Isaiah Simmons led a Clemson defense that limited Texas A&M to 289 yards of offense, Saturday. (Travis Bell/SIDELINE CAROLINA)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the media via teleconference a day after his team’s 24-10 victory over Texas A&M. Coach Swinney was happy his defense “accepted the challenge” of slowing A&M, limiting the Aggies to 289 yards of total offense. According to Swinney, the defense, “controlled the line of scrimmage and impacted the quarterback.” Swinney was also complimentary of quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s performance, especially the engineering of the three long touchdown drives (82, 89 and 83 yards). The Tigers will next travel to Syracuse (1-1) for their second conference game. The Orange are coming off a 63-20 loss to Maryland that knocked Syracuse from the national rankings.
Dabo Swinney’s key comments
Amari Rodgers is still working his way back into football shape. Rodgers played 34 snaps Saturday, similar to the snaps played by DeAndre Overton.
Swinney expects to continue to see Lyn J Dixon contribute as he and Travis Etienne continue to “tag off to stay fresh.” He’d like to get a third running back ready to go.
The inside linebackers played well. Cleaner game from that group than in Week 1 against Georgia Tech.
Seven offensive linemen played Saturday, but Swinney says, “we have 11 that we trust, but those are our seven guys right now.” Swinney noted the offense didn’t get a lot of snaps off early in the game, shortening the rotation.
On Syracuse: I have no doubt we’ll get their best shot. They were 4-8 the year they beat us up there, so I know a 1-1 Syracuse team can beat us.
Xavier Thomas’ ankle is sore, but he’s good to go.
The defensive line is growing. They still have a long way to go, but he enjoys seeing the growth.
