A November sport for Clemson would not have the heightened that means within the nationwide image that may typically have been the case, however the Tigers are going into Saturday afternoon’s sport towards visiting Duke decided to make one thing of the season.
“We’re able to get again into the struggle,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney mentioned.
Each groups had been off final week after struggling losses of their earlier video games. Clemson (3-4, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Convention) dropped a house sport to SMU, whereas Duke (4-3, 3-1) fell at house to undefeated Georgia Tech.
The Blue Devils need to stay within the ACC title chase.
“We have now an opportunity to do what you need to do – play nice in November,” Duke coach Manny Diaz mentioned, pointing to final November’s outcomes proving essential to the group’s success. “With all we’ve to play for, we all know the identical might be true.”
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who missed the SMU sport due to an ankle damage, was again at observe Monday.
Diaz mentioned he is anticipating seeing Klubnik in Saturday’s sport.
“We all the time put together for groups to be at full power, particularly coming off the bye,” Diaz mentioned. “It is the folks across the quarterback that make the large distinction. Their weaponry on the skin might be pretty much as good as anyone we have seen to this point this yr.”
Clemson lists Tristan Smith and Cole Turner as co-starters at receiver this week.
Duke depends closely on quarterback Darian Mensah, who has thrown for 17 touchdowns with two interceptions.
There’s nonetheless a stage of mystique involving the Clemson group, Diaz mentioned.
“You are going to must have some actual perception to go in there and knock that group off,” he mentioned. “I feel we have got the appropriate management to set the tone for our guys and the way they work this week.”
Swinney mentioned the day off because the final sport has put the Tigers in a greater place when it comes to accidents. He continues to place a constructive mild on the group.
“There’s been some disappointment this season, however there’s been quite a lot of good,” Swinney mentioned.
Whereas a more healthy group ought to assist, Swinney pointed to a few areas that want upgrades.
“If we’ll win in November, we’ve to run the ball higher, be higher on move protection,” he mentioned.
Klubnik has thrown for 1,530 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
-Discipline Degree Media