Paul Finebaum doesn't believe Clemson will devolve into a losing program, but he doesn't think they are bouncing back under Dabo Swinney anytime soon either. He said as much during Friday's guest appearance on The Mac & Bone Show over on Sports Radio WFNZ in Charlotte.
Clemson's biggest critic once again called Swinney "stupid" for putting forth a schticky rallying cry.
"Dabo Swinney thought he knew better than any coach in college football and kept doing his old way, and it didn't work," Finebaum said. "He finally adapted, but the problem is others moved ahead of him ... He did the stupid typical Dabo 'that we're a bunch of nobodies.' Last year, Clemson had arguably the most talented team in the country, and they did nothing with it. They went 7-6. I still can't quite figure it out."
Finebaum also said he wouldn't be surprised if the administration moved on from Swinney if Clemson had another .500-caliber season. The Tigers may have grounds to, but the greatest head coach in program history has a whopping $57 million buyout. For better or worse, the Clemson family will have to ride this one out.
What is interesting here is how quickly Finebaum used Swinney's own team messaging against him.
Dabo Swinney's 'bunch of nobodies' tag line set off Paul Finebaum
When people were saying this tag line could potentially blow up in Clemson's face, this is what they were alluding to. This was low-hanging fruit for Finebaum to have his way with. Swinney may have a method to his madness, but he cannot let outside forces get in the way of his messaging. He needs to be able to get his points across to his team, and not let a national media pundit try to do it for him.
Last year was a catastrophic disappointment for the entire fanbase. This was a team many thought could win it all. Instead, all that massive talent combined to go 7-6 overall and 4-4 in ACC play. This did not stop everyone and their brother from turning pro off last year's team. Finebaum has his reasons for questioning this program. It will be up to Swinney, his staff, and players to turn it around.
Swinney's "bunch of nobodies" didn't have a name until only a week ago. In time, the rest of the college football world will learn more about the likes of Sammy Brown, Gideon Davidson, Ashton Hampton, and Bryant Wesco Jr. Of course, Clemson still needs to figure out who will lead them out of the tunnel between Christopher Vizzina and Tait Reynolds. That is a conversation for another time.
Right now, all attention and focus needs to be on getting ready to play LSU in Baton Rouge Week 1. The Battle for Death Valley is not only a chance for Clemson to right last year's wrong, but it will surely be a national spectacle with Lane Kiffin now part of the equation. More people in the national media are wanting to see him fail than even Swinney, especially after his departure from Ole Miss transpired.
What we are gearing up for is a depreciated Clemson playing its Super Bowl right out of the gate. In some parts of the country, that is better known as the Daytona 500. Swinney may have his guys ready to play, but he has not exactly made it easier on himself with his "bunch of nobodies" quote. Finebaum is waiting for the other shoe to drop, but Swinney has mastered the art of the double knot.
Clemson winning at LSU with Swinney's "bunch of nobodies" may leave Finebaum utterly speechless.
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