Thank you both, I really appreciate it. It was cathartic to write about King in that way, and I'm happy to hear from people either going through or who have gone through something similar lately.
On Will Smart: I don't say this often, but I really loved his tape when he signed two years ago. Just has an incredible motor and yes, stronger than he appeared. He's dealt with wrist injuries for seemingly two straight seasons -- I think he can help them make the DT rotation even deeper, or perhaps enable Bothroyd and Tyler Williams to take some snaps at DE.
On PIs: I mean ... one of the announcers, think it was McDonough, said it during the game: Clemson is going to press you on the outside and be physical and dare you to throw flags. It's as much of a feature in Venables' defense as A-gap pressure. Honestly, if there's a crowd, Wake probably gets 1 or 2 more PI calls. That's what history of homefield advantage teaches us. Otherwise, you've either got to beat it at the line and run by them, as A.T. did on the drop, or you've gotta out-muscle them for the ball, as Donavon did on the jump ball. The flip side of it is Wake theoretically would've been able to be just as physical with their receivers -- but despite the addition of Paul Williams, they never played press coverage, and the communications breakdowns usually meant Clemson receivers didn't have anybody to be physical with them.
Hartman's helmet: Not sure if you mean the first play, when Kern comes in for one throw, or Hartman's last play; either way, I didn't notice fingers in his helmet. If it's on tape, though, I'm sure Clawson sent the play to the ACC for review.
