Football without fans? Trevor Lawrence or Joe Burrow? Here’s what Dabo says
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has been outspoken in expressing his optimism that football will be played as scheduled in 2020, and that continued during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” show Thursday morning.
Swinney again pointed to his faith as the reason he expects the coronavirus pandemic to be slowed down by this fall, expressing that he believes within the next few months everyday life will be back to normal, including sports.
“I think God is bigger than this. I think He’s going to be glorified and shine through this in a mighty way. He has the ability to stamp this thing out as quick as it rose up. That’s just what I believe,” Swinney said. “If it doesn’t work out that way then you adjust. But my plan is to get back at it and hope for the best.”
Swinney made headlines last week when he stated during a teleconference that he has “zero doubt” the season will be played as scheduled in 2020, while also acknowledging that he took a trip to Florida in recent weeks and could take another one for Easter.
Swinney was not asked where he will spend Easter weekend while appearing on “First Take,” but he did say that he is looking forward to celebrating the holiday this weekend.
“Over 2,000 years ago this weekend the world was in a crisis, and I’m sure a lot of smart people didn’t think Jesus could come back to life. But he did,” Swinney said. “And this Sunday we’re going to celebrate that. And this is way bigger than football, but I believe this fall we’ll be back to our lives as well.”
Football without fans?
One idea that is being thrown around for the 2020 season is the possibility of playing football in front of empty stadiums.
Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick was recently asked about this idea and told ESPN: “I don’t see a model where we play, at least any extended number of games, in facilities where we don’t have fans. College football is about the cheerleaders and the band and the campus environment on game day. We’re interested in solutions that allow us to have a traditional game-day experience.”
Swinney was asked for his thoughts on potentially going through a season without fans on Thursday.
“Whatever is best, that decision will be made. Could it happen? Of course, anything can happen,” he said. “But I would say that’s probably more unlikely than not. But I have no idea what next week’s going to bring, much less three months from now.”
Former Tiger traded
Former Clemson quarterback and current Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson lost his favorite target and fellow former Clemson star this offseason when the Texans traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.
Swinney said he was “surprised like everyone else” when he saw the trade had taken place and added that he has been in touch with Hopkins since it went down.
“He’s excited about this new opportunity and he’s going to continue to be the same guy he’s been throughout his entire life all the way back to Central, South Carolina to Daniel High School to Clemson to the Texans to now the Cardinals,” Swinney said. “He’s going to be an unbelievable player and a difference maker on game day every single time the lights are on.”
Trevor, Tua or Burrow?
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is not eligible for the 2020 NFL draft, but Swinney was asked by Stephen A. Smith if he would take Lawrence, LSU’s Joe Burrow or Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, if Lawrence was eligible this year. Swinney did not hesitate in choosing Lawrence.
“I’m always going to choose my guy. I’m biased. When Deshaun Watson was coming out I thought he should’ve been the No. 1 pick. That was my opinion then. That doesn’t mean I’m right,” Swinney said. “But I’m always biased towards my guys and love my guys.”
He went on to add that he is a big fan of both Tagovailoa and Burrow.
“I’ll tell you what, Joe Burrow is an unbelievable player. I was so impressed with him. I was very impressed with him getting ready for the game. But after the game, watching him live, I mean he’s a special talent,” Swinney said. “And then I’m a Tua fan. I love Tua. I’m on record with that. People can worry about whatever they wanna worry about, I wouldn’t pass up on Tua. I think he is a big time winner. He’s a great person, a great teammate. I think those are both great, unbelievable guys.”
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 1:18 PM.
