Comment
Print
I can remember sitting on the couch. I was about four and I saw Clemson running down the hill, wearing orange jerseys and hearing Tiger Rag play as it was all set in motion. Right then, I chose Clemson and I never stopped.
Clemson is the current National Champions of college football!!! It becomes the second time since 35 years ago when Chuck and Rod McSwain helped Clemson get to that pinnacle.
Another Chase Trojan was apart of last Monday night's game in Carlos Watkins. All Watkins did was post six tackles and gain a tackle for loss in the title game. Watkins stock has only rose over the past few weeks and leaves a champion. He would have left a champion regardless with staying in school and achieving so much as a Tiger.
The Spindale Fire Chief's grandson, Jay Guillermo also played a huge part as the starting center.
Hindsight, there is a lot to be said for Dabo Swinney. Nobody, but his players, staff and himself truly believed that they could get the job done. Swinney is a great recruiter, motivator and preparer of the game. The media certainly didn't believe in him or else tried to take him down in the process.
As a Tiger supporter all my life, I was speechless, numb and more than excited. It one of the few things I had been hoping to see in my lifetime.
Congrats to Carlos, Jay and all of the Tiger faithful who finally got to see a dream come true for those who missed out back in 1981.
NFL Playoffs
This past weekend, I went 4-for-4. Just three more NFL games left this season as two Conference Championships will be decided come Sunday 1/22/17.
Green Bay at Atlanta
Looking for a shootout, well here we go! Both teams are stellar offensively and have gotten better defensively as the season has progressed. Matt Ryan has been the consensus MVP choice for 2016, but this Aaron Rodgers guy is making a strong case over the last ten weeks. Comparison: Ryan has over 500 more yards thrown, a 13-point better QB rating and a four percent better completion rating. Rodgers has two more touchdowns and 28 more completions. Both are living up to the expectations in the playoffs as well. Since Green Bay has a ton of injuries, I'd almost pick Atlanta...but nope. Packers roll by 31-28.
Pittsburgh at New England
Another great matchup! It's no surprise that these two are deciding the AFC.
I see no way that New England stops Pittsburgh's big three in Bell, Brown and Roethlisberger. Besides, this is where New England will miss Gronk the most.
If it's not Alabama's year in college football, why does it have to be New England's in the NFL? I know this game is in Foxboro but...Pittsburgh 30-21.
NASCAR
No doubt about it, when Carl Edwards decided to step away from being a NASCAR driver this past week, it certainly shocked the sport. However, with Edwards, 37, he felt like he had done it all other than to win a Cup Championship. He was less than 10 laps from the top prize back in November, but crashed out while holding the lead.
Apparently, Edwards feels like there is more than just driving a race car. It does take a lot of time and commitment to be a top NASCAR driver. He is a family man, still lives in Missouri and it does make some sense.
If Edwards doesn't have the fire to go after a championship and is happy with what he has done in his career, then I don't blame him. He is doing just fine with all of the earning from NASCAR and endorsement deals.
It's kind of sad in three ways. I remember the story of when Edwards was going around the garage and giving out his business cards in hopes of landing a ride. Secondly, he came oh-so-close twice of winning the Cup Championship.
Lastly, a friend of mine, (Anthony) whose dad was a big Carl Edwards fan (Cecil Toney) and Ford guy for that matter always found time to chat. Usually, I would see Cecil in the Shakeshop. Anyhow, Cecil died a few years back, but I do miss the NASCAR chats and whether Edwards would win a title. I was hoping this past November that I could of said...the 2016 Carl Edwards Championship was for Cecil. Well, Edwards gave it a good run, bud!
