With the criticism and calls for change surrounding him, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said he is focusing on one goal — helping the 25th-ranked Tigers reach their full potential.
This process begins with their game against Appalachian State on Saturday night.
It has been a tough week for Swinney and the Tigers after their 34-3 defeat to top-ranked Georgia in their season opener. This was Clemson’s worst regular-season loss since a 51-14 defeat at home to Florida State and Jameis Winston in 2013.
“I know there’s a lot of frustration and disappointment, and nobody feels that more than us,” Swinney said. “But I think we’ve got a great season ahead.”
Swinney understands that Clemson (0-1) cannot underestimate Appalachian State (1-0), or their chances at making the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff will be gone.
Appalachian State has achieved an AP Top 25 win in each of the past three seasons, including victories over No. 18 James Madison last year, No. 6 Texas A&M in 2022, and No. 21 Coastal Carolina in 2021.
“This is what they do,” Swinney said. “This is what’s woven into the DNA of App State.”
Clemson has had its own success under Swinney during his 17 seasons. The Tigers won seven Atlantic Coast Conference titles and two national championships from 2015-2022.
However, the Tigers finished with a 9-4 record last season, their highest number of losses since Swinney’s second full season in 2010 (6-7). He has faced ongoing criticism for not bringing in transfer players to strengthen his team.
Swinney had hoped a strong performance against the Bulldogs, as they aimed for their third national title in four seasons, would set the stage for a special year.
