CLEMSON, S.C. — Dabo Swinney, head coach of the Clemson Tigers, faced some tough questions a year ago when a caller criticized his high salary for what many perceived as subpar results. This year, however, with the Tigers currently ranked ninth nationally, there is renewed enthusiasm as they aim for an Atlantic Coast Conference title and a potential return to the College Football Playoffs. Sitting at 6-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play, the team enjoys a week off before they take on Louisville in a home game.
“We have a significant journey ahead of us, but we possess an opportunity to earn our place,” Swinney remarked on a recent Monday, expressing his excitement about the team’s prospects.
Last season, the defending ACC champions had lofty expectations but found themselves out of contention by late October. Poor performances early in the season included a loss to unranked Duke, a defeat at the hands of eventual conference champion Florida State, and consecutive setbacks against Miami and N.C. State, which left them with a disappointing 4-4 record.
One moment that stood out for Clemson fans was when “Tyler from Spartanburg” challenged Swinney during a radio call-in show, questioning the justification of his $11.5 million salary given the team’s struggles. In a fiery response, Swinney defended his approach and refused to be swayed by external criticism.
Since that charged exchange, Clemson has turned its season around, finishing last year with five consecutive victories, including wins over ranked teams like Notre Dame and North Carolina. This momentum carried into the offseason and has continued this year, even after a tough loss to Georgia in their season opener. The Tigers’ record now stands at 11-1 since Tyler’s controversial call, showcasing the return of their powerful offensive and defensive strategies reminiscent of their successful stretch from 2015-2020, during which they secured six ACC titles and two national championships.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has notably improved in his second season as a starter. After a rocky start earlier in the 2023 season, he has drastically altered his performance, throwing 20 touchdowns compared to 19 over the entirety of last year while drastically lowering his interceptions from nine to just three in seven games.
His progress has been aided by a talented group of receivers, including Antonio Williams, who has rebounded from injuries to lead the team with 28 catches and five touchdowns. Freshmen receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore have also stepped up, helping the Tigers stretch the field more effectively than in recent seasons; Wesco averages an impressive 23.8 yards per catch.
Linebacker Barrett Carter expressed his enthusiasm about the team’s goals, noting, “We still have a long road ahead, but it’s exciting to know we have the opportunity to compete for the title and see where things lead from there.”
However, Swinney isn’t ready to celebrate just yet. He emphasizes that he didn’t enter coaching simply to be right but to guide his players to success both on and off the field. Reflecting on the mistakes of the previous season, he recognizes the small improvements that could have made a significant difference. “I could see our quarterback improving, and there were several positives that weren’t apparent to everyone,” Swinney said. “I genuinely believe we had the potential to develop into a strong team.”
If the Tigers are to make a championship run, Swinney insists they need to focus on the finer details. Following a thrilling 31-23 victory over Notre Dame, he proclaimed it is time to invest in the rising potential of his team, a sentiment he stands by today. “Hey, I need to buy some more,” he quipped, reflecting his unwavering confidence.