Clemson controls its ACC title game destiny

CLEMSON -- The last time Clemson controlled its own ACC destiny in November, two minutes remained against Boston College, the Tigers led by four points, and Matt Ryan rolled to his right.

Ryan unleashed a missile of a throw across his body to a wide-open Rich Gunnell for a 43-yard, game-winning touchdown -- for the Atlantic title.

Like tonight's game against Florida State, the Boston College loss was an ESPN-televised night affair, featuring a dynamic quarterback. Clemson entered in control of its own destiny.

Despite a recent history of late-autumn disappointment, the Tigers say this November will be different.

"I think we probably were thinking we were already in the championship game instead of focusing on Boston College," said C.J. Spiller, who has another spotlight game to make a Heisman push tonight. "But I think this team is very different."

More than a single throw decided the Tigers' destiny two years ago.

The Tigers struggled early in 2007 before clawing back in the race.

A year earlier, the Tigers entered the last game of October with a 4-1 ACC mark, before losing to Virginia Tech and Maryland in back-to-back weeks.

Due to November struggles, the Tigers have never advanced to the ACC title game. They haven't won the ACC since 1991 because of November slumps. They were closest in 2000, holding a 6-0 conference record as late as Oct. 27.

Dabo Swinney believes much of the struggles were related to getting caught up in looking ahead. There is again a reflex to look ahead -- a win today would seemingly allow Clemson to coast to Tampa as only a trip to N.C. State and a home game against Virginia remain in ACC play.

Part of Swinney's cultural revolution at Clemson has been to keep the team focused week to week. Calling each Saturday -- including the Coastal Carolina game -- "the most important game of the season."

"The most excited team doesn't win," Swinney said. "The (initial excitement) doesn't carry through four quarters of a game. It's execution, attention to detail, knowing what you are doing, playing with relentless effort."

That's the message.

The Clemson players say they are buying in, though they are fully aware of the standings and history.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell you we don't understand the ACC championship is within our grasp," tight end Michael Palmer said. "We have screwed it up here in the past. We have messed things up. ... for that reason a lot of people are doubtful."

They've heard it before, Clemson Nation has.

To try and communicate the team's new focus under Swinney, to relate why this November might be different, Palmer told a story about his high school football team.

After a victory, Parkview High (Ga.) coach Cecil Flowe huddled his team on the field and announced the time, usually around 9:45 p.m., and said Parkview was 1-0 for the week. Then it was on to the next week, the next task.

Palmer said the Tigers have been bombarded with a similar message. They hope to be similarly huddled at 11 p.m. with destiny in their hands.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com. and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.