Swinney on Week One Battle: 'They're Not Going to Give Us a National Championship Trophy'
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In anticipation of Saturday’s Aflac Kickoff Game, Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney and Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart answered questions leading up to Week One’s highest-ranked matchup. With both teams entering the 2024 season as two of college football's powerhouses, the excitement around this game is palpable.
Swinney, a veteran of big-time contests, focused on preparation and perspective while acknowledging the importance of this high-profile clash.
When asked about preseason rankings and their significance, Swinney made it clear that while they generate buzz, they aren't the be-all and end-all for coaches.
“Not a lot other than there's people that like to make projections and things like that," Swinney said. "But in my experience, we've been unranked and won the league. We've been ranked 12th and went all the way to the national championship. We've been ranked high and didn't finish as well.”
For Swinney, rankings are a part of the spectacle but certainly not a predictor of the season’s outcome.
“It’s fun. I think it creates conversation and buzz about the upcoming season, everybody's excited about. In college football, it's all about where you are in November and December, not where you are in July and August,” he added.
As for the excitement around facing the Bulldogs, who have won two of the past three national championships, Swinney didn’t shy away from acknowledging the magnitude of the game.
“First of all, you're excited to just play," Swinney remarked. "In our world, unlike baseball or basketball, where you play every day or every other day, football—you might have 15, 16, 17 days out of a year that you actually get to play the game that you spend all this time working, preparing, you know, training for.”
Swinney's excitement grew as he discussed the marquee nature of the season’s first game for Clemson.
“It's always exciting to get that first game. Then you throw in the fact that you're playing in a kickoff classic, in a neutral site, in a great venue, like Mercedes Benz. By the way, you're playing the No. 1 team in the nation. You better believe it. That adds a little spice to it for everybody. So it's a lot of fun.”
When discussing the value of playing in neutral-site matchups like this one, Swinney emphasized how big stages and national broadcasts are part of the attraction.
“A lot of eyeballs, a lot of TV sets tuned in. A lot of viewers. I mean, people love college football," he noted. "You throw in two teams that have won more national championships than anybody—I mean, we've won two national championships in the last, what, eight years, and they have as well. Then it's Clemson-Georgia, that are about 80 miles apart, with a lot of history, a lot of tradition. You best believe people are going to tune in to watch that one.”
Swinney made it clear that this game is more than just a season opener—it's an opportunity to build momentum for the season ahead.
“It's great for college football. I mean, it's a great stage. It's a big-time matchup early on. Obviously, the team that can find a way to win the game—you create a lot of early momentum in your season.”
While the stakes are high, Swinney also reminded fans and players alike to keep their heads level given the success the top team in America has had over the past 33 years in week one games.
“I don't think the preseason No. 1 team in the country has lost since 1990 in an opener. It's big to win any game out of the gate in a game like this, but you're talking about, the No. 1 team in the nation. A team that's lost two games in three years. So I think it would be huge for our players and a lot of wind in your sails early on.”
Swinney also stressed the importance of staying focused beyond just this one game against an old-school rival who has won 7-of-8 games against the Tigers.
“For our fans, they are excited. Then it's Clemson-Georgia and all the rivalry stuff that goes with that. So it's a big deal, no doubt about it. But I tell you what, we’ve got App State the next week, and (if) you win the game, you celebrate, just like any other game, (but you) better move on quick because you'll get exposed as you go through your schedule. Every week has to be the biggest game of the year. That has to be a mindset.”
As anticipation builds for this high-stakes opener, Swinney seemed calm and confident, but the Tigers have a lot to prove—especially on the offensive side of the ball.
The clash of two College Football Playoff Era titans is sure to captivate the nation, and while Swinney keeps his focus on the game at hand, he understands the bigger picture of the season-long grind.
“We all know that this is an opener, and it's huge, but, you know, they're not going to give us a national championship trophy if we win the game. It's a long season ahead.”
Tomorrow, we’ll dive into Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s thoughts on the matchup from his time with the Aflac Kickoff Media Team.
