Dabo Swinney is having to cram a lot into a little amount of time.
The Clemson head coach spoke to reporters during his Tuesday media availability and gave a look into preparation for a tough Louisville team who the Tigers play on Friday night; the first Friday night game for Clemson football in four years.
He spoke about the quick turnaround and facing one of the more prolific offenses in the ACC.
“I know it’s Tuesday in the real world, but it’s Wednesday for the Tigers,” quipped Swinney. “It’s been a blur, obviously a late night Saturday night, and then just a quick turnaround on Sunday.”
Dabo Swinney
A short week, but one with a wave of momentum behind it. Clemson is coming off a 24-10 victory over rival Florida State, its first win over a Power 4 opponent as home in over a year, and Dabo Swinney picked out a lot of positives from that performance while also highlighting areas that still need improvement.
“Again, proud of our team and how they competed last week,” Swinney said. “We did a lot of good things in all three phases, but still some things that we need to improve and quickly this week I know (Louisville will) try to take advantage of if we don’t correct some of the things, especially defensively with a couple of our mistakes from a discipline standpoint, because these guys again, they challenge you a lot with their formations and bunch sets and all that type of stuff.”
Dabo Swinney
During the preseason, this match-up with Louisville was circled as one with ACC championship implications. Now, for the Tigers at least, it is a measuring stick to see just how far their improvements have brought them. The Cardinals are coming off a surprising loss to Cal, but it makes them no less dangerous and Dabo Swinney knows that.
“I think (Louisville) is really well-coached on both sides of the ball,” he said. “Probably our worst game last year was, defensively especially, against this team and so big challenge for us. Again, well coached on both sides. Jeff (Brohm) does a great job really leading this team offensively. They’re a ball control type of offense, a lot of formations, movements, a lot of outside zone, a lot of eye candy and movements that challenge you from a discipline standpoint.”
Dabo Swinney
Swinney added, “They’re explosive. They got, I think, 10 plays of 50-plus yards this season, so got some home run dudes at running back that can flat out put it to you.”
Even with the short week, Dabo Swinney believes the momentum from last Saturday’s win over the Seminoles can have a carryover effect and give the Tigers an extra push in a hostile environment. Clemson must play their most complete game of the season to come out with a win, something Swinney is keenly aware of.
“You lose a day of prep, but I think everybody’s really handled it well, staff and players, and, you know, getting done what we got to get done, and you’re going on the road,” Swinney said. “So, it kind of shortens your week even more, but we’re excited about it.”
Dabo Swinney
Louisville shocked Clemson last season at Death Valley, winning 33-21. It was the Cardinals’ first-ever win over the Tigers. Clemson is 8-1 all-time against Louisville. It will be the first Friday game for the Tigers since losing to Tennessee in the 2022 Orange Bowl.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Clemson Tigers | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Football
“So, we’ll head out again, today’s a Wednesday practice for us, so we’ll head out on Thursday in the real world,” added Swinney. “So, coming quick, and should be a great night.”
Dabo Swinney
Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Friday on ESPN.
