The plan was for a Clemson coming out party.
The Tigers had finished strong in 2007 and entered the 2008 season with a Top 10 ranking. It seemed like the perfect time for the Tigers to take on a marquee Southeastern Conference opponent at an NFL stadium in a nationally televised game.
Turns out it was Nick Saban and Alabama that made the statement in the Georgia Dome.
Coming off a 7-6 season, the Crimson Tide crushed No. 9 Clemson 34-10 and Nick Saban's Alabama dynasty was born.
"I didn't expect that type of outcome," said former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN and SEC Network analyst Greg McElroy.