The Clemson Tigers under Dabo Swinney have largely been a throwback. A program embracing tradition while their contemporaries have caved into modernity. As coaches around the country look to microwave their way to success through the transfer portal, Swinney has stayed ten toes down. This culture he’s instilled at Clemson has propelled them to success and squeezed an extra year out of NFL-caliber players like QB1 Cade Klubnik. In fact, the Tigers have 8 offensive starters returning this season. But while Coach Dabo can preach tradition and stability all he likes, change is the only constant. Not all change is bad, either. Change is synonymous with evolution and progression.
After holding out for years, Dabo Swinney finally dipped into the transfer portal this offseason. But Dabo didn’t get carried away by the allure of the portal. He’s been surgical. His defensive line needed retooling, and the line of scrimmage always takes precedence over unwritten rules. Well, Clemson did find quality help and is now in great shape. Continuity is a precious commodity in college football, where players are continuously hopping on and off a carousel every 4 years. With Clemson keeping most of their roster intact and sprinkling in a few pieces to make up for a dearth in the trenches, one player-turned-analyst thinks the program is back in the national picture. Ready to ascend back up to their pedestal and challenge for hardware.
Georgia alum David Pollack, over his YouTube channel, discussed what makes Clemson a legitimate threat in the ACC and beyond this season. “Clemson has variety,” remarked Pollack. He acknowledged the additions Dabo Swinney has made at the line of scrimmage, which makes them “so much better.” He added how the great Clemson teams that challenged for and won Nattys over the past decade were good in the trenches but also had “great quarterback play, which they have [with Cade Klubik].” Pollack also said, “They have really good receivers that they can spread it out to. Which they haven’t had in a long time. So experience in that QB spot, a better offensive line [and] experience in the system. This offense and this receiving corps. is going to be an absolute handful week in and week out.” That’s a lot of positivity that not everyone in the media has pertaining to Clemson.
Credit: Imago
Mere days ago, Michael Bratton of the “That SEC Podcast” laid a bit of an indictment at the feet of Dabo Swinney. He broke down their opening week game against LSU, as well as commented on the overarching status of the program heading into the ‘25 season. “LSU has not won an opener since 2019, since they won the national championship. I think this is the year they do it.” he said. Not only does he think the ACC’s Tigers lose to their namesake SEC compatriots, but Bratton echoed more lasting concern throughout the season.
“I don’t understand the hype [around Clemson]. I mean, it was not that long ago we were saying Dabo [Swinney] is in over his head. They beat SMU, and it was like a miracle that they even beat them,” said Bratton. Well, who can forget that 56-yard field goal in the conference championship game.
But Bratton wasn’t in the mood for storylines. “They got back into the playoffs only because of the auto bid. But for some reason, Clemson’s getting all this hype. I’m not buying it.” he reiterated. These contradictory opinions between Pollack and Bratton epitomize the fickle nature of sports discourse. It’s a microcosm of how polarizing Dabo Swinney can be as well. Alas, he’d hope Pollack’s discernment of their prospects is the more correct one. However, hypotheticals and projections aside, Coach Dabo has more pressing matters at hand.
Dabo Swinney announces a change to spring game plans owing to health concerns
As is the case every off-season, this one also saw some dynamic changes around the college football landscape. However, this time around, they were quite seismic. A number of schools opted not to have a spring game at the conclusion of their practice camps. Dabo Swinney, being the traditionalist he is, didn’t waver and did indeed announce Clemson’s plans to host one. Ironically, he once again brought about a modification to those traditional values.
This iteration of the Orange vs. White spring game has a slight alteration. Instead of a regular exhibition game, it’ll feature a team of exclusively offensive players vs. a team of exclusively defensive players. According to the Clemson Wire, “The change comes down to injury concerns, making it difficult to balance depth across two separate squads. Instead, the Tigers will play a true offense vs. defense game, allowing for smoother substitutions and better competition.” But how does a game like this even work, especially in terms of scoring?
In the spirit of competition, a new scoring system is being put in place for the game. On the offensive side, scoring remains the same as a conventional game of football. On the defense, though, scoring shall be based on defensive actions such as interceptions and takeaways. Even forcing 3-and-outs will get you on the board. Even though the concept has stemmed from worries around injury for Dabo Swinney, it does seem intriguing. Unfortunately, though, the game won’t be televised. The reason for that is more straightforward—I hope more fans pull up to Death Valley in person.
The vibes around Clemson are currently up. 2024 was largely subpar, but Coach Swinney did garner some momentum down the stretch. It remains to be seen if this carries into the new season. Sure, there are skeptics. But considering the rationale David Pollack presented, the signs bode well.
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