Dabo Swinney addressed the media, Tuesday, at his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday’s home finale. This weekend’s contest against Wake Forest carries meaning as the final home game for a decorated group of Clemson seniors, including sixth-year linebacker James Skalski, and an opportunity to hand the Demon Deacons their first conference loss. Wake Forest’s lone loss came against North Carolina in a non-conference matchup. A win would keep Clemson’s hopes alive for a seventh straight ACC title and extend the nation’s longest home winning streak to 34.
Swinney delivered some bad news on the injury front. Wide receiver Justyn Ross will not be available, Saturday, after aggravating a foot injury that may require surgery. Swinney revealed that Ross had suffered a hairline fracture in his fifth metatarsal prior to the season opener against Georgia. Ross had been able to play through the pain until further aggravating the injury following a 25-yard catch against UConn.
Of the 131 players on Clemson’s 2021 roster, 126 have never experienced a home loss. Five sixth-year super seniors were on the 2016 team that dropped a 43-42 decision to Pitt before winning their final five games en route to a national championship. Due to a cluster of injuries along both the offensive line and at the skill positions, the Tigers will not start a senior on offense against Wake Forest, Saturday.
