A November game for Clemson doesn’t have the heightened significance in the national picture that might often have been the case, but the Tigers enter Saturday afternoon’s game against visiting Duke determined to make something of the season.
“We’re ready to get back in the fight,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.
Both teams were off last week after suffering defeats in their previous matches. Clemson (3-4, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) lost a home game to SMU, while Duke (4-3, 3-1) fell at home to undefeated Georgia Tech.
The Blue Devils want to stay in the ACC title race.
“We have a chance to do what you want: play well in November,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said, noting that last November’s results proved critical to the team’s success. “With everything we have to play for, we know it’s going to be the same.”
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who missed the SMU game with an ankle injury, was back at practice Monday.
Diaz said he expected to see Klubnik in Saturday’s game.
“We always prepare for the teams to be at full strength, especially after the bye,” Diaz said. “It’s the people around the quarterback that make the big difference. Their weapons on the outside will be as good as 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 17 touchdowns with two interceptions.
There is still a level of mystery surrounding the Clemson team, Diaz said.
“It’s going to take some real belief to go out there and take this team out,” he said. “I think we have 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 injury-wise. He continues to shine a positive light on the team.
“There have been some disappointments this season, but there have been a lot of good things,” Swinney said.
While a healthier team should help, Swinney pointed out a few areas that need improvement.
“If we want to win in November, we have to run the ball better, be better at pass defense,” he said.
Klubnik totaled 1,530 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
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