Allen talks about the mental state of the Tigers

Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen answered questions from the media early Tuesday afternoon in the WestZone.

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Tue Nov 16 15:53:20 GMT-04:00 2010

CLEMSON – Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen answered questions from the media early Tuesday afternoon in the WestZone. The following is an edited transcript.

Q: What is there left to play for now?

Dwayne Allen: The same as last week before the game. We have to finish out strong; that’s what we have to play for now. We let our last opportunity [to win ACC Atlantic] slip through our hands. We have to have pride. This is Clemson football, and we have a lot to play for. We aren’t going to lay down for anyone. We are a team and we play as a team. There is no finger pointing. The guys are frustrated. They know the type of team we are and we are ending up short.

Q: What do you have to do to get better on offense?

DA: It’s always like we’re getting 15, 12, 13 and even 18-play drives and we don’t score. We have to finish. We can't count on anything else. We have to finish.

Q: Has it become a mental thing of “uh oh, here we go again?’

DA: No, not really. We just need to find ways to overcome. We just need to say ‘Let us get it done. Let us do our job.’

Q: Other teams use the tight end a lot in the red zone, yet you haven’t gotten a lot of opportunities. Is it play-calling or are you covered up?

DA: I haven’t gotten the ball so I must not have been open. There is nothing wrong with the play-calling. I just need to do a better job of getting open.

Q: Is this team closer despite all of the losses?

DA: Usually, in this type of situation, guys talk about the Dallas Cowboys because of the talent we have on this team, and it is true. We haven’t amounted to what we should have this season. It is frustrating. But nobody is pointing fingers or blaming each other. We are sticking together.

Q: Dabo talked this morning about the progress this team has made despite the losses. Do you see that, too?

DA: We do see it. Progress is good, but wins are better, and that’s what it is all about. We are seeking that consistency, especially on the road. That is the biggest thing this weekend, is getting a win.