Everything Dabo Swinney said ahead of Clemson vs NC State in ACC opener

Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney spoke to reporters at his weekly press conference on Tuesday. He shared his thoughts on the Tigers’ Textile Bowl rivalry with NC State, injury updates, and more.

The Tigers (2-1) will face the Wolfpack (2-1) at noon ET Saturday in the ACC opener for both teams. The game can be seen on ABC.

Clemson is ranked No. 19 in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll after a bounce-back win over Appalachian State before the team’s Week 3 bye. NC State entered the season ranked No. 22 but fell out of the polls after a 51-10 loss to No. 7 Tennessee in Week 2 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

The Wolfpack beat Louisiana Tech, 30-20, last Saturday in Raleigh.

“This is a big game for both teams as we get into conference play and that’s really what it’s all about,” Swinney said during his opening remarks. “We’ve got eight straight conference games coming up, so every week is a huge opportunity starting with this one.”

“NC State’s a good football team,” Swinney added. “They’re undefeated in the league so this is their first one, as well. It’s a big rivalry game every year. It’s been around a long time. Nobody really talks about the Textile Bowl anymore, but it’s still out there and it means a lot to a lot of people on both sides. This is a very experienced football team that we’re getting ready to play.”

RELATED: Clemson-NC State gets one of ESPN’s top broadcast crews

Clemson’s rivalry with NC State dates back to the end of the 19th century, with the Tigers holding a 60-30-1 lead in the all-time series. Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack have won two of the last three meetings. Before then, Clemson had won eight straight matchups from 2012-19, and 15 of 16 beginning in 2004 under then-coach Tommy Bowden.

While NC State hasn’t won in Death Valley since 2002, Swinney was quick to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-dabo-swinney-said-ahead-100007812.html

Author : Clemson Wire

Publish date : 2024-09-18 10:00:07

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.