After Clemson’s lost 28-7 to Duke in their season opener on Labor Day, many are concerned that the Tigers may struggle this season.
Head coach Dabo Swinney is not concerned at all, however.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Swinney shared a very bold prediction for the rest of the year. “If we do what we did offensively for the rest of the year, we won’t lose another game. It’s just that simple”
Dabo Swinney said he loved what he saw from the offense outside of a few mistakes: “If we do what we did offensively for the rest of the year, we won’t lose another game. It’s just that simple.”
— Matt Connolly (@MattConnollyOn3) September 6, 2023
While it’s bold, it’s easy to see where Swinney is coming from. Clemson was in their first game under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who had the same position at TCU last season en route to the Horned Frogs’ run to the National Championship Game.
The result didn’t go Clemson’s way on Monday, but they threw for 209 yards and rushed for 213 yards, as a team. This was the 59th time the Tigers have gotten 200+ passing and rushing yards in one game under Swinney. Their record in those games? 58-1.
Swinney’s confidence also likely stems from the fact that Clemson has been very good in conference play under Swinney, with the loss to Duke marking just their fifth ACC loss since 2015.
Clemson does, however, still play Florida State, Notre Dame, and North Carolina this season. All three games are at home but will be very tough tests regardless.
