Matt Connolly

Longtime Clemson chronicler Matt Connolly joins the podcast to reflect on what it's like working normal hours now after years of being a one-man show covering the Tigers, and basically being on call at all times as he reacted to every piece of news. Connolly still covers Clemson, but more from a distance from his home in Spartanburg. The more regular structure has allowed him to spend more quality time with his family, though he did get to Clemson this season for games against Florida State and Notre Dame. Connolly gives his take on Dabo Swinney's decision to fire two assistants, and what it means about Swinney's commitment to getting the Tigers back to the top. Should Swinney and the Tigers' staff consider adding a portal quarterback to challenge Cade Klubnik for the starting job? Does the successful pursuit of Matt Luke and Chris Rumph -- and the eye-opening salaries for both -- say something about Clemson positioning itself to play big-boy football long-term, perhaps in another conference? What of the chaotic uproar that followed the Seminoles' snub from the College Football Playoff? Connolly said he'd have also left FSU out because of Jordan Travis' season-ending injury, but he feels awful for the Seminoles' entire team.