“Dat Boy” Does It

Dabo Swinney will formally interview for the Clempsun University head coaching job later this week, but based on the application he’s submitted over the last six games of the 2008 season – including today’s Farmer beatdown of arch-rival South Cackilacky, his hiring should be a done deal.

Swinney may still be a redneck who’s wet behind the ears, but wasn’t Danny Ford when the Farmers hired him?

And anyone concerned about Swinney’s “experience” obviously hasn’t been watching the 180-degree shift in the Clemson program over the last six games.

Down, counted out and beset by blame and bickering, “Dat Boy” has guided Clemson from oblivion to bowl eligibility, including victories in three consecutive must-win games.

Plus, aren’t there more important things than experience – like heart, intensity and the ability to relate to and motivate players?

Oh … and let’s not forget sound, aggressive play-calling on offense?

Like Ford before him (and unlike his much more famous and “experienced” contemporary in Columbia) Swinney has all of those attributes, which is probably why in six games he’s already more beloved at Clemson than his precedessor was at any point in his decade-long tenure.

Just watching how the Tigers handled themselves Saturday was a testament to Swinney’s skills.

They were motivated.

They had a great offensive and defensive game plan.

They executed.

They took advantage of their opponents’ mistakes and didn’t make many of their own.

Swinney also never “played it safe,” which is something you can always count on from his rival playcaller in Columbia.

In fact, there were numerous times during today’s game when Swinney could have chosen to sit on his team’s lead, but he kept going for the jugular every time … winning some of his bets, losing a few others … but always keeping the Shamecocks backed up on their heels.

That’s how you win football games.

In short, Clempsun would be absolutely nuts not to hire “Dat Boy.”