Dabo Swinney held his weekly press conference, Tuesday, as Clemson prepares to play host to SMU in a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship.
Clemson laid claim to its 22nd ACC title with a 34-31 victory over the Mustangs thanks to a 56-yard game-winning field goal from Nolan Hauser. It’s the only loss SMU has suffered against an ACC foe since joining the conference before last season.
Swinney expects quarterback Cade Klubnik to fully participate in practice and play this week despite leaving in the third quarter of the Boston College game with an injured ankle. At the time of his injury, he was having his way with BC, leading the Tigers to six consecutive scoring drives and 34 first-half points.
Clemson will likely need another good performance from Klubnik and the offense as SMU is averaging 32.4 points/game this season. Kickoff between the Tigers and the Mustangs from Death Valley is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Saturday.
Key comments from Dabo Swinney
- Haven’t played well here at the Valley. Created momentum the last couple of games, haven’t been perfect but played well.
- Tough challenge ahead with SMU. Have a lot in common with SMU coach Rhett Lashlee and have a lot of respect for him … their QB is a real problem
- SMU is patient and committed to the run game. They’re a big play-action team, so they want to make you defend the run and get big plays out of play-action … a lot of misdirection/eye candy. Have to stay aware
- Swinney on Clemson’s struggles at home: We’ve stunk, lost 3 of 4 at home. LSU’s a good team, but didn’t play well offensively. Syracuse game, we didn’t start playing defense until 3rd qtr. UNC was the first game that we played well collectively
- Swinney on Clemson OL: In the one game, Brayden Jacobs played well (at LT), but we’ve got confidence in Tristan Leigh. We’ve just got to get him well (ankle)
- Swinney on Clemson QB Klubnik status: Cade was throwing with the trainers last night and will be ready to go … Expect him to fully participate in practice and play this weekend
- Swinney on Clemson RB rotation: Don’t expect anything to change. I like our rotation. They all bring something different. Gideon Davidson is exciting but still learning the passing game, David Eziomume is doing everything we ask and Keith Adams, Jr. delivers punishment
- Swinney on Clemson pass defense: Getting better. Moving on up. Playing better technique, fundamentals and awareness of where we’re supposed to be. We’re not what I think we’re going to be, but we’ve improved since early in the season