You’ll have to pardon Brent Venables for the mistake.
He has been apart of a Thursday night game that wasn’t preceded by an off week. Clemson fans, just hope that he’s more prepared on Thursday night than the fella who asked him the question on Tuesday afternoon, though it’s doubtful that will be an issue.
In 2012, Clemson blasted Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, 42-13, just five days after rolling up a 38-17 home win over Virginia Tech.
Venables was still learning his way around town back then — his first season in Clemson after Dabo Swinney brought him over from Oklahoma.
On Tuesday, both Venables and the reporter who’s name sits atop of this mash-up of words forgot about the Tigers’ seventh win of the 2012 season. Aside from Sammy Watkins’ impressive showing, the game wasn’t all that memorable. Besides, it was a skunk at halftime, 35-7.
Or maybe it had something to do with the three Thursday night wins that followed: 26-14 at N.C. State, 55-31 against Georgia Tech and 34-20 at Wake Forest.
In each of those three contests, both Clemson and its opponent were off the week before the game, a luxury Dabo Swinney, Bobby Petrino, Venables and the rest of the coaches preparing for Thursday night don’t get to enjoy.
Venables admitted on Tuesday afternoon the short work week can be a little more taxing than the standard one.
“In some ways, yes,” he said, before repeating himself, “In some ways, yes.
“You just don’t have enough time, or as much time, rather.”
Indeed. Coaches and players aren’t the only ones scrambling to cram a six-day schedule into four.
Even the lowly scribblers and talking heads are dealing with hangover-like headache that accompanies the quick turnaround. But don’t misconstrue that as an effort to solicit some sympathy.
In the future, it might be a good idea to block out some time, to get an early at the opponent, like Venables and the Clemson staff did during preseason camp.
“I felt like we did some extra preparation that got our guys understanding concepts and getting ready for a variety of things these guys do,” Venables said. “They’re not just running Texas Tech four wides every snap. They’re multiple in everything they do and how they attack.”
Well, there’s your answer. The man has been far too busy trying to figure out who Louisville is going to trot out at quarterback and what the heck they’re going to do, instead of reminiscing about a trip to Wake Forest from three years ago.
For all we know, Venables had been locked in his office since Sunday watching game tape, only to come out for practice and bathroom breaks.
He’ll have plenty of time to rest before Clemson’s next game: Oct. 3 against Notre Dame. Leave it to the four-letter network and the fine folks in Greensboro to schedule a bye week after a Thursday night game.
Good call…