Dabo Swinney on why Wade Woodaz didn’t play against Pitt

Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney shed light on the absence of linebacker Wade Woodaz in the Tigers’ narrow 24-20 win over Pitt on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Although Woodaz traveled with the team, he was sidelined due to a thigh bruise sustained during practice earlier in the week. Swinney did not provide a timeline for his return.

Woodaz, a key defensive leader, has been instrumental for Clemson this season, leading the team with 65 tackles, along with 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, and nine quarterback pressures. His absence was felt on Saturday, particularly as the Tigers’ linebacker corps was stretched thin. Freshman Sammy Brown stepped in to start as a middle linebacker but was ejected late in the second quarter for targeting, leaving Clemson even more shorthanded.

The defensive challenges extended beyond linebacker depth. Injuries piled up throughout the game, with RJ Mickens exiting late in the fourth quarter and Sammy Brown’s ejection exacerbating the team’s difficulties. Yet, despite these setbacks, Clemson’s defense managed to hold Pitt in check when it mattered most, including a game-sealing interception by Khalil Barnes on Pitt’s final drive.

Clemson will look to regroup and get healthier as they prepare to host The Citadel next weekend. With Woodaz’s status uncertain, the Tigers’ depth will remain a concern as they push to stay in the ACC title race.

This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Dabo Swinney on why Wade Woodaz didn’t play against Pitt

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/dabo-swinney-why-wade-woodaz-162349234.html

Author : Clemson Wire

Publish date : 2024-11-17 16:23:49

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