By: Bryce Mitchell
Despite being perceived as the “golden standard” in the ACC, Coach Dabo Swinney reminded the media that this league has a lot of really good coaches and really good players.
On the third and final day of the ACC Kickoff, hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, Clemson took the stage to answer the media’s questions ahead of college football season.
Head Coach Dabo Swinney brought DL Tyler Davis, QB Cade Klubnik and OL Will Putnam to represent the orange and purple.
When asked how the ACC will move forward in the future with all the recent changes in college football, Swinney simply responded with four words.
“Just got to win.”
He expanded by saying that the conference needs to continue to produce great teams every year. He praised the coaching staff of the conference and pointed out that the NFL has been coming to the ACC at a “high rate” to take these players. Since 2009, the ACC has had the second most top 10 NFL picks, behind the SEC and tied with the Pac-12.
“The ACC does a tremendous job in promoting our teams,” said the head coach.
One day at a time
Swinney’s mindset is no different ahead of the 2023 season.
“Every year we start over. Man, we’re just trying to win the opener, honestly,” said Swinney.
He keeps his focus on one game at a time. He said you “can’t win two games until you win one.”
“It all just builds,” he added.
Duke’s head coach, Mike Elko, made the comment that Clemson is the “gold standard” in the conference.
When asked for a response, Swinney again reminded the media that the team isn’t locked in on what other people label them, but are locked in on trying to win each day.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik reiterated his coach’s words as well, “Right now, I’m focused on today. I’m present where I am.”
The Clemson Tigers opener will be against Mike Elko and his Duke Blue Devils on September 4, a Monday night.
It will be a “heck of a game” for Swinney as he has just shy of five weeks to prepare the Tigers for their first game of the season.
