Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Discusses Upcoming Palmetto Bowl Rivalry with South Carolina
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney took the stage on Tuesday to discuss the highly-anticipated matchup against South Carolina set for this Saturday in Death Valley. This year’s Palmetto Bowl is especially charged, as both teams come into the contest highly ranked and aiming for a shot at the College Football Playoff.
Clemson (9-2, 7-1 ACC) is ranked No. 12 in the latest AP Top 25, while South Carolina (8-3, 5-3 SEC) holds the No. 16 spot. This Saturday will mark only the seventh time in their 121 meetings that both teams are ranked, making the occasion even more significant. "It’s great for our state and this rivalry to have the highest-ranked rivalry game in college football this year," Swinney remarked, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the event.
After a shaky start, the Gamecocks are on a five-game winning streak, highlighting their confidence as they approach this match. Swinney praised South Carolina for their improvement, mentioning their close losses to top teams earlier in the season. "They’re playing with a ton of confidence," he said.
One key element to South Carolina’s success has been the development of their quarterback, LaNorris Sellers. The redshirt freshman has turned heads with his strong performances, completing over 66% of his passes in four of his last five games and rushing for more than 250 yards. Swinney highlighted Sellers’ ability to make plays, noting, "If you don’t have a quarterback who can make plays like that, you’re at a disadvantage."
As both teams prepare for the matchup, they anticipate being in the top 15 of the College Football Playoff poll. Although a victory won’t guarantee a playoff spot, losing could complicate future championship hopes. Swinney stressed the game’s significance, stating, "This game has a lot of national implications."
With both teams looking to cement their positions and showcase their talents, fans can expect an electric atmosphere this Saturday. "It should be an awesome environment, with two really good teams that have had successful seasons," Swinney concluded.
