It’s a tough time to be a Clemson fan, player, coach, or even a water boy. The national media has certainly not been kind, but fans calling for Dabo Swinney's job, booing, and vicious online comments hurt a little. Clemson has gained some attention in the last decade—a few fans (maybe some on the bandwagon) and a lot of critics.
It makes sense. Clemson fans have gotten used to winning. The expectation is the playoff, and Swinney has become a victim of his own success. His press conference performances have been tough to watch, and the lack of energy and execution on the field is astounding.
On Saturday, sideline reporter, Kris Budden, mentioned that after Syracuse’s perfect on-side kick in the first quarter, Cade Klubnick was telling the offense, “It’s ok.” But it’s not ok! Why is Cade trying to calm this team down? They need a little rage. This team, and program at large, have lost the fire that the likes of Ben Boulware once embodied—the time in Clemson Football history that fans are nostalgic for.
But there was an era before Ben Boulware—before Trevor, before Deshaun, Christian Wilkins, and Eric Mac Lain. There was 2011 when Swinney gave an epic takedown of South Carolina in what is, to this day, his finest rant. He put into words what every Tiger fan had always known.
And there was Clemson Football before Swinney, too. They won, but not enough. Woody Dantzler and Charlie Whitehurst were beloved, but they didn't compete for a national championship. Those years were defining for the heart of this fandom. Kids slid down a hill on cardboard now covered by premium seating. The perfect tailgate spot made the frequent losses to GA Tech hurt less. The scoreboard was smaller, but no one had an opinion on how fans went on the field after every game, win or lose.
Every era of Clemson fandom has been significant, and three early losses shouldn’t ruin this one. Should Swinney chill out in his press conferences? Yes, but fans owe it to him to chill out too. He knows there’s a standard—he elevated it. So, if you go to the game, don’t boo—scream. If you’re in a comment section after a loss, share your pain and passion, not your vitriol. Holler at the TV, wish Swinney would focus, and feel the heartbreak, joy, exhilaration, and pain every Saturday because that is what fans are for.