Swinney attends Alabama - Arkansas game; Makes impossible happen
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Last night in Syracuse things didn't go as planned for Dabo Swinney and Clemson as the #2 ranked Tigers were tripped up on the road 27-24. With a bye week ahead, Dabo Swinney jumped on a plane Saturday and jetted from Clemson to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
For those who might be concerned about Clemson's head coach heading to "T-Town", you need not worry at this time. Swinney was only there to take part in a pregame ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Alabama National Championship team in Bryant-Denny Stadium. They were joined by former Crimson Tide head coach Gene Stallings, Swinney's longtime mentor.
Swinney, who started his career as a walk-on, worked his way up and became a starter for Alabama in the 1992 National Championship game against Miami. Playing a part in a seemingly impossible story, a former walk-on named Dabo Swinney got it done.
It was going to be interesting to see how the Alabama faithful responded when Swinney's name was announced.
After all, the past two seasons, Swinney led Clemson against his alma mater in the national championship game. Two years ago, Alabama and Nick Saban got the best of the Tigers 45-40, but last season, Swinney delivered Clemson's second national title to Tiger nation 35-31, on a last-second touchdown from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow.
That single moment ripped the hearts out from Alabama fans everywhere who were hoping to win back to back titles.
How would they welcome Swinney?
Swinney's name was called, and those in attendance gave him a resounding ovation.
Thinking about the Tide's rabid fanbase, it's nearly impossible to imagine a scenario where Crimson Tide fans would openly cheer the coach who just bested them for the national championship in January.
But on this day, playing a part in a seemingly impossible story, a former Alabama walk-on named Dabo Swinney got it done.
.@AlabamaFTBL greats from 1992 team honored before @ArkRazorbacks game. @ClemsonFB coach #DaboSwinney & #GeneStallings among those honored! pic.twitter.com/SYHB0WKqqg
— Rick Karle (@RickKarle) October 14, 2017