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Dabo Swinney knows Clemson has a tough task ahead when playing Notre Dame this weekend.
The Tigers will look to rebound from back-to-back losses when hosting the No. 15 Fighting Irish. Swinney gave the upcoming opponents their flowers during Tuesday’s press conference.
“This is a really good football team. I think they’re the most complete team we’ve played,” Swinney said (h/t On3). “I know they’re not undefeated, but I think it’s the most complete team we’ve played. This is a really, really experienced team.”
Swinney anticipated “a big challenge” when facing 7-2 Notre Dame, which is coming off a 58-7 victory over Pittsburgh.
“They really have all the pieces, everything you need,” he continued. “They’re sound. They’re well-coached on both sides of the ball and special teams.”
The Tigers head coach heaped praise on quarterback Sam Hartman
“That guy shouldn’t be playing college football. He’s a pro,” Swinney said. “He’s smooth. He’s poised. He’s very confident. He don’t flinch.”
Last season, Clemson suffered a 35-14 loss at South Bend. The Tigers fell behind 28-0 after throwing a pick-six and having a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown.
Swinney didn’t mince words about his team’s “terrible” performance in the 2022 matchup.
“It’s a game we really stunk in last year, honestly,” Swinney said. “It was our worst game of the year. We played awful.”
Meanwhile, Swinney said he thought Notre Dame should have defeated Ohio State — placed No. 1 in the inaugural College Football Playoff rankings — earlier this season. The Buckeyes scored a game-winning rushing touchdown on the final play.
Rather than vying for a playoff spot, Clemson is mostly competing for bowl eligibility this month. Another loss would guarantee the program’s worst season since 2010, Swinney’s second at the helm.
Swinney will look to silence Tyler from Spartanburg and all other critics when Clemson faces Notre Dame this Saturday. ABC will televise the matchup at noon ET.