Clemson coach Dabo Swinney challenged his players after practice on Wednesday to maintain their focus and discipline an unusual holiday week run-up to the South Carolina game.
"We talked in practice about the importance of staying focused," said Swinney. "It's easy to get distracted when they've got a little down time and there's no school. I thought we had a great day today. But tomorrow'it's going to be different. For some of these guys this will be the first time they've ever been away from home for Thanksgiving."
Swinney said Thursday's schedule will include meetings, practice, "and a big Thanksgiving meal as a team and family."
He challenged the Tigers to "come back with an edge" on Friday.
"You just don't want to lose the edge you've had in your preparation and practice just because you don't have school and have a little down time," Swinney said. "Make the right decisions and focus on the right things.
"I really like their demeanor, and we're looking forward to another great day tomorrow."
Swinney said that after the South Carolina game, the Tigers will have next week completely off. The following week they'll resume lifting, running and skill drills on their own, while the coaches are on the road recruiting.
He expects bowl practice to begin on Saturday, Dec. 8.
ACC: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
ACC: North Carolina 12, Clemson 7
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 2
columbiabill writes:
Yes, very important to maintain focus because it isn't over yet. Very interesting article in Yahoo Sports on the path to the national championship game and Clemson, believe it or not is in the mix. According to Yahoo Sports the following needs to happen and the Tigers will play ND for the national championship.
Clemson needs a convincing win over SC-convincing
Ga Tech wins over Georgia
Ga Tech wins over Fla State in ACC Championship
Georgia beats Alabama
Fla State beats Florida
Oregon St beats Oregon
Texas beats Kansas State
Lo and behold Clemson moves to #2. Stranger things have happened but it all starts with the win over SC. What if???????
tigerdh writes:
I'm all for it but sounds like an awful lot of improbable things have to happen. However, we need to do our part and win convincingly over the coots. Then see what happens.
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