I didnt rank Swinney as a game day coach because I think his teams have consistently failed to live up to the hype. Like I said, there is a reasonfor the phrase "they pulled a clemson".. From a program perspective though, Swinney has done a great job in building the team into what it is today. What does this season hold for them? Are they really the world beaters people say or do they "pull a clemson" for the season opener?
Now, in contrast with Richt...true...he's had his share of teams failing on grand stages as well....but I gave him an edge over Swinney because at least a few of those losses came on bad bounces...bad calls. Clemson, again and again, has just gotten the doors blown off.
5 straight seasons with 10 or more wins, capped off by a close national title loss (which they may have won if alexander didn't get injured). Top ten finishes in 3 of the past 4 seasons. Swinney has an impressive resume.
What do you see in Cutliffe and Fedora? Both have worked magic as program leaders for sure, and on game day, has anyone pulled more performance from athletes on field than what Cutliffe has to work with?