When discussing the Clemson-Florida State rivalry during the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff Thursday, Dabo Swinney said the matchup is “always electric,” with both programs fighting for supremacy on top of the conference this time around.
At this point, I’m sure everyone knows what the ACC looks like heading into next season, as it is one of the most heavily discussed topics in college football. Is it Florida State’s time to return to the top of the conference, or will Clemson remain the top dog and win an eighth conference championship out of the last nine.
The popular opinion has been on the side of the Seminoles. However, many believe the ACC is still Clemson’s conference to lose. Analytics, on the other hand, heavily favor the Tigers in 2023.
During ACC Football Kickoff Thursday, Swinney showed great respect for Florida State.
“They’re a great football team. Mike’s done an unbelievable job, bunch of great players,” Swinney said. “I love their quarterback, first of all, he’s a great kid. He’s an amazing player, and you know, you saw that last year. I mean, we had a pretty good lead on them there in the fourth quarter, and that’s a reflection of their belief in what they’re doing and where they are. Because those kids didn’t quit. And I mean, next thing you know, it’s coming down to an onside kick. So they’ll be a big battle for sure.”
Clemson has won the previous seven matchups with FSU, but that doesn’t mean anything on game day. When discussing the rivalry, Swinney knows just how important the game is yearly, no matter what each program looks like that season.
“Regardless, if we’re both 4-4 or 8-0, Clemson-Florida State means a lot to a lot of people. It’s a big game. It’s certainly one of those rival type games that goes way back. But yeah, I’ve been a part of a lot of big ones…in the past that game determined the division…it might determine who’s going to the playoff,” the Clemson head coach said.
This season is different for both programs; with the ACC moving from divisions to the 3-5-5 format, the Tigers and Seminoles can meet in the ACC Championship. The Week 4 matchup between the two is shaping up to be electric, as Swinney would say, but that may not be the only time they meet this season.
The ACC should be exciting in 2023.
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