...of total program wins. Clemson won a national title in 1981. We played for one in 1999. Which of those successes should be more helpful today? I would argue the 1999 appearance with Mike Vick.

I'm sorry, but pointing to past success seems like an absolute excuse. VT had a lot of success in the late 90's and early 2000s and we SQUANDERED it. Clemson didn't squander their recent success but rather continued to build upon it -- both in terms of fundraising and football success.