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Monday Night was a rough ending to a great season. You can't ask for much more than 12-2, a third straight playoff appearance, a third straight conference title, and dominating your rival for the fourth year in a row. But, you've probably seen that point reiterated ad nauseam on Twitter. The game, itself, was not great. There are no excuses to be made, Clemson was just beaten by a better team. Bama won at the line of scrimmage and was well prepared. Also, beating a Nick Saban team that has had extensive prep time is a tall task. However, let's take some time to look at a few things that stood out, in a good way, in this game.
First off, Alex Spence.
Spence had the only points of the night for the Tigers. He's been a guy that was put in a tough situation with Greg Huegel's injury and took a lot of flack for the struggles he's had overall, but he has really finished well through the last two games. Being able to go on the big stage and nail a pair of field goals is awesome. Hopefully Huegel will be back next year, but it is good to see Spence trend upward as we end the year and know that option is there. Also, shout out to Will Swinney on that second kick reeling in that high snap. Holder is an often under appreciated job, but he's been solid this year.
Next, we see Van Smith break up a potentially huge flea flicker.
With only a one score lead, this could have been potentially momentum or even points for Bama if they can convert.
That's a great job from Van to recognize the flea flicker and being able to recover to go back and swat it from Calving Ridley's hands. Jalen Hurts did under throw the ball, but you have to admire Van's effort here.
Well, as not fun as that game was, I'd like to leave you with something to help get the taste out of your mouth. So, please enjoy one of the best moments from the 2017 season, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant hitting the Swag Surf
I really hope Christian Wilkins sticks around for one more season, but if he decides to go ahead and go pro, his career at Clemson has been fantastic to watch and he has definitely cemented himself as an all time fan favorite and one of the most fun players to put on the orange and purple, as well as being an outstanding athlete.