Swinney: If Clemson makes playoff, Death Valley to host free pizza party

While the Tigers still harnessed plenty of firepower on the offensive side of the football, it was a huge loss for a team looking to win the ACC and contend for a playoff spot in the second annual College Football Playoff. I’m not saying they are going to win the National Championship this year, but they certainly have a great shot. He’s obviously a good player. “They’re top-five for a reason”.

And like any coach, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney is downplaying his team’s ranking and this week’s narrative. “I’m sure Golson will be back and no doubt Cook will be back”, Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware said. “… Earns them great respect from their teammates”.

The unbeaten Tigers were followed by LSU at No. 2, defending national champion Ohio State at No. 3 and Alabama at No. 4. “Our focus right now is trying to beat Florida State”.

“The only poll that we’re excited about is December 6, and I promise you we’ll have the biggest poll party you’ve seen”, Swinney said, per Ed McGranahan of the State. The zone-read, one of the more popular plays of the spread offense, is an option play that utilizes the rushing cabilities of the quarterback and the running back. After being the laughing stock of college football a year ago, new defensive coordinator Gene Chizik has inserted new blood into the porous unit from a year ago. It is without question that the Blue Devils got robbed in this one, despite putting themselves in a hole against a team without a coach, which can not be forgotten. “Maybe that would be a good addition _ When the first poll comes out, if you’re in the top 4 you get two mulligans or something'”. Wilson is the only returning receiver with extensive playing time against Clemson with four receptions for 56 yards in last year’s 23-17 victory in overtime. He connected on touchdown passes of 75 and 45 yards respectively en route to a 348 yard passing effort and a 45-21 victory over the Orange. He led the Tigers’ offense to 623 yards and seven touchdowns.

“You see a totally different demeanor on (Watson) because of knowledge, presence and poise at the line of scrimmage”, Fisher said. At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Watson possesses the ability to hurt opposing defenses both with his arm and his legs. Every play has the potential to be the play that makes the difference in the game. When you go on the road, you better pack that up and bring it with you because it’s not the same.

“He’s very mobile”, Walker said.

The big story is whether or not usual starting quarterback Everett Golson will start for FSU or not.

Swinney is pleased with the ranking, but he is clear that this is just the first poll of the process. They know that it’s necessary for them to be successful.

As for the other side of the ball, Fisher described Clemson’s defense to be a “dynamic” group that can “cause chaos”.

Here is our weekly look at the games that could give favored teams a scare. Coverages with (redshirt sophomore cornerback Mackensie) Alexander, (junior safety Jayron) Kearse and (junior safety T.J.) Green and (junior cornerback Cordrea) Tankersley and all those guys, they all cover well. Practice is not easy, but these guys have an excellent spirit to them and they have all year. You’ve got to play well regardless of where you are.

Asked whether Clemson’s offense or defense would present a greater challenge this Saturday, Fisher laughingly said “both”.

Clemson appears to control its own destiny, beginning with Saturday’s showdown against Atlantic Coast Conference rival Florida State at the Tigers’ Memorial Stadium.

The quarterback says he and Kitchings talked about the incident after the game. “We going to prepare the same, try to prepare as best as we can to go out there, do our job, compete while we’re in practice”.

“But I feel like if we come and play like we know we can play, then it will be a really good game”. Next season’s championship game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the home of the NFL’s Buccaneers.