Let’s face it – Clemson fans are all too familiar with the pervading themes of spectator sports.

You know – heartbreak, disappointment, the problem of unrealistic expectations, indignant rage at failure, an inexplicable sense of entitlement to victory – that kind of thing.

That isn’t to say they aren’t “good” fans. They’re great. Among the best. They’ve supported Tiger football through trials and travails, fortuity and triumphs. They’ve seen Clemson’s program achieve remarkable accomplishments, like their improbable finish to the 2003 season, only to be that much more devastated at unexpected losses like the magnificent egg laid in 2004 at Duke. They pounded their chests at a 7-1 start in 2006, only to be hurled back to reality by the football gods after the Tigers dropped four of their last five.

Tommy Bowden’s entire tenure has been woefully Sisyphean in nature. Clemson football trudges up the college football mountain, carrying its boulder-like burden of tradition and expectation on its back, only to see a precipitous fall after reaching anything resembling a high point. At that point, Bowden’s crew takes up the challenge again, aiming high, gaining ground, only to be again confronted by disappointment. The fear as Clemson fans watch this unfold, of course, is that this cycle will last into perpetuity. Can Bowden lead the Tigers to an ACC title? Can Clemson stand success?

On a long enough timeline, the answer is yes. They just hope the fruition of the staff’s labors comes sooner rather than later. The staff has reeled off four consecutive stellar recruiting classes, and is working on a fifth. Publications and websites like College Football News, Lindy’s and Athlon predict Clemson to win the ACC for the first time since 1991. The question of course, isn’t whether or not Clemson can accomplish this. Of course they can. The more important question is whether or not Clemson must accomplish it this year, as many a fan believes.

A sense of desperation permeates Clemson football chatter entering this season. It has to happen this year, or with Clemson’s losses to the draft, coupled with the inevitable resurgence of Miami and Florida State, it will never happen, or so that line of thought goes.

There’s my point. I knew I had one. Many Clemson fans are frantic. High expectations are one thing, but expectations and the sense of what can only be called dread that many are feeling is downright unhealthy.

Bob Mahoney, Associate Executive Director of IPTAY, said it best recently on Dan Scott’s ‘Cruise Control’ radio talk show. To paraphrase Mahoney, there’s a whole lot of “well, we’d better do it this year” talk instead of good ole’ fashioned excitement about where the program is heading.

I’ve found myself becoming neurotic about the upcoming season. I analyze past recruiting rankings, the ins and outs of the schedule, what Clemson returns, what their competition returns, etc. I think about the seeming liability of an inexperienced offensive line, and the perceived lack of depth at linebacker.

I think much of the Clemson fan base suffers from what can only be described as a multiple personality disorder. Many buy into the preseason hype because they want it to be true, then the skeptics in them cite Clemson’s past shortcomings as room for tempered optimism and ultimately, those equally legitimate and explainable attitudes battle each other, instead of reaching a calm equilibrium.

Here’s an idea – temper your expectations a different way. Clemson fans should concede that this year’s squad has some question marks, while remaining confident in the talent they have returning. Sit back and enjoy the college football chatter and conjecture. Ditch the sense of entitlement that many fans of any school seem to have. Those in Tigertown have a lot to be excited about this year, and certainly more to be excited about than to be worried about.

Embrace the hype and have some fun with it. I guarantee a positive attitude will soften the blow of any disappointment, and make that elusive conference title, should they take it, that much sweeter.

It’s dark territory right now. Speculation and second guessing come with the territory, I suppose. But come this autumn, the grills will be lit, the end zones will be painted, the smell of freshly cut grass will fill the air and the great religious fervor of Clemson football will once again be upon us.

Hopefully then, all Clemson fans can sit back, pop open a cold one and take at least some comfort in the fact that when the boys in orange take the field this year, it will be the most talented team Bowden has ever had.