Dabo Swinney knows the stage and the opponent could not be much bigger for Clemson’s opener. With LSU set to visit Memorial Stadium in a top-10 clash, the head coach used his game-week press conferences to spotlight the Tigers’ strengths while delivering a lighthearted take on a first for Clemson fans regarding alcohol sales inside Death Valley.
“This is a very talented football team on both sides of the ball,” Swinney said. “Similar to us in a lot of ways…elite quarterback play, elite skill, and they got dudes in the trenches.” He pointed to LSU’s veteran signal-caller (Garrett Nussmeier) as a difference-maker. “He’s got great instincts. Really good pocket awareness. Big-time arm talent. He’s tough…he’s put himself on the path to being a high draft pick.”
Be Early. Be Loud. Wear Orange 🐅 pic.twitter.com/RW6j6yAv6I
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 27, 2025
The Clemson coach did not shy away from highlighting individuals who can tilt the game. Linebacker Harold Perkins, who missed most of last season with an ACL injury, remains at the top of that list. “He’s a baller. He’s a problem. A big problem,” Swinney said. “We won’t have to look hard to find him.” The defensive front and secondary also drew his respect. “They’ve got as good a corners as we’ll see all year. Coach Kelly has said this might be his best defense, and I can see why.”
While most of the questions centered on the matchup, Swinney also fielded one about Clemson joining the wave of programs that now serve alcohol inside the stadium. His answer drew laughs. “It’s probably the first time they’re selling it, but it ain’t the first time they’ve been there. I promise you. As long as I’ve been here, they just let people go out at halftime, right? I’m sure they ain’t all bringing Diet Coke back in.”
For Swinney, both topics ultimately return to the same theme: controlling the moment. “You work all year for 12 days…you wake up and you go, ‘Wow, it’s game week.’ Let’s freaking go.”
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Kelce Brothers awkward college photo resurfaces after Taylor Swift engagement
- Bill Belichick, girlfriend Jordon Hudson secure 'Gold Digger' trademark
- Arch Manning sends clear message to Ohio State: "We got the red dot on everyone"
- Bill Belichick's prized QB recruit dealt major blow with season-ending injury
- Deion Sanders still shocked by 'high times' in Boulder