Dabo Swinney met with members of the media on Tuesday morning and discussed an array of topics, but the center of conversation was, as expected, about the impending clash between the Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday night.
This year’s rendition of the Palmetto Bowl will be played in prime time under the lights, and with last year’s 31-30 loss to South Carolina at Death Valley still fresh in their minds, Swinney knows his team is ready to wash out the foul taste if that loss.
It is a rivalry with its own mystique and Swinney loves being a part of it. It reminds the Alabama native of the contentious clashes between the Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers.
“It’s unique,” he said. “Coming from Alabama, coming here was more of the same to me. There’s no pro sports in this state. Even if you just move here, you won’t live in those areas long without wanting to know what’s going on around here. You’ll get sucked into it one way or another, otherwise you’ll lose some friends. It means a lot to this state. That’s normal to me, having grown up in Alabama. It’s all about college football here. And it’s an old rivalry. It’s got deep roots.”
Dabo Swinney
There is no love lost between the Tigers and Gamecocks. Swinney knows that. After winning his first game against the Gamecocks in 2008, Swinney would lose the next five meetings before rattling off seven in a row from 2014-2021 with last year’s defeat breaking the string.
Now, Clemson wants to start another streak against their in-state counterparts.
“It’s here,” mused Swinney. “It’s finally here, a week we all look forward to. It’s always a special week. It’s something I certainly appreciate and do not take for granted. It’s my 20th (Clemson/South Carolina game) here. It matters to so many people.”
Dabo Swinney
Dabo knows that a challenge lies in store for his team, and he was quick to dismiss any notion that it would be an easy victory for the surging Tigers, winners of three consecutive games, with two coming against top-20 ranked opponents. Their 5-6 record aside, the Gamecocks, said Swinney, will present a tough test.
“They’ve got some dudes who can hurt you, starting with their quarterback (Spencer Rattler),” Swinney said. “He has played some good football for them and played great against us last year. Another great quarterback we’re facing. He has good receivers. No. 24 (running back Mario Anderson) has settled in and become a hard-nosed back. They’ve got more continuity up front now.”
Dabo Swinney
Swinney continued, “Their tight end is a good player. No. 17 (Xavier Leggette) is a superstar. Again, it seems like every week, there is some freak outside we’re seeing. They present a lot of challenges.”
Swinney is also leery of the Gamecocks’ defense, which he credits for being an athletic and physical group.
“Defensively, this is a tough group,” he added. “We’ve seen a bunch of these guys. They have a couple of guys who have All-American status at safety. The nickel guy is a good player, and they have good experience in the linebacking corps. They have some guys who have been there forever up front.”
Dabo Swinney
Swinney celebrated his birthday on Monday, but said he is holding off on celebrating. A win over South Carolina would certainly be a belated birthday present worth celebrating. With Thanksgiving just days away, he made it a point to express his belief in being thankful for the blessings of the past year, and knows that through the good times and bad, there is a lot to be grateful for.
Having a chance to participate in one of college football’s oldest and most passionate rivalries is one of them.
“It doesn’t matter what we’ve done over the last year,” said Swinney. “It just come down to playing well in these four quarters. We are off to a good start with our preparation. It’s a different week because it’s Thanksgiving week.”
He added, “And we take time to make sure we celebrate that. And I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Regardless of what happens Saturday, we have a lot to be thankful for; to have the privilege to be able to participate in a game like this. We can’t ever lose sight of how fortunate and blessed we are.”
Dabo Swinney
