Don't Pop The Champagne Corks Just Yet

For the moment, they're all saying the right things.

They, of course, are Clemson's players and coaches. Led by Tommy Bowden. So far, four games and four wins into the 2007 college football season, no one in the Clemson camp is jumping off the deep end in attempts to praise these Tigers.

Oh sure, they're happy with the start. The win over N.C. State was, to date, the team's best all-around performance.

But even at that, Bowden was hesitant to proclaim as much during Sunday's teleconference with the media.

"I don't know how good Florida State or N.C. State are," he said. "I want to wait and see how we do once the competition gets tougher."

That attitude, at least publicly, has been shared by Bowden's players. Fans, too, should be of the same mindset. Because whatever the good feelings may be now, it can all unravel more quickly than a dose of castor oil can run through a sick child (you youngsters ask the old folks about castor oil. I still have nightmares of my grandmother coming after me with that oversize spoon).

Bad memories aside, the fact remains that the story of this team has yet to be written to its completion. And if the Tigers are to make hay in the ACC come November, the next two weeks loom large.

By that time, one half of the season - and the conference schedule - will be completed. Sweep Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, you're sitting pretty. Split and things are still okay.

Lose both? Well, the road to Jacksonville could very well become much like the road to Hades - paved with good intentions.

So enjoy the perfect start. Revel in the success of Cullen Harper. Be joyful over the No. 13 ranking.

Just don't get carried away. Yet.

The warning label on this bottle says that premature celebration can lead to unnecessary heart problems.

Just trying to help.