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TO CONGRATULATE THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACHES FOR WINNING THE 2016 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, TO RECOGNIZE THE TEAM'S NUMEROUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE SEASON, TO INVITE THE NUMBER ONE RANKED TIGERS AND CLEMSON OFFICIALS TO JOIN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT NOON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2017, WHEREBY COACH DABO SWINNEY IS INVITED TO ADDRESS THE JOINT SESSION, AND TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR DURING THE JOINT SESSION.
Whereas, on January 9, 2017, the pride of the entire Palmetto State, the Clemson University football team climaxed a fabulous 2016 season by defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 in a thrilling rematch of the previous year's title game; and
Whereas, it wasn't the first time this Clemson team had brought down the mighty. The 2016 season saw the Tigers topple each of the past seven national title winners including, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, and Alabama; and
Whereas, with the national championship win, the Tigers capped off a fourteen win season including the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship, and a state championship; and
Whereas, the season was set with an explosive offense and a staunch defense. The Clemson offense ranked 12th nationally in total offense and gained more first downs than any other team. Meanwhile, the Clemson defense ranked 8th nationally in total defense and 3rd in tackles for a loss; and
Whereas, five Tigers were selected to the second or third AP All-American team. Also, nine Tigers were selected to the first team of the All-ACC team, and an additional nine others were selected to the second or third team, or received honorable mention credit; and
Whereas, for the second straight year, Clemson's Deshaun Watson received the Davey O'Brien Award, which honors college football's best quarterback, and was a Heisman Trophy Finalist. Watson also received the 2016 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and the Bobby Bowden Award; and
Whereas, tight end Jordan Leggett was a John Mackey Award Finalist, which honors college football's most outstanding tight end; and
Whereas, though the Clemson coaching staff always credits its success to the players, the excellent work of the coaching staff was also recognized. For the second straight year, Coach Dabo Swinney took home the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award. Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables won the Broyles Award and Associate Coach and Defensive Tackles Coach Dan Brooks won the American Football Coaching Award, each for the best assistant coach of the year. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate the Clemson University football team and coaches for winning the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship title and to recognize the team's numerous accomplishments.
Be it further resolved that the number one ranked Clemson Tigers' football team and Clemson officials be invited to join the General Assembly in Joint Session at noon on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, in the chamber of the South Carolina House of Representatives, and to invite Coach Dabo Swinney to address the Joint Session.
Be it further resolved that the privilege of the floor be extended to the Clemson football team and Clemson officials during the Joint Session.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Clemson football team, Coach Dabo Swinney, Athletic Director Dan Radakovich, and President James P. Clements.
This web page was last updated on February 14, 2017 at 3:24 PM