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A low moment that will haunt Dave Clawson for the rest of his life was when he was on the brink of beating Clemson in Winston-Salem a few years ago. It was fourth and a few yards around mid-field with less than two minutes to play, and instead of going for the first down he got cautious and punted.
That decision turned into a scenario where Clemson was able to win in overtime – crushing Wake Forest football players, fans, and Clawson in a way that still feels raw and emotionally painful.
So when Dabo, his Swinneys, and the orange-uniformed five-stars trot onto Wake’s field next weekend, we can all be comforted knowing if a similar situation coalesces in this game, Claw will sharpen his claws and not punt. He will go for the first down and win. Nothing would eat at him more than punting again and losing to Clemson.
Punt smunt.
We know this to be certain because a similar situation came up yesterday against NC State and he decided his team was NOT punting. Without trepidation or hesitation, he had his offense stay on the field in the pivotal moment and QB Buck Hankmeyer hit Wesley Snipes for the first down.
It was the call of the game.
Wake won.
The beauty was Claw played to win rather than trying to avoid losing. He showed he believed his players could be clutch. For the rest of his tenure as Wake’s coach, he’s going to be going for it on fourth downs more often and it’s the smart way to play if you’re Wake Forest. This team has nothing to lose and everything to gain by risking losing games with the possibility of winning them.
College football is transforming into something new on multiple fronts. Winning the game on Saturdays is all that matters. You can’t be careful anymore because no other teams are. You can’t punt too often. You have to bet on yourself and not let the other team have a chance to beat you because you’re afraid of making a mistake.
This coming weekend watch Claw’s new approach to coaching football enliven the entertainment, heighten our hopes, and make us feel proud we have a team willing to gamble on itself to come through when the game is on the line.
So Dabo, get ready. Your team has more talent. You may win. But Wake Forest is going to face you squarely, tell you we’re going to push all our cards in the middle of the table. From here on out, we’re going all in for the win.
This titillates.
I remember how foul it felt leaving that Clemson game losing in overtime. Hurt so bad.
Still hurts.
Claw still hurts from what happened that day. And he’s going to do everything in his power to avoid feeling that hurt again.
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