Bowden does not have what it takes to be a big-time winner. He cannot motivate or connect with the players, and the play-calling continues to be a problem. When Rodriguez was the OC, at least the offense played with motivation and some level of consistency. As for the optimism of the fans, you can't blame them -- that's just human nature. And they're in a uniquely frustrating situation as a result of the administration's dismissal of Danny Ford 15 years ago when Clemson was one of the nation's top programs. The last 15 years have been horrible for Clemson fans because they know what *could* have been ... and because they have never been told the full story regarding why Ford was dismissed. Think what it would have been like for OSU, PSU, or FSU fans if Woody Hayes, Joe Paterno, or Bobby Bowden had been dismissed at the apex of their popularity.
Clemson will continue to be inconsistent, at least until Bowden brings in someone like Rodiguez to crack the whip ... or until Bowden is replaced. Until then, stop betting on Clemson games, as I have done. There are 50+ other games on the board every week.
Thanks, and good luck.