A November recreation for Clemson would not have the heightened which means within the nationwide image which may typically have been the case, however the Tigers are going into Saturday afternoon’s recreation in opposition to visiting Duke decided to make one thing of the season.
“We’re able to get again into the combat,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney mentioned.
Each groups had been off final week after struggling losses of their earlier video games. Clemson (3-4, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Convention) dropped a house recreation to SMU, whereas Duke (4-3, 3-1) fell at house to undefeated Georgia Tech.
The Blue Devils need to stay within the ACC title chase.
“We now have an opportunity to do what you need to do – play nice in November,” Duke coach Manny Diaz mentioned, pointing to final November’s outcomes proving crucial to the crew’s success. “With all we’ve got to play for, we all know the identical can be true.”
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who missed the SMU recreation due to an ankle damage, was again at follow Monday.
Diaz mentioned he is anticipating seeing Klubnik in Saturday’s recreation.
“We all the time put together for groups to be at full energy, particularly coming off the bye,” Diaz mentioned. “It is the individuals across the quarterback that make the massive distinction. Their weaponry on the skin can be pretty much as good as anyone we have seen to this point this 12 months.”
Clemson lists Tristan Smith and Cole Turner as co-starters at receiver this week.
Duke depends closely on quarterback Darian Mensah, who has thrown for 17 touchdowns with two interceptions.
There’s nonetheless a stage of mystique involving the Clemson crew, Diaz mentioned.
“You are going to must have some actual perception to go in there and knock that crew off,” he mentioned. “I feel we have the appropriate management to set the tone for our guys and the way they work this week.”
Swinney mentioned the day without work because the final recreation has put the Tigers in a greater place when it comes to accidents. He continues to place a constructive gentle on the crew.
“There’s been some disappointment this season, however there’s been a whole lot of good,” Swinney mentioned.
Whereas a more healthy crew ought to assist, Swinney pointed to a few areas that want upgrades.
“If we’ll win in November, we’ve got to run the ball higher, be higher on cross protection,” he mentioned.
Klubnik has thrown for 1,530 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
-Subject Degree Media
