The Clemson Tigers have not had the season that most were expecting thus far this season, which has led to criticism toward longtime head coach Dabo Swinney. Clemson responded to all the criticism in a big way on Saturday, coming up with a massive upset victory over No. 15-ranked Notre Dame.
Swinney made headlines earlier this week when a fan only described as “Tyler from Spartansburg” blasted him on his weekly radio show, calling him out for his high salary.
Swinney then proceeded to absolutely go off on the angry fan, telling him that “he is the problem” with Clemson’s fanbase, and that he should “apply for the job” if he doesn’t like how Swinney is coaching the team.
It’s pretty safe to say that Swinney won’t be getting a call like this on his radio show next week, as Clemson came up with their biggest win of the season in Week 9, defeating Notre Dame 31-23.
It's a great day to be a Clemson Tiger 🧡🏈#GoTigers || @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/UzIB9gQaAj
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) November 4, 2023
This win was big for a number of reasons for Swinney. It ends a two-game losing streak to help get their season back on track. And it also solidifies Swinney as perhaps the best coach in school history.
The victory marks Swinney’s 166th as Clemson’s head coach, which is the most in school history.
The All-Time Winningest Head Coach in Clemson Football history.
Dabo Swinney 🐅 pic.twitter.com/AbnI15CveW
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 4, 2023
It clearly meant a lot to Swinney, and he has a clear message to the program’s doubters in a postgame interview.
“We haven’t had much go our way this year,” said Swinney. “The one thing that has shown up every week is the heart and the fight from Clemson. I know we’re down and everybody’s throwing dirt on us. But if Clemson’s a stock, you better buy all you freakin’ can buy right now.”
"I know we're down and everybody's throwing dirt on us. BUT IF CLEMSON's A STOCK, YOU BETTER BUY ALL YOU FREAKIN' CAN BUY RIGHT NOW."
Dabo Swinney after his unranked Clemson team upset No. 15 Notre Dame 31-23. pic.twitter.com/eyNT7QVYR9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 4, 2023
While the win is obviously a great feeling against a good Notre Dame team, it still has to hurt for Clemson fans to see their team finally play to their potential this late into the season.
They will look to build on this positive momentum from this game next week against Georgia Tech.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.