August 31, 2008

An open letter to Clemson fans

Rocky Top Talk offers an open letter to Clemson fans who are kicking their team, their coach, and maybe even their cats.

We were there, too.

Last year, UT headed to California to play a team they had just demolished the year before. The game was supposed to be a little more difficult than the previous year, but the gap between the two teams appeared to be too much for one year to make up. When a sack caused a fumble-TD for the Golden Bears on the first drive, we thought it was a chance fluke. When the Vols couldn't stop their offense, we got worried. When the Vols allowed a punt return for a TD, we got scared. When the game ended, much of our hopes were dampened.

Then it got worse. After a tune-up, UT went to Florida. They got destroyed, 59-20. It started ugly and never improved. Suddenly, the Vols were 1-2 with two gigantic losses and trailing our nemesis within the Eastern division of the conference. The season appeared to be over.

But the season wasn't over.

...

The season is long. The team needs your support right now.

The easiest thing to do right now is to point fingers and to lay blame; we did exactly that when the Vols had such a rough start. But the team doesn't need another critic right now. That's what the coaches are for, and the coaches know what needs fixed. Trust them. Rather than criticize, support. Let the team know you're behind them. It's a long, long season, and very few (if any) teams will finish undefeated. The conference is still completely up for grabs, and the MNC is not yet out of the picture. Clemson does have the talent, but they'll need to fight through this pain to get there.

Good points all, and much more at RTT. I know that feeling all to well and it's a damn hard pill to swallow.

This is the time where we find out what Clemson football fans are made of.

Posted by Kevin Donahue

Comments:

An open letter to Clemson fans
Rocky Top Talk offers an open letter to Clemson fans who are kicking their team, their coach, and maybe even their cats.
We were there, too. Last year, UT headed to California to play a team they had just demolished the year before. The game was supposed to be a little more difficult than the previous year, but the gap between the two teams appeared to be too much for one year to make up. When a sack caused a fumble-TD for the Golden Bears on the first drive, we thought it was a chance fluke. When the Vols couldn't stop their offense, we got worried. When the Vols allowed a punt return for a TD, we got scared. When the game ended, much of our hopes were dampened. Then it got worse. After a tune-up, UT went to Florida. They got destroyed, 59-20. It started ugly and never improved. Suddenly, the Vols were 1-2 with two gigantic losses and trailing our nemesis within the Eastern division of the conference. The season appeared to be over. But the season wasn't over. ... The season is long. The team needs your support right now. The easiest thing to do right now is to point fingers and to lay blame; we did exactly that when the Vols had such a rough start. But the team doesn't need another critic right now. That's what the coaches are for, and the coaches know what needs fixed. Trust them. Rather than criticize, support. Let the team know you're behind them. It's a long, long season, and very few (if any) teams will finish undefeated. The conference is still completely up for grabs, and the MNC is not yet out of the picture. Clemson does have the talent, but they'll need to fight through this pain to get there.
Good points all, and much more at RTT. I know that feeling all to well and it's a damn hard pill to swallow. This is the time where we find out what Clemson football fans are made of.