While players focus on 'winning today,' coaches look ahead to Wake Forest week

Clemson's football players didn't deviate from their narrowly-focused 'win today' approach as they worked their way through open week practice.

The Tigers' coaches, however, indulged in a bit of looking ahead.

Clemson, which plays at Wake Forest on Thurday night after facing Virginia Tech at home next Saturday, will be working on a short turnaround and abbreviated preparation.

So the open week afford the coaches a chance to get a jump start on switching gears from the Hokies to the Deacons.

"We've done some preliminary work on Wake Forest - with the staff, not the players," said Swinney after practice on Wednesday.

"With the short week, when we come back Sunday (after the Virginia Tech game), we won't feel as much like we're two days behind all week.

"Preparation-wise, I feel like we're in good shape."

The Tigers held their final practice of the week on Thursday, and the players have the weekend off. The team will reassemble on Sunday, and Clemson has fall break on Monday and Tuesday.

The Virginia Tech game will be played on Saturday, Oct. 20, at noon. The Hokies will be coming off a home game against Duke.