No Warm-Up for Clemson: Swinney Embraces ‘Big Boy Football’ in Opener vs. LSU
Forget easing into the season — Dabo Swinney knows exactly what’s coming for his No. 4 Clemson Tigers on August 30: “Big boy football.”
Speaking on The Jim Rome Show this week, the Clemson head coach could hardly contain his excitement for a massive season-opening clash with the No. 9 LSU Tigers, a game poised to make an immediate dent in the College Football Playoff race.
“It’s going to be an epic battle,” Swinney said. “They’re really, really good. We know we have an opportunity to be a good team… Both big-time quarterbacks who are going to be pros one day. Both teams have a lot of skill, big dudes in the trenches.”
ABC’s top crew — Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler — will have the call for a prime-time showdown under the lights in Death Valley. Swinney knows the atmosphere will be off the charts.
“It’s just going to be a classic college football environment right out of the gate,” he said.
Finally, a Home Opener
For the first time since 2019, Clemson kicks off its season at home. It’s a long-awaited change Swinney has been pushing for.
“I told my AD, ‘Look, we’ll play the Dallas Cowboys if we could just play at home once this decade,’” Swinney joked. “So I’m happy about that.”
Klubnik’s Moment
Leading Clemson into battle will be senior quarterback Cade Klubnik, a player Swinney lauds for his loyalty and growth.
“He could have gone anywhere he wanted to. He stayed here, he’s developed, and we’ve hung in there with him, and now he’s set up to have a great season and a great career,” Swinney said. “He’s going to be a great pro one day… He is a special young leader for us.”
Oddsmakers have Clemson as a 3.5-point favorite. Swinney sees it as the perfect recipe for an early-season heavyweight fight.
“It’s going to be fun.”
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