Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and North Carolina’s Mack Brown addressed the media, Friday, as they prepare their teams to collide for the ACC Championship in Charlotte. As expected, Swinney took questions about his team’s motivation coming off a loss to rival South Carolina that dashed any hope of making the College Football Playoff’s field of four. But Swinney pointed out that his program puts great emphasis on the division and conference championship goals at the start of each season. Swinney said, “Our guys did a lot to earn their way here and last year watching it, the old Kenny Pickett fake slide, at home watching it like everyone else and missed the opportunity to be in this game. Everything for us comes through winning this league.”
Clemson is looking for its 21st ACC Championship and eighth in the Championship Game era. The Tar Heels are seeking a sixth conference title and first since 1980.
Swinney also took the opportunity to again express confidence in quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, “He’s done his part, which is all he can do. They’re not going to let him throw and catch it. He’s had a great week of practice …. I expect him to play well.”
Mack Brown and Swinney both addressed their friendship that dates back to Swinney’s first offseason as Tigers head coach. The two will put that friendship aside for four quarters when Clemson and UNC meet in Charlotte, Saturday. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium is set for at 8 p.m.
