Clemson Football: The 10 greatest ‘what-ifs’ in Tiger History

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers greets fans during the Tiger Walk prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

10 of 10

1. Dabo Swinney hadn’t beaten South Carolina in 2008

Dabo Swinney was given an opportunity to be the Interim Head Coach in 2008, but he had to earn the position.

Swinney was 3-2 as a Head Coach heading into the South Carolina and was deeply in need of a win to advocate for the position. He not only picked up the victory, but absolutely dominated the Gamecocks with a 31-14 win.

Fans at the game chanted ‘Dabo’ and things were set into motion for what would happen less than a decade later.

Had Swinney not beaten the Tigers’ in-state rival, though, he likely wouldn’t have been given the job and Clemson would’ve been in discussions with other coaches.

Next. Tigers are rewriting recruiting record books. dark

Swinney could’ve found himself back in real estate and we as Clemson football fans would probably be writing a much different story today in 2020 than the one we’ve enjoyed over the last few years.

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