We are under 24 hours until Clemson’s final game of the 2023 season.
On Thursday afternoon, head coach Dabo Swinney took to the microphone to speak to the media about Friday’s matchup against Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
It is a full-circle moment for Swinney, who coached his first bowl game in the Gator Bowl as well in 2009. When reflecting on it, the Clemson head coach sees a lot that changed not only in the college football environment today, but in the way that Swinney lives his everyday life.
“It’s night and day,” Swinney explained. “I was an interim and became the full-time head coach a couple of weeks before coming down here and my first bowl prep as a head coach. I would say things are very different from the first bowl prep, you learn as you go in that situation, but I think that we have had outstanding preparation for this game and a game that I’m looking forward to competing in.”
Joining him on the podium were center Will Putnam and defensive tackle Tyler Davis, who will both play their final game at the collegiate level for Clemson before entering their future endeavors, whether they choose to move forward to the NFL Draft or not. With the two deciding to remain on the depth chart and play one more game, emotions could have a larger effect in this game than others.
“I would say it’s just [a] great appreciation for everybody that played a part in my life and my time here at Clemson,” Davis said. “[I’m] just thankful, kind of bittersweet closing this chapter out, but [I] can’t wait for the next chapter.”
“It hasn’t really hit me yet because we still have one more game to play,” Putnam followed. “It hasn’t hit me in that regard yet and [I’m] just really excited to finish.”
Perhaps the biggest question for Clemson’s final matchup is the change in defense that Swinney has experienced. With the losses of Ruke Orhorhoro, Nate Wiggins and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the Tigers will have a newer-look defense with the loss of their standouts.
“I think the reason that we have been a top-10 defense this year is because we have had really good functional depth, so that is what you will see in this game,” Swinney says. “You miss those guys but we are thankful that we have got some guys that have played a lot of winning football for us and have good experience to lean on on that side of the ball.”
Will Shipley was also present, who is now the biggest question in terms of returning to Clemson next year. With linebacker Barrett Carter set to return and more time to process the decision for Shipley, the graduated junior is waiting until after the Gator Bowl to make his final decision.
“For me, the most important thing is finishing this season on a strong note,” Shipley said. “In terms of my decision and where I’m at, I think finishing this game, being able to go home with family and just discuss with them and talk through everything.”
When it comes to Clemson’s opponent, the Kentucky Wildcats come into the game with a 7-5 record against worthy opponents, featuring losses against Georgia, Alabama and Tennesee. Head coach Mark Stoops brings a team to Jacksonville, Florida, with a tough, gritty squad that could pose threats to the Tigers. They are led by quarterback Devin Leary on offense, who has had the recipe to beat Clemson before, defeating the Tigers while with NC State in 2021.
“They’re physical,” Swinney said. “They’re built to stop the run and they’re built to run the ball. I think they got good players at every single position. That’s the challenge in this game: trying to win that matchup up front.
Despite the opponent in front of them, Swinney is excited for the momentum that the game holds. With a win against a tough SEC team, it could be the start of something great for the Tigers going into next season.
“I think if you can finish anything on a positive note, it is good momentum,” Swinney added.
Kickoff is set for noon on Friday, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
