In 1980 expectations were definitely not in our favor but we outplayed Georgia and felt we should have won that game. There are few highlights of that game because GA had little offense that day. Of course GA won the NC but we knew we could beat them and could compete with them. To me the rest of the season was a blur and I for one could not wait until that 81 game. I don't live in the Clemson / Upstate area but I think our folks were quietly anticipating the Georgia game while not talking about it - and the team was ready for it. Georgia was quite surprised when they lost but we weren't.
I see similar focus this year but of course we are not going to sneak up on Alabama.
BTW - The wheels almost fell off after we beat Georgia but Jeff Davis and others took the lead inside the team and then the magic happened.....