Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney, running back Will Shipley, and freshman defensive lineman Peter Woods took to the mic during Tuesday’s media availability following practice. The tone in the room was one of optimism coming off a 66-17 victory over Charleston Southern. Certainly, it helped take the taste of a bad loss to Duke out of the Tigers’ mouths as Clemson prepares to host Florida Atlantic this coming Saturday; a night game in Death Valley with an 8 p.m. kickoff.
“We have to stay disciplined in our game,” said Shipley regarding the looming contest with FAU. “The film is the biggest thing for me. Just going back and critiquing the plays.”
Shipley is also encouraged by the response he saw from sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik coming out of last Saturday’s game in which the Clemson signal caller made two questionable decisions with the ball that led directly to both Charleston Southern touchdowns. Per Shipley, Cade is a beam of positivity even when the chips are down.
“He is always going to have a smile on his face,” Shipley said. “It’s hard to take him down.”
On the defensive side, freshman defensive tackle Peter Woods is still adjusting to the college game after entering Clemson as a consensus five star and top 10 recruit in the 2023 recruiting class. Woods was relatively quiet in the season opener, but flashed against the Buccaneers and showed glimpses of the great player he can be.
“I know that there is things I can do to be better and I know I will never be the best version of myself, but I always push myself to be the best version of myself,” he said.
As for Saturday’s game, Woods is looking forward to playing under the lights at Death Valley. He already knows that the atmosphere is one of the best in college football.
“It’s going to be special,” added Woods. “I have been to a few night games sitting in my seat wishing that I could be playing on that field.
Woods’ work ethic has certainly caught the attention of his fellow teammates.
“He’s an absolute stud,” gushed Shipley. “And he comes in and works. I can’t wait to see how successful he will be this year.”
When Swinney took to the podium, he gave positive news on the injury front on several Tigers who have missed practice and game time through the first two weeks of the season.
“Tink (Misun Kelly) and Cole Turner will be back this week,” noted Swinney. “Cole will be available and Tink will be there if we need to use him.”
He continued, “(Freshman defensive lineman) Vic Burley is back at practice today, full pads today, and shells tomorrow so we will evaluate him and see where he is.”
Clemson is beginning their game preparations for Florida Atlantic, and while on paper the Tigers should win another one, nobody is taking anything for granted. The Owls have some talented playmakers that Clemson must be wary of, and it starts with their quarterback Casey Thompson. Swinney knows he will be a challenge for his defense.
“Casey Thompson will test us with his ability to throw the ball on the run,” Swinney said.
Turnovers, explained Swinney, will also play a large factor in the game.
“We gotta create more turnovers,” he said. “We got one this week and needed two to be even with turnovers to creating turnovers. We gotta win the turnover margin. You’re not going to be a good football team if you don’t win the turnover margin.”
Shipley is ready to carry the load offensively, and was also named to the AFCA Good Works Team. What he does on and off the field is a sense of pride for the junior and being successful in both places drive him to bigger and better accomplishments.
“It is a blessing to be recognized for something like that, especially when it is near and dear to my heart,” Shipley said of being named to the AFCA Good Works Team.
As for Saturday’s game, he is really to set the tone for the Tigers once again and especially for his fellow running backs.
“I believe I set the standard for the running backs, and I try to push myself above that standard,” he said.”
