In a year brimming with high hopes and aspirations for the Clemson football team, the early-season stumbles in the ACC could have easily derailed their ambitions. However, as the saying goes, champions adapt. After dropping their first two ACC games, the Tigers remain undeterred, choosing to recalibrate their goals and stay focused on the path ahead. Despite a 2-2 record, they are fully aware that the season still holds plenty of promise.
Senior Right Guard Michell Mayes was the first to the mic. Michell Mayes has not gotten the playing time that most players want through their time here, but now he is ready to shine with the devastating news of Walker Parks, starting right guard, being out for the remainder of the season. Michell was asked why he did not transfer, and he stated, “I just did not want to quit, the coaches gave me an opportunity and I did not want to quit on them.” Mayes could have left and have been starting at another program before now, but he stuck it out and knows he can make this offense better. “I have to embrace my role to be the best version of myself.” Much more season is left, and goals are left to be accomplished. Mayes knows, and the rest of the team know that the team must finish drives.
Message Dabo gave the team after the game:
Mitchell Mayes
“We just have to finish better.” Clemson must complete the drives better on both sides of the ball to continue to get wins.”
Cade Klubnik also joined the media on Monday to recap Saturday’s loss vs. Florida State. While Klubnik’s college career is not getting off to the way he wanted, he is a winner. Klubnik did not lose a single game while in high school. Klubnik’s winning mentality has stayed the same, and he knows that Clemson can still win the big game. The one thing he highlighted was finishing the game. “I felt like we were rolling. We are three plays away from being 4-0 and played a great game and we have to finish.” The main three plays Klubnik is referencing here are the two fumbles inside the five against Duke and the one fumble against Florida State that was returned for a touchdown. The offense has been rolling in recent games, even though the scoreboard is not showing it. The offense averages 42.3 points per game, 27.5 first downs, and 474.3 yards per game. The offense is thriving, so what is the issue? The turnover miscues are what is holding the team back. Even with all of the heartbreak, Klubnik knows Clemson will return to the win column. They have what it takes, and he is even proud of their performance. “I am proud of the way we played on Saturday. We never stopped believing and just got to find a way to win it. That is what it comes down to.” The next challenge for Clemson and Klubnik is playing against unbeaten Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.
“We have a very young team. They are not satisfied to be where we are now. We expect to be at the top of the hill every year.”
Cade Klubnik
Senior Defensive Tackle Ruke Orhororho also caught up with the media on Monday and gave many positive comments from the heartbreaking loss this Saturday. The defensive line looked it’s best this game, but Ruke knows it could have been better. “I do not think it was our full capability. It was a pretty good showing. We have to learn from our losses and will fix those mistakes going into Syracuse.” Clemson held Florida State to a dismal twenty-two yards rushing. This all started due to the front seven and the defensive line, which showed their dominance over Florida State. Ruke and the defensive line are ready to put on a show at Syracuse and hopefully in front of many Clemson fans. “This is my third time in Syracuse, we have to bring all we got to play them this week. Their fans bring it so we just have to put on for our fans that are making the travel.” This defensive line has just shown what the College Football world can expect.
Senior Safety Jalyn Phillips, in his final year sporting the Clemson paw, emphasized the importance of focusing on the next challenge. Clemson knows they cannot live in the past, but move on to the future. “It is a little difficult being 2-2. We cannot just sit in the rearview mirror, we just have to flush and learn from it.” At the same time, the defense did hold the Florida State offense to 311 yards, over a hundred less than the Florida State offense average. The defense did many great things, and Phillips was sure to reiterate that everyone must be ready to play. “We are going to need everybody.” Going to Syracuse is a big challenge for Clemson, especially with Quarterback Garrett Shrader, but for Phillips, it is a little bit of a homecoming. “Most of my family is from upstate New York. Syracuse is a really good team and we have to get prepared to play them.” This defense has only looked better each year and will continue to improve.
While there is a lot of adversity, Clemson is still steadfast on how great the rest of the season can go. Clemson’s season is far from over, and they will continue to get better with each game. This team is ready to showcase their worth throughout the rest of the season and keep working hard to win every game.
