a hat-tip for not job-hopping and building something at a relatively obscure and under-resourced program, and his teams demonstrate toughness.
But here's finding the connection to Brent Venables probably the most interesting twist, especially considering the timing.
(From L-to-R): Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and co-defensive coordinator Mickey Conn are shown here at Saturday's on-campus bowl practice. (Ken Ruinard - US Presswire)
Venables, of course, visited Iowa State's staff before the 2019 season to learn about some of their schematic variations that were working against the Big 12's spread offenses; the Cyclones were utilizing more of a 3-3-5 system that included a third safety as the nickel back.
The Tigers incorporated some of the concepts in order to cater to their personnel, as Clemson was down on defensive tackles. And they've used them plenty since, with Tyler Venables and Andrew Mukuba serving as that variable defender this past season.
New defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has been steeped in these ways since rejoining Clemson's staff, and they're invariably part of the Tigers' defensive blueprint.
We are interested to see how the teacher -- Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock -- fares against the second-hand disciple. -- PAUL STRELOW
From THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Happy Holidays! More marked down officially-licensed Clemson apparel and gear! Visit The Tiger Fan Shop HERE!
By: Larry Williams & Paul Strelow
Two weeks ago today, the Cheez-It Bowl held a press conference to introduce the Dec. 29 matchup between Clemson and Iowa State.
That gathering with Dabo Swinney and counterpart Matt Campbell feels like two months ago.
Yeah, it's been a time here in December as we've tried to stay on top of not just two major Clemson figures departing for head-coaching jobs, but the analysis of Swinney going all-in (house) to fill the spots.
Normally by Dec. 19 we've fully immersed ourselves in the study of Clemson's opponent in the CFP semifinal, accompanied by subscribers making the matchup a dominant part of message-board conversation.
Full disclosure: I've yet to spend a minute watching Iowa State to try to get a feel for Campbell's team. And the guess is for most of you it's also been a peripheral topic as you concern yourselves more with the big-picture theme of whether and how Clemson will get back to the national contention that felt almost automatic as recently as four months ago.
Matt Campbell is going for his fourth season with at least eight wins as Iowa State's head coach. (Getty)
This week there will be a natural shift toward the bowl game and some rather important stakes. And we're not talking about the instant referendums that will come from jittery fans who want to judge these hires right here and right now.
Yeah, we'll know a bit more about these coaches and their styles after 60 minutes of football in Orlando. But it's crazy to think that'll play a significant role in determining whether these unconventional moves will ultimately be a success or a failure.
The legitimate stakes reside in securing a 10th win for the 11th year in a row, and creating some good vibes that could offset some of the sour taste from a recruiting class that took some major hits in the aftermath of major turnover.
For the longest time, you couldn't stop thinking about Clemson's postseason matchups. Now you have to sort of remind yourself to think about this one.
In a way that weirdness is an apt way to punctuate a season, and a postseason, unlike any other. -- LARRY WILLIAMS
It's a little bit of a shame that Iowa State had standout running back Breece Hall opt out, and that the Cyclones have lost several significant players to departure for this one.
Yet upon hearing the Cyclones will be without their top two receivers, one can just envision D.J. Uiagalelei rolling his eyes. Try reaching the end of the season without your preseason top five or six wideouts.
We have the utmost respect for Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. He's compelling to listen to, a hat-tip for not job-hopping and building something at a relatively obscure and under-resourced program, and his teams demonstrate toughness.
But here's finding the connection to Brent Venables probably the most interesting twist, especially considering the timing.
(From L-to-R): Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and co-defensive coordinator Mickey Conn are shown here at Saturday's on-campus bowl practice. (Ken Ruinard - US Presswire)
Venables, of course, visited Iowa State's staff before the 2019 season to learn about some of their schematic variations that were working against the Big 12's spread offenses; the Cyclones were utilizing more of a 3-3-5 system that included a third safety as the nickel back.
The Tigers incorporated some of the concepts in order to cater to their personnel, as Clemson was down on defensive tackles. And they've used them plenty since, with Tyler Venables and Andrew Mukuba serving as that variable defender this past season.
New defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has been steeped in these ways since rejoining Clemson's staff, and they're invariably part of the Tigers' defensive blueprint.
We are interested to see how the teacher -- Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock -- fares against the second-hand disciple. -- PAUL STRELOW
From THE TIGER FAN SHOP: Happy Holidays! More marked down officially-licensed Clemson apparel and gear! Visit The Tiger Fan Shop HERE!
