Conference openers

When I read a little tidbit about Tommy Bowden being 6-1 in conference openers at Clemson, I decided to look up TOB’s record. Not nearly as impressive. He enters Saturday’s game (his second ACC opener) with a 4-5 record in his first games of conference play. Looking back, TOB supporters would be quick to mention the number of times he had to face Miami as the start of his Big East slate. The detractors could just as easily mention the years he got to start against UConn, Temple and Rutgers. What does it all mean anyway? Well it is just another piece in the puzzle.

Numbers can be skewed and taken out of context. The start of a season or a bowl game is a sign of what a coach can do when given time to prepare. Yet as we know, the first game and bowl game are often against inferior opponents.

The start of conference play is probably a better measurement of a team and its coach. They are facing a foe with some familiarity with BC. The game means something with regards to standings and bowls. And there is no avoiding these opponents.

Clemson might not be as tough as last year’s Florida State team or some of the top Miami teams of old, but they are certainly one of TOB’s tougher conference openers. While I can’t label it a true must win, it is pretty crucial to this season.