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In defense of Jadeveon Clowney...

Superfreak South Carolina defensive end Jedeveon Clowney has been on the receiving end of some pretty heavy-duty criticism from ESPN and sports-writers in general for his play in last night's 27-10 victory over South Carolina in the team's opener.

All off-season long, ESPN has been hyping Clowney up as the greatest defensive player college football has ever seen - as if he's going to break every record known to man in video game like fashion. While Clowney was taken out of the game on several occasions last night and appeared fatigued throughout the contest which yielded him minimal results, there's a good reason for that - he has been battling a stomach virus. 

I'm sorry to disappoint ESPN and other sports-writers, but even a "freak" like Clowney won't be able to be at his peak on the field while battling a stomach virus, having eaten just a banana and a few grapes all day, and dealing with the hot, muggy Southeast weather.

Give the guy a break. If he's fully healthy for the Gamecocks' next game and still plays sluggishly, then the gripes will be legitimate. However, let's not judge a guy's play based on one game while playing with a stomach virus.

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