Columnist Tells Swinney to “Pack Your Bags”
USA TODAY’s Matt Hayes had strong words for Dabo Swinney after the coach’s fiery response to critics this week. Swinney said he would “go somewhere else and coach” if Clemson was tired of winning, and Hayes suggested Gainesville should be his destination. Florida coach Billy Napier is on the hottest of seats, and Hayes argued Swinney’s proven record against SEC powers — including two national titles over Alabama and multiple wins over Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU, and South Carolina — makes him a natural fit. “Pack your bags, Dabo. And bring your guts to Gainesville,” Hayes wrote, pointing to Florida’s desperate need for a dynamic leader.
McElroy: Season Not Lost, But Culture Tested
While Paul Finebaum declared Clemson’s season “over,” ESPN’s Greg McElroy isn’t ready to bury the Tigers. He sees a flawed but salvageable team dealing with offensive dysfunction, injuries to Antonio Williams and key linemen, and an underperforming offensive line that was supposed to be a strength. McElroy emphasized that Clemson’s culture — long considered its backbone — is now under its toughest test. “This is where your culture gets tested,” he said, adding that if the Tigers can rediscover their rushing identity, get healthy, and protect Cade Klubnik, they still have a path to the ACC title game.
Sammy Brown: Defense Must “Do Our Job”
Star linebacker Sammy Brown says Clemson’s defense needs to get back to basics after surrendering backbreaking drives to Georgia Tech in last week’s loss. Brown admitted the Tigers’ inability to get stops in critical moments has been frustrating, but stressed the fix is about discipline and details: “We just gotta be technically sound on defense. We gotta figure gaps right. Just do our job.” With Syracuse and transfer quarterback Steve Angeli up next, Brown said Clemson must prepare for an NFL-style offense that thrives on misdirection and tempo. Kickoff at Death Valley is set for noon ET on Saturday.