Is this finally the year Clemson answers all of its critics and makes a run at the national championship? So far this season, Heisman candidate Tajh Boyd, who is in his third year as Clemson's starting quarterback, has his team a perfect 6-0 and ranked #3 in the AP poll. However, the biggest test of his career will come Saturday as Clemson will host #5 Florida State in the college football game of the week. If Boyd and the Tigers are to win it all, this is the one that cannot slip away.
The last time Clemson claimed the title was 32 years ago when a quiet confident kid from Athens, Ga. by the name of Homer Jordan, who was not only breaking records but barriers as well. Jordan wasn't only competing against the opponents on the field, he was also battling boos and taunts that cascaded from the stands as Clemson's first black quarterback to start. Heading into the 1981 season it was evident that most were not in favor of Jordan being the starting QB as the previous season Clemson boasted a disappointing 6-5 record. However, head coach Danny Ford decided to ignore the pundits and stick with Jordan.
Homer Jordan took the bull by the horns leading an unranked Clemson Tigers team in the preseason to a 12-0 record and the school's only national championship. He would claim the Orange Bowl most valuable player award and top first-team All-ACC honors.
Since 1981 Clemson has had one roller coaster season after another. The opportunity to repeat history has never looked better. And if they are going to accomplish the massive feat of becoming national champions, the outcome most certainly rests on the shoulders of their quarterback. Tajh Boyd must channel his inner Homer starting with a statement game in Death Valley against the Seminoles this weekend.
