A November game for Clemson doesn’t have the heightened meaning in the national picture that might often have been the case, but the Tigers are going into Saturday afternoon’s game against visiting Duke determined to make something of the season.
“We’re ready to get back into the fight,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.
Both teams were off last week after suffering losses in their previous games. Clemson (3-4, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) dropped a home game to SMU, while Duke (4-3, 3-1) fell at home to undefeated Georgia Tech.
The Blue Devils want to remain in the ACC title chase.
“We have a chance to do what you want to do – play great in November,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said, pointing to last November’s results proving critical to the team’s success. “With all we have to play for, we know the same will be true.”
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who missed the SMU game because of an ankle injury, was back at practice Monday.
Diaz said he’s anticipating seeing Klubnik in Saturday’s game.
“We always prepare for teams to be at full strength, especially coming off the bye,” Diaz said. “It’s the people around the quarterback that make the big difference. Their weaponry on the outside will be as good as anybody we’ve seen so far this year.”
Clemson lists Tristan Smith and Cole Turner as co-starters at receiver this week.
Duke relies heavily on quarterback Darian Mensah, who has thrown for 17 touchdowns with two interceptions.
There’s still a level of mystique involving the Clemson team, Diaz said.
“You’re going to have to have some real belief to go in there and knock that team off,” he said. “I think we’ve got the right leadership to set the tone for our guys and how they work this week.”
Swinney said the time off since the last game has put the Tigers in a better position in terms of injuries. He continues to put a positive light on the team.
“There’s been some disappointment this season, but there’s been a lot of good,” Swinney said.
While a healthier team should help, Swinney pointed to a couple of areas that need upgrades.
“If we’re going to win in November, we have to run the ball better, be better on pass defense,” he said.
Klubnik has thrown for 1,530 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
