Dabo Swinney knows his team can play better. He expects that to be the case this Saturday when Clemson hosts Appalachian State in its home opener.
Dabo took time during his Monday press conference to address what went wrong last Saturday, bright spots for the Tigers, how much he loves his squad, and what his team has to do to right the ship against a very good Mountaineers team.
“The Foundational principals of what this program is built on. Effort, belief, physicality, toughness, how you play,” explained Swinney. “If you play the right way then good things will happen. This is a team that I think has a chance to really come together and have a heck of a year. I really love this team. I have a lot of fun coaching them, a lot of fun teaching them. It’s a close team and a close staff. It’s fun to come to work.”
Dabo Swinney
In the aftermath of Saturday’s blowout loss, many have once again maligned the play of quarterback Cade Klubnik who finished 18-29 passing, but who also showed some of the same hesitancy and mistakes that plagued him in 2023. Swinney reiterated the confidence he has in his quarterback and believes he can help lead this team going forward.
“Are there things he can do better? Absolutely,” said Dabo. “He made some big-time plays. Definitely a game like that, the first time live and getting tackled, playing the number one team. There were a couple of times I thought he could reset in the pocket. There were no sacks by our offensive line. None. But he did some good stuff, absolutely. Had two or three balls that probably should have been (caught). He saw the field well and we’re very confident in Cade.”
Dabo Swinney
Another bright spot for Dabo Swinney was the play of sophomore defensive end Peter Woods. Woods was a dominant force along the defensive line and drew everyone’s praises. For Swinney, the continued high-level play of Woods will be a reason Clemson can still go on to have a great season.
“I thought at times he was the best player on the field,” he said. “He’s a man. That dude is a problem just like I knew he would be. There’s going to be some things that he’s going to learn from.”
Dabo Swinney
Now, Dabo Swinney and the Tigers turn their attention to Appalachian State, a program that is no stranger to pulling off big upsets. The Mountaineers won their opener and have a high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board. Coach Swinney knows it will be another challenge for his team, and talked about the challenges this week’s opponent presents.
“This running back (Kanye Roberts) is an outstanding player. A very very good player,” stated Swinney. “Vision, great patience, he really understands what they’re doing, and they’ve got a bunch of guys that come in there on the offensive line that have been around and been in big programs, things like that. (Appalachian State) is a good football team.”
Dabo Swinney
He added, “Over on the defensive side they present some challenges. They were one of the best teams in the country last year at creating turnovers which is an area we’ve got to get on track this week. I thought we did take care of the ball last week. Defensively we’ve got to go get them. That’s an area we’ve got to come out on top this week with these guys.”
Swinney also had a message for Clemson fans. He wants Tiger Nation to show up and be loud from the start. With an 8 p.m. kick-off, Dabo knows how special night games in Death Valley are and he wants the fans to get behind this team and not give up on them based on the results of one game.
“Our crowd is awesome,” said Swinney. “The energy and environment is unique in college football. We lead the nation in winning percentage at home since 2000…however long it is. For a decade or so. That’s how important our crowd is and it makes a difference. These are kids, not robots. They love to play football, and this is a great environment to do that. It’s an environment that’s special. It’s really special.”
Dabo Swinney
Kick-off on Saturday is scheduled for 8 p.m. with the game being broadcast on the ACC Network.
