CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Quick notes on Dabo Swinney press conference


by - Assoc. Editor -

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney Dabo Swinney
Head Coach
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spoke to members of the media previewing Saturday's game against Georgia Tech. Here are some of the highlights.

- Swinney wanted to wish all the veterans to have a great day and allowing us to do what we do. If is something we take for granted all of the time in this country. I want to thank all of our veterans and Daniel Rodriguez.

- Georgia Tech is always a tough opponent. It has always been a great opponent. Offensively, there are flying at a high level. They are averaging 6 yards a play.

- Their quarterback is playing lights out for them. They have done a great job establishing the dive play. 1400 yards rushing. Their receiver is the leading scorer on the team. They have done an excellent job in the passing game. I have been very impressed with how they are executing offensively.

- The passing game is averaging 20 yards per completion. So that's huge. #15 is at 22 yards per catch. #9 is averaging 21 yards per catch. They are hitting on a bunch of big plays. All starts with the decision-making with the quarterback.

- You have to win the line of scrimmage. You better not get bored doing your job, because otherwise its going to be a big play for them.

- First down and third down critical because they play with a four down mentality. Their defense is made up of a bunch of juniors and seniors and have created a bunch of turnovers. They scored last week. Well coached football team.

- Big challenge for us. Well coached. We are looking forward to heading down to Atlanta.

- Swinney on Guillermo and Peake injuries: "They both practiced [last night]," Swinney said. "I have not talked to [Jay] Guillermo today, but Charone [Peake] was actually in my office a little bit ago and he felt good today after practicing last night. Guillermo pretty much took all second team reps at center. So we are hopefully that both those guys will be back and available for us this week."

- "We will really get into the grind today and tomorrow from a physical standpoint, but both looked pretty good last night," Swinney said. "We will know more after tomorrow. He [Jay Guillermo] is a little different. He is a 300 plus pounder so it is a little different than Garry Peters or somebody like that who has had the same injury as far as them coming back and their effectiveness."

- Watson has got some experienced now and there is not as many unknowns from the beginning of the season. He has played on the road. He has stayed totally engaged in practice and in games. He has made good suggestions during the game. He is ready mentally and physically and we will find out how he plays but I don't think expect anything else (than normal).

- Swinney on Ryan Norton: I thought he played pretty well last week. "Sometimes that sideline will motivate you a little bit." For a couple of games there, he wasn't playing quite to his standard. It was good to see him get back last week and play with that edge we are looking for.

- Swinney on Georgia Tech blocking: Totally different style of play. Guys cutting on every play. It is a challenge in that regard. We have a lot of guys that have experienced. It is usually one of the biggest challenges the whole year. He's got answers (Paul Johnson).

- Bottom line - You have to win your matchup and try to disrupt what they are trying to do.

- Swinney on Clemson offense: Maximize our opportunities. A bunch of three and outs and you are in trouble. The biggest thing is taking care of the football. We have done a pretty good job in the last four years (against GT). When we got beat in 2011, we had five turnovers. In this game, it (turnovers) is critical.

- Swinney on GT: They have recruited well. They have a lot of pride in their school. Chan Gailey recruited some good players. Paul Johnson brought a whole new scheme and has been very consistent with it. The Clemson and GT rivalry has a lot of passion. They are just a good program.

- Georgia Tech is how they coach and teach it (option). They are chopping down on all levels. They also do not get enough credit for blocking on the perimeter. It challenges you and creates a lot of one on one tackles.

- Hopefully the experience of our defensive line show up Saturday. A lot of these guys have played Georgia Tech for the last three years.

- Vic Beasley has played with more confidence this year. He has been very disruptive. His ability to redirect plays has been a game changer. He is very smart and instinctive. He was the scout team quarterback (practicing for GT) his freshman year for us. Now's he is the starting defensive end against them.

- Swinney on Lakip: He’s a Groza finalist now. Beginning of the year, he was the goat.

- Swinney on Green: After looking at him a year. We thought about it (moving to safety) and I knew I could move him back to wide receiver. We felt that it might be the best spot long term.

- We got to get as many punts and stops as we can. We have to hold them to field goals.

- I just feel like that was a good play (Robert Smith's hit vs Wake). We have to live with it. We have a good player that won't be available for a half.

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