New city. New venue. Same standard.
After Clemson wrapped up its first on-site bowl practice in New York, head coach Dabo Swinney sounded equal parts energized, reflective and locked in — embracing the moment while making it clear the Tigers didn’t travel north for sightseeing alone.
“Yeah, I’ve got to go check my attic,” Swinney joked. “I’m pretty sure I might have got recruited by Columbia. I’m not sure, but I’m about to go check and see if I’ve got a letter or two.”
The humor came easily. The message did not waver.
A New York Experience — and a Business Trip
Clemson practiced Tuesday at Columbia University, using the school’s indoor bubble to escape raw winter conditions outside. For many in the program, the setting alone made the day memorable.
“This is awesome,” Swinney said. “So many of these guys have never been in New York. We have a lot of staff that’s never been in New York. It’s just a great experience for everybody.”
Still, Swinney emphasized that the excitement never replaced purpose.
“Today was a tough Tuesday practice, and I’m really proud of their spirit, their effort, their energy and their focus,” he said. “They showed up ready to work.”
Competitive Edge Still Sharp
Despite the distractions of a new city, Swinney said Clemson’s competitive edge carried over seamlessly from campus practices.
“It was a very competitive day, as all of our practices have been,” he said. “We finished up with a little scrimmage — our last scrimmage work for all of our young guys — and it’s been really beneficial to see a lot of these guys play over the last few weeks.”
Those reps matter more than ever with Clemson entering the Pinstripe Bowl shorthanded.
Embracing Opportunity Amid Absences
Nearly 30 scholarship players will not be available for the bowl game, with a significant portion sidelined by injuries and others opting out for the NFL Draft or the transfer portal. Instead of frustration, Swinney sees opportunity.
“We still got enough,” he said. “These guys came here to play. For a lot of them, it’s an opportunity to play.”
Swinney credited Clemson’s veteran leadership for setting the tone.
“We’ve got great senior leadership — guys that have truly been all-in to finish,” he said. “That’s the closer. Whether you’re in the national championship or it’s the last game, it’s the closer.”
Momentum Still the Goal
Clemson enters the Pinstripe Bowl riding a four-game winning streak and chasing a fifth to close the season — momentum Swinney believes still matters deeply.
“We’ve won four in a row. We’re trying to create momentum,” he said. “Nobody cares who’s in, who’s out. It’s about the guys that are here.”
Of the 28 scholarship players unavailable, Swinney noted that 19 are out due to injury, players who would otherwise be contributors. Still, preparation has remained upbeat.
“We’ve had fun preparing,” Swinney said. “We’ve had fun challenging some of these other guys that are going to get their shot to put it on tape.”
Eyes on Saturday
While Clemson is soaking in a rare New York bowl experience, Swinney said the Tigers’ mindset hasn’t changed.
“We’re up here to try to win this game,” he said. “That’s our focus — doing what we’ve got to do when nobody’s watching so that we can play our best game when everybody is watching on Saturday.”
Clemson will carry that mindset from Columbia’s bubble to Yankee Stadium, where it faces Penn State Nittany Lions in a bowl setting unlike any other.
New York may be new.
The mission is not.