Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney wants his team to return to a previous identity that resulted in success. If the past is prologue, what previously worked for a program could also become an effective tool in future success.
Swinney’s team built a foundation of success with two national championships and eight conference titles. Now, they look to bring back those championship ways. Yet, that does not arrive without walking through rough spots.
Clemson HC Dabo Swinney Chides Team, Wants Reversion to Tougher Mindset
Since Clemson last won a national championship in 2018, the team boasts a 64-17 record, which includes three bowl wins and two appearances in the College Football Playoff. Yet, Swinney does not appear satisfied or happy with aspects of last year’s team that he addressed in camp. Swinney spoke to the Clemson Sports Information YouTube channel.
“Yeah, well, we got what we gave it to big plays. I mean, just, did not stop the run well. Probably our worst big-play defense that we’ve had. We just have to get back on track and get back to our standard of what we were.
“And quite frankly, we can’t be so inconsistent; the year before, we were in the top 10 in the country. If you will, the guys have bought into it and are playing hard. But as far as what I’m looking for, I just want to be a stingy defense.”
Last year, the Tigers allowed 160.6 rushing yards per game, ranking them 85th in FBS. Swinney saw teams run in almost every direction, from the A gaps to off tackle. Both allow opposing offenses to salt away the clock late, which fatigues a defense.
For example, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers gashed the defense for 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, the unit ranked 24th, allowing 114.6 yards on the ground, per cfbstats.com.
In the offseason, Swinney hired former Indiana head coach Tom Allen as his defensive coordinator. Allen brings a wealth of college coaching experience, making the perpetually struggling Indiana football team competitive.
Outside of an opening night tilt against LSU, the strictest test for Swinney’s new defense will be a battle against Georgia Tech on September 13. The Yellow Jackets ranked 32nd last season, averaging 187 yards on the ground. Returning starters, quarterback Haynes King and tailback Jamal Haynes, combine for 1,531 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Swinney believes that his team’s path back to a national championship rests on its ability to stop the rushing attack. Can it consistently thwart the ground game on its way to another appearance in the College Football Playoff?
