Dabo knows season is still salvageable

CLEMSON

PRIOR TO SATURDAY, THE last time Clemson faced a higher-ranked nonconference opponent during the regular season was 2003, when No. 11 Georgia began the season with a thorough 30-0 clubbing of the Tigers.

In the aftermath, a fan passing a photographer from The State requested he not make the Tigers look too bad in the next day's paper.

Um, how?

Same theme applies yesterday, today and for what figures to be Clemson's slogan this season: "till proven otherwise".

"I really like the mentality of our team, and I think we've done a lot in changing the mentality," coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday. "Now we just have to teach them how to win."

The Tigers' 14-10 loss Saturday to No. 15 TCU was nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of folks, myself included, predicted Clemson would have a 2-2 record at this juncture.

The first four games of Swinney's first full season were supposed to tell us about the Tigers' direction - which, to be fair, might be a rush to judgment.

But what we've seen so far has to be frustrating for Clemson fans because - in terms of on-field philosophy - it got what it asked for in Swinney: the antithesis to former coach Tommy Bowden and his staff.

Star players C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford are being relied on to the opposite extreme, with 56.7 percent of the offensive yardage coming through them.

The passing game takes its shots downfield.

There has been no shortage of attempts to establish a power running game.

And the defense has stuck to a swashbuckling, risk-taking approach.

Still, the outcomes have followed the same pattern.

But the offense struggles in the red zone, and while the defense does its part, it still surrenders the deciding fourth-quarter score. Then the Tigers shoot themselves in the foot during their rally.

Clemson has lost eight in a row to Top-25 opponents, including three under Swinney's watch. Eight of their past 10 losses have come by a touchdown or less, four of those five under Swinney.

As much as Bowden irritated message board posters with explanations of being one play away or (insert high-profile coach) has endured the same problem, Swinney opened his Sunday teleconference with reporters by tactfully calling out Clemson's most glaring weakness.

"This is a team that really believes they can win," Swinney said. "I think they expect to win. Now they have to learn how to win. We have to teach them how to win. That's playing with a little more poise, a little better technique, finishing on the plays that are there.

"As I look at this team, I just believe in what we're doing. We're better, we're tougher, we're more physical, we're a closer team. We can't lose confidence because I really believe we're doing the right things."

Swinney went on to suggest that while Clemson isn't a national title contender, it can certainly be an ACC contender, especially in the Atlantic Division. Everything we've witnessed from Florida State, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Boston College and this week's road opponent, Maryland (1-3, 0-0), validates that notion.

"We could have played Central Michigan (last) week or could have played Idaho (last) week, but I'm glad we played TCU. I'm glad we're sitting here today sick having lost a tough game to TCU because I believe it's going to pay off for us."

Swinney meant the entire team, but the reference applies to him and his staff as well.

Lots of new coaches seek to change a culture of losing.

Swinney's challenge is different. Clemson hasn't won enough, especially against comparable opponents.

It's one thing to state the Tigers' desired philosophies.

It's another to make it work.

The Tigers' season will be judged on whether they reach the ACC title game, so reaching a verdict on the coaching staff is premature.

The first four games have served as a refresher on what Clemson has lacked in recent years - and served as a reminder of the here-we-go-again environment that has contributed to the cycle.

Swinney made light of the Tigers' recurring run-ins with rain storms, but the joke was apropos.

"Sure am glad the sun came out today," Swinney said. "Was not sure if we'd ever see it again."