Clemson Tigers basketball suffer a tough overtime loss to NC State, exposing a glaring need for a true closer in high-pressure moments. Can Brad Brownell’s "win by committee" system hold up as March approaches, or will the lack of a reliable late-game scorer haunt the Tigers in ACC play and beyond?

Morgan Thomas breaks down the Will Wade effect as the Clemson grad once again outmaneuvers his alma mater, while analyzing key performances from R.J. Godfrey and the impact of missed free throws and critical turnovers. The discussion tackles Clemson's upcoming road tests, the challenges ahead for Brownell's squad, and whether balance alone is enough for a deep postseason run. The hunt for a superstar guard or big man intensifies—will anyone step up before tournament time?

00:00 "Clemson Basketball's Closer Struggles"
06:21 "Challenges of Student-Athlete Life"
08:59 ACC Basketball Thrills and Struggles
12:50 "Clemson Hoops & Everydayer Club"
14:50 "Teamwork Drives Clemson's Success"
18:47 "Clemson's Free Throw Struggles"
23:02 "Realistic Goals for Clemson"
24:33 Clemson Lacks a Game-Changer
28:43 Clemson Fans: Subscribe and Engage!

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Clemson Football faces a crucial crossroads—can the Tigers return to championship glory without breaking the NIL bank? Morgan Thomas spotlights Indiana’s remarkable 16-0 national title run, led by Fernando Mendoza and a roster built on grit, discipline, and culture rather than five-star recruits or flashy transfers. The episode questions the narrative that money rules college football, using Indiana’s blue-collar formula as proof that Clemson, with its proud tradition and ACC resources, still has a path to the top.

Key discussion points include Christopher Vezina’s potential to seize his moment, lessons from Indiana’s underdog mentality, and whether Dabo Swinney’s player evaluation and development strategies need a reset. Morgan Thomas tackles the pitfalls of hiring from within, the enduring importance of hunger and physicality, and how Clemson can reignite its identity. Can the Tigers recapture their edge and prove national contenders don’t have to be the sport’s biggest spenders?

00:00 Indiana Outlasts Miami

03:32 Indiana Defies Odds in Football

09:01 "Clemson's Missed Opportunities Analyzed"

11:48 "Mendoza's Heisman Moment"

15:29 "Quarterback Consistency Over Star Power"

20:25 "Player Fit Over Star Power"

21:56 Clemson’s Challenges: Evaluation and Development

27:32 "Clemson's Strategy and Recruitment Challenges"

29:46 "Locked On Clemson Access"

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
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Turbo Tax
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Clemson Tigers fans get a reality check and a roadmap to resurgence as Morgan Thomas breaks down the first half of the national championship game between Indiana and Miami. Can Clemson return to college football’s elite without megastar quarterbacks or massive NIL budgets? Morgan Thomas argues disciplined play, a dominant line of scrimmage, and clear team identity—exemplified by Indiana’s gritty performance—are the blueprint for the Tigers’ comeback.

Key topics include Clemson’s transfer portal strategy, the impact of Christopher Vezina’s potential at quarterback, and the crucial roles of Braden Jacobs, Amari Adams, and Chad Morris in the Tigers’ rebuild. With insights on Dabo Swinney’s philosophy and the evolving landscape of college football, Morgan Thomas challenges fans to focus on fundamentals—not flash—as Clemson eyes a playoff return in 2026. Are championships still won in the trenches? The answer might surprise you.

00:00 National Championship Insights & Analysis
05:35 "Clemson's Transfer Portal Struggles"
09:42 "Brad Brownell and Clemson's Future"
11:30 "Join Locked On Discord Now"
15:32 "Clemson's Playoff Potential Analyzed"
17:35 Clemson's Playoff Chances Analyzed
24:07 Focus on Run Game Dominance
25:05 "Clemson's Path: Build the Trenches"

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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