Because of COVID-19, Clemson football has no control over what happens in 2020.
One of the foundational tenets of Clemson football is the mantra “it’s all about Clemson”. It doesn’t matter who the Tigers are playing, where they are playing, what time they are playing, what uniforms they are wearing, etc.
The success of Clemson football is grounded in how they prepare and how they play. The ability of the Tigers to master the principle of controlling what they can control has turned the program into one of the most consistent in the nation.
Here in 2020 that may not be enough. As we have seen games canceled, and rescheduled, it is a sober reminder that the Tigers ability to get through their 11 game schedule is equally dependent on their opponents being able to manage and do their parts.
Virginia Tech Head Coach Justin Fuente met with the press in Blacksburg yesterday as the Hokies prep to take on NC State where he said, “we will not have a full roster. I hope we’re able to play.”
Clemson football will need more than skill to get through the 2020 season.
The Hokies have yet to play a game in 2020. Their first game was canceled after NC State had to pause workouts. Then the Hokies were scheduled to take on in-state rival Virginia, a game that has been rescheduled to December 12th due to roster availability. With further testing yet to occur, their game against NC State scheduled for Saturday could be in jeopardy.
On a week to week basis getting to kickoff is far from a given. Even if the Tigers are All In doing everything they are asked to do to keep themselves safe and ready to play, they could end up with a game cancellation.
As the Tigers seek to get a head start on upcoming opponent Virginia, there is no 2020 game film to study as the Cavaliers are yet to play a game this season. Duke is scheduled to travel to Charlottesville Saturday for Virginia’s season opener.
Tiger fans need to pull out any good energy, prayers, lucky shirts, or other superstitions to help navigate this bye week. Clemson faces their own challenge as students have returned to campus and in-person classes resumed yesterday.
For a program that is focused on the controllable, there is a lot of hope and crossed fingers involved in getting to kickoff on October 3rd.