What’s Clemson’s answer to Miami’s ‘turnover chain?’ It’s called ‘TA-NO-GA’

Around Clemson football, it’s called “TA-NO-GA Tuesdays.”

It translates to “Takeaways/No Giveaways.” Tuesday’s practice is devoted to reminding the offense the importance of ball-security and reinforcing with the defense that thievery has great benefit on the football field.

This “TA-NO-GA” slogan came to light Monday because Clemson players were peppered with questions about the best gimmick of the 2017 college season: Miami’s “turnover chain.” That gaudy piece of jewelry with a dangling orange-and-green “U” has become the symbol of the Hurricanes’ return to elite football.

The top-ranked Tigers (11-1) return to Charlotte Saturday night for another ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium. The seventh-ranked Hurricanes (10-1) make their first appearance in the title game since joining the ACC in 2004.

Miami had a football renaissance this season under new coach Mark Richt. Any Canes defender causing a turnover gets to wear that chain, to mass celebration, on Miami’s sideline.

What, by comparison, does Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables award a player for a takeaway?

“He gives us a high five. We’re not that fancy,” said defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. “But I like the turnover chain; that’s pretty cool for them. If that’s how you get your guys going, then that’s what you do.”

Miami leads all FBS teams with a takeaway/giveaway margin of plus-17 this season. The Hurricanes have forced 29 turnovers (including 17 interceptions, two for touchdowns) and committed 12.

By comparison, Clemson is tied for 48th in takeaway/giveaway at plus-3. The offense has been solid in ball-security with 13 giveaways, but the defense hasn’t changed possession that much, with 16 takeaways.

“We put a lot of emphasis on it,” said Lawrence, a preseason All-American as a sophomore. “Early in the season, we weren’t getting as many turnovers. Now” it’s better, Lawrence said, adding that stat does not reflect Clemson’s numerous 3-and-out stops this season.

“We love those,” said Lawrence. “Just getting the offense back on the field, keeping them hot.”

“TA-NO-GA Tuesday” might not be as glamorous or telegenic as Miami’s chain, but Jeff Scott, one of Clemson’s co-offensive coordinators, said there is nothing that gets more attention in a week of practice than protecting the ball. Scott says the Tigers are talented enough that, if they have no giveaways, they can beat any team, anywhere.

What is “TA-NO-GA?” It starts in the meeting rooms before Tuesday practice commences.

“We’ll watch all the turnovers that Miami (forced) last week and all the turnovers in the NFL,” said wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, named third-team All-ACC Monday. “And then we’d watch some good plays that we (made), taking care of the ball. Just an emphasis on the ball.”

Then it becomes about competition: The coaches try to rip the ball away from players during drills. Then, the defensive scout team does the same in scrimmage. Finally, there is a starters-vs.-starters scrimmage that becomes about more than running and tackling.

“I try to set the tone; go a little extra in (Tuesday) practice,” said defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. “(Think) ‘OK, I stopped the guy, but now I have to punch the ball (out of his grasp).’ Make sure guys are focused on it on both sides.”

How does that stack up to Miami’s chain?

“That’s cool for them. A little extra incentive,” Wilkins said.

“But it’s not about them, it’s about us. If we hold on to the ball, that’s great. If we (force) a lot of turnovers, that’d be great, too.”

This story was originally published November 27, 2017 at 5:57 PM with the headline "What’s Clemson’s answer to Miami’s ‘turnover chain?’ It’s called ‘TA-NO-GA’."