The inherent advantage that Clemson football has over Miami on Saturday
There’s an inherent advantage for the Clemson football team heading into the matchup with Miami and it has nothing to do with talent or depth.
Yes, we all understand that Clemson football is the deeper team. We all understand that the Tigers have more talent and more weapons on paper. But it’s something much bigger than that as we look forward to the colossal matchup: It’s experience in ‘The Moment.’
Performing on the big stage and having experience in ‘the moment’ is something that can’t be calculated through stats, recruiting stars or film analysis.
When Clemson steps on the field Saturday night, the Tigers will be prepared and ready to go. There are players on this team that have won a National Championship, played in multiple CFB Playoff games and won multiple ACC Championships.
This Clemson football coaching staff has been together. They know what to expect. They know what players are ready for the big moment and they know how to make adjustments, keep their team calm and present a focused product on the field in spite of all the hype that may be present coming into the game.
While Clemson football is ready for this stage, Miami may very well struggle in ‘The Moment’
Miami has never been in a moment this big. The Hurricanes have a staff that’s new to a game of this magnitude and they’re going on the road- even if there will only be 19,000 Clemson football fans in attendance.
There are examples of new teams stepping up and shining bright in the moment, but for every success story, there are numerous other failing attempts.
This is a Hurricanes team that still rides and dies by momentum in many ways and the thing is this: That’s not going to get it done against Clemson.
Perhaps I’m wrong, but something tells me that Miami might not be ready to step on the stage with the big boys just yet.