Whenever Clemson plays at Georgia Tech these days, it brings up special memories for Tigers’ coach Dabo Swinney. It was 12 years ago today Swinney was named Clemson’s head coach replacing Tommy Bowden for the rest of the 2008 season. His first game was against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The Tigers lost that game, but there have been few missteps since then. And it was two years go in Atlanta when Swinney made the decision to transition the quartergack position from Kelly Bryant to Trevor Lawrence. That also has worked out well for the Tigers. Georgia Tech is going thru a similar rebuild under second year coach Geoff Collins, and the Yellow Jackets are showing signs of progress. They are coming off a win over Louisville and are 2-1 in the ACC. Clemson has won the last five in the series but trails 32-51-2. The Tigers are favored by 27 points. Tuesday Clemson coach Dabo Swinney previewed Saturday’s Noon kickoff in Atlanta.
Some of Swinney’s key comments
- Georgia Tech is playing with confidence and great effort, they don’t quit, they run a spread, RPO offense, QB is leading rusher, they have the run game going.
- Georgia Tech does a good job with their tempo, their stretch and their reads off of that. Defense has gotten couple of injured players back and that will help Tech. Also has a great punter with a big leg.
- Still looking for his team to play a complete game for four quarters. Still some things to clean up. Georgia Tech has not been an easy play for them to play over the years.
- It was at Georgia Tech two years ago when the transition from Kelly Bryant to Trevor Lawrence took place, Swinney said you just know when you know, and he was the best guy, said it was a tough bus ride home knowing he was going to have to make the change.
- Lawrence loves the grind, loves the preperation or a season and for games, big on self-scouting, looks at everything he does thru a microscope, great young man, graduates in December, very self-aware of who he is and what’s ahead of him, but he’s in the moment.
- Not two better football players in the country than Lawrence and Etienne in terms of who should win the Heisman.
- It’s a relief to prepare for Georgia Tech and not have to worry about the triple-option. They know a lot more about them this time than a year ago because of the film they have on them.
- Sims is big, athletic, pushes the ball down the field, he’s a tough quarterback. Has corrected his mistakes and is going to get better and better. Has a nice arm.
- Hopes Thomas will play more this week, Ngata practiced last night so if there are no setbacks he could play this week, Foster is still out.
Dabo Swinney press conference previewing Georgia Tech
