Wednesday Practice Update: Swinney talks Dave Doeren text; message to Clemson fans

Dabo Swinney spoke with the media after practice Wednesday night before his team takes on 3-5 Florida State.

Here are a few notes from our conversation with Swinney this evening:

Dave Doeren sent Swinney a text message after Swinney said there needed to be an “investigation” on what N.C. State does with the towels Bradley Chubb kept stealing from Kelly Bryant. Although he didn’t tell us what Doeren said,  he appreciated Doeren reaching out, and the good humor Doeren had from the situation. He was ready to move forward from it: “Onward!”

Swinney said his team responded well after an emotional victory last week and they “grew up a lot” that Saturday.  He has enjoyed watching them fight through the adversity and continue to battle even though his guys made some mistakes. Pointed out again that there were 36 guys who made that trip who played much bigger roles than ever before.

On the injury front, Edmond is going to travel with the team this week. Edmond has been able to practice and has been really confident. He hates the long process it has been for him, but it has been good to see a smile on his face. 

Mark Fields will not play this week, and Swinney mentioned that Ray-Ray McCloud has been practicing the same amount at corner that he has been all season. 

His defense is going to have to set the edge all game long against Florida State’s Cam Akers. Their ability to get him outside gives Florida State leverage and the ability to call specific pass plays. They are built on speed and setting the edge will be “critical.”

Tanner Muse has progressed with the screw in his hand and has gotten better every day. 

Christian Groomes has had a great two weeks of kicking. It came down to the last kick last Thursday to see who will get the final spot on the bus to Raleigh and Groomes got it done. Swinney was quick to say that Spence is far ahead of Groomes and Drew Costa.

Finally, Swinney had a message for Clemson fans:

“There’s only two games left in the Valley. We sit around and moan and groan all year long waiting for the football to come and this season has just flown by. Enjoy it. Have an appreciation for it. That’s been my word this year is to have an appreciation for the opportunity that not everybody gets, whether that’s them as fans or us as players and coaches, not everybody gets the opportunity to compete for a division championship.

“It’s a special moment. I think every time we play in the Valley is special, but this is November football. So, show up and let’s go. We need you, man. We need that great energy. Our fan base here, they make a difference. They really do. I have seen people jump offsides three plays in a row. I’d like to say I was some great coach on that, but you have to tip your hat to the valley. It’s awesome when they are here and rocking.”

The Tigers face Florida State for a chance to clinch the Atlantic division Saturday at 3:30 in Death Valley.