Clemson coach Dabo Swinney gives first thoughts on USC game, LaNorris Sellers
.JPG "Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is seen before The Citadel game in Clemson, S.C. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.")
Dabo Swinney is ready for another Palmetto Bowl.
Clemson football’s longtime coach previewed the Tigers’ annual rivalry game with South Carolina in depth for the first time Sunday during his weekly teleconference.
Clemson (9-2, 7-1 ACC) is currently No. 17 in the College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings, and South Carolina (8-3, 5-3 SEC) is No. 18. Both teams are expected to rise in Tuesday’s rankings update, setting up a potential top 15 matchup.
Here’s what Swinney had to say about South Carolina, coach Shane Beamer, quarterback LaNorris Sellers and other topics ahead of his 16th rivalry game against South Carolina as the Tigers’ head coach.
Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN from Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. The Tigers opened as a slight betting favorite of anywhere from 2.5 to 5 points on Sunday.
What Dabo Swinney said about South Carolina
Swinney said he’s “proud of our team for putting themselves in this position to be where they are right now. It’s a great opportunity to play in a rivalry game, and this is a game that it’s got a lot of national significance as well. So fun to be a part of that. Look forward to competing our butts off in it.”
He added Clemson-USC might be the highest-ranked rivalry game in the country. “You win this game, it creates a lot of postseason opportunity for you” in terms of qualifying for the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Swinney said South Carolina has recruited some excellent personnel for what they do specifically on offense and defense. “That defense is one of the best in the country. Just look at the statistics ... And their quarterback has just gotten better and better and better.”
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer has “done a really good job,” specifically in keeping his team grounded. “Every week there’s a million storylines based on the outcome of your game. ... I think he’s done a great job keeping his team focused,” Swinney said. “It’s easier said than done.”
Swinney admires USC’s ability to run the ball consistently with starting running back Rocket Sanders and others. “And then they’re throwing and catching at a high level, especially these past several games. They’ve won five games in a row. They’ve got a lot of confidence.”
On the threat of USC quarterback Sellers: “He’s really grown with his presence and his poise. ... He’s going into Game 12 and is getting more and more comfortable.” He adds of Sellers’ threat as a runner: “Just turn on the tape. ... There’s a lot of times when the chains move because the quarterback just makes a play” despite a good defensive call. Clemson QB Cade Klubnik has done that this year, too.
Starting left tackle Tristan Leigh and starting left guard Marcus Tate are “trending in a good direction” of playing against South Carolina. Leigh (ankle) and Tate (undisclosed) have both missed Clemson’s last three games. “That’s what we’re hoping. ... We’ll see how they look” Monday in practice.
Starting tight end Jake Briningstool didn’t play against The Citadel on Saturday because of a minor hamstring hour. “Should get him back.”
On starting safety R.J. Mickens: “I do think we’ll get R.J. back as well.” Mickens dressed for the most recent game but didn’t play. Another rotational safety, Tyler Venables, was injured on Saturday and will be limited in practice this week.
If Syracuse upsets Miami on Saturday, Clemson would qualify for the ACC championship game to play SMU the following weekend (regardless of the South Carolina result). Might Swinney be reaching out to Orange coach Fran Brown to wish him good luck? Swinney laughed. “No, man, we’re just focused on trying to win our game. ... If we can find a way to win this game, hey, we’ve had a great year. And we’ll see what happens.”
On what a win over South Carolina would mean for the Tigers’ CFP chances, especially as an at-large bid: “I think it’ll create a great opportunity for us, but none of it matters if we don’t go handle our business this week.”
This story was originally published November 24, 2024 at 6:48 PM.
