James Skalski to nervous Bryan Bresee, "You ought to see this place at 80,000"

We had a chance to hear from several players earlier this morning in Clemson. Here are a few quick notes from linebacker James Skalski and offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst. We’ve also attached three videos from Saturday night’s 41-23 win over Virginia. 

James Skalski

On talking with a nervous Bryan Bresee before a recent home game, “If you are nervous in front of 20,000, you ought to see this place at 80,000.”

Skalski: “Yes, we look in the mirror and look at things we didn’t do so well. I agree with the fans, [last week vs. Virginia] wasn’t up to standard.”

Skalski says Clemson understands the gravity of this week’s game vs. Miami. “We really do feel like it’s a playoff game every week with the structure of the conference this year. Gonna be a fun one on Saturday.”

Clemson linebacker James Skalski, “Very excited for this challenge. Miami’s a great team. It will be very fun on Saturday."

Clemson linebacker James Skalski, “They are fast and physical. They’ve got guys who can take it all the way at any time."

Clemson linebacker James Skalski, “We can only get better from this past Saturday.”

James Skalski on defensive performance: “80% of the game, we played lights out.” Says there were plays here and there where things went wrong, but that credit is due to Virginia for how well they played.

Clemson linebacker James Skalski, “I think for 80% of the game, we played pretty lights out. I think you need to give Virginia a lot of credit. They are a good opponent."

Matt Bockhorst

On this past weekend: “Proud of the way we played. We are looking forward to this week."

On what the Tigers see each week: "We’re everyone’s biggest game."

On getting some “Robitussin” from the coaches: “Sometimes you need medicine that doesn’t taste very good. You’ve got to swallow your pride a little bit, but that’s how you improve."

On Miami, “Super talented. I think it’s good for college football that Miami is seeing some success.”

On not being able to punch it in, “The one play I look down to is down in the box, we didn’t have enough guys to block them. It’s a scheme thing."