For months Clemson fans everywhere have been awaiting the start of a new football season. After a strong showing but unfortunate loss at the National Championship months ago, several Clemson fans are hopeful the Tigers will have another amazing season and a chance to redeem themselves in Tampa. Last fall was not the first time the Tigers have experienced success. Over the past five years Clemson has had five 10+ win seasons. The following ten highlights from the past few years serve as encouragement for all Tiger fans who can’t wait to see their football team do amazing things this year!
1. 1981 National Championship
Okay, so this didn’t happen during the past five years, but it is still an important part of Clemson football history. This championship win serves as motivation for the Tiger football team every year and is something instate rival, USC, has yet to accomplish.
2. Dabo Swinney coaches the team to a 10-win season and ACC championship in 2011
Ever since Dabo Swinney became the Clemson head coach in 2008, he has used his amazing ability to connect with others to encourage, motivate, and push his players to perform at high level. Fall 2011 was the coach’s first 10-win season and the first time the Tigers won the ACC championship since 1991.
3. Top Tiger team in the South in 2012
During this season the Clemson team proved they were the best football-playing Tigers in the south after defeating SEC top teams, Auburn and LSU, in the season opener and the Chick-fil-A bowl.
4. Beating the old Clemson rival in 2013
Georgia and Clemson were big rivals in the 1980s when both teams were in the SEC. In 2013 the two football teams played for the first time in several years during Clemson’s home season opener. Students and alumni packed the Death Valley stadium and watched Clemson win in dramatic fashion.
5. Orange Bowl redemption in January 2014
After an embarrassing 70-33 in lost to West Virginia in 2012, the Tigers returned to the Orange Bowl two years later to defeat Ohio State 40-35.
6. Breaking the five-year streak
For the first time in five years Clemson beat their instate rival, USC, in 2014. Leading the Tigers offense was Deshaun Watson, who played with a torn ACL.
7. Braving a hurricane to beat Notre Dame
Last fall Hurricane Joaquin caused heavy rainfall and terrible flooding all over the state of South Carolina. In the midst of all this bad weather, Clemson played a tough game against Notre Dame and won in dramatic fashion while thousands sat watching in the stands.
8. The long-awaited Florida State win
In 2013 Clemson suffered an embarrassing 51-14 loss at home to Florida State. A year later the Tigers lost a close game in Tallahassee, even though the Seminoles were missing their top player, Jameis Winston. After some tough defeats Clemson finally beat Florida State last season during a sold-out home game.
9. 2015 post-season success
Last December the Clemson finished its regular season 12-0 and defeated the UNC football team to become ACC champions for the first time since 2011. Soon afterwards the Tigers defeated Oklahoma in the first round of the College Playoffs and earned the right to compete against Alabama for the National Championship title. Unfortunately Clemson lost to the Crimson Tide in Phoenix, but with many key players returning this year, Clemson will probably have the chance to redeem themselves in Tampa.
10. Last weekend’s win over Auburn
Just a few days ago Clemson beat Auburn in their dramatic season opener.
Clemson’s recent win over a mighty SEC team is just a sign of the great things to come for the 2016 football team. Will Clemson have sixth consecutive 10+ win season? Will Clemson win another ACC championship? Will they have a second chance to play for a national championship? Clemson fans everywhere will soon find out. Go Tigers and “may the odds be ever in your favor.”
