Swinney says he would love to play top-ranked Irish, says polls are "ridiculous"

by David Hood -- Senior Writer - Tuesday, November 20, 2012 12:34 PM

CLEMSON – Clemson head coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
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Swinney, speaking Tuesday at his weekly press conference, was asked about Clemson’s lack of respect from the pollsters and the computers despite a 10-1 record, a seven-game winning streak and points by the bunches.

The Tigers are currently ranked 12th in the BCS standings. Ranked ahead of Clemson in the rankings are teams like LSU, Stanford and Texas A&M, teams that have two losses.

Swinney said that there is one team in particular that he would love to line up and play against.

“I think that's ridiculous. I think we can play with anybody,” Swinney told the media. “I'd love to play Notre Dame. Lord have mercy, I'd love to play Notre Dame. I think this team, where we are right now, is at a point where we are good enough and we can line up and play with anybody.”

The Tigers have scored at least 38 points in each of those games and has outscored the opposition 335-170. That averages out to a final score average of 47.85 to 24.28, and Swinney said it proves his Tigers are not just a team that is getting by.

“It's not like we've been barely beating people,” Swinney said. “We've played with passion and togetherness. Right now, we're as good as anybody out there. It's a coin toss right now. I am proud of our team. I don't think teams with two losses should be ahead of a Clemson or a Florida State. But some of that is perception. Some of that is a result of teams you play who aren't having good years. You don't control that - that stuff is year to year. You just have to be as good as you can be."

He then said that a win over arch-rival South Carolina would help that perception, as would a win in a bowl game.

“ If we finish strong, if Florida St. finishes strong, we'll be fine,” he said. “If we can continue to put consistency together as a program, then the perception changes. I get it. We have to earn it. I think I voted us fifth or sixth this week. That's where we should be."

David Hood can be reached at davidhood@tigernet.com

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