What Dabo Swinney said about UGA football

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney is 1-2 in his career against the Georgia Bulldogs. Swinney and Clemson split the series with Georgia in 2013 and 2014. The Bulldogs emerged on top in the latest meeting between the two schools, which was the 2021 season opener.

Swinney has been the head coach at Clemson since 2009 and has helped the Tigers win a pair of national championships. Clemson’s last championship came in 2018. The Tigers have lost some momentum in recent seasons and are coming off a 9-4 season in 2023. Clemson has plenty of talent, but needs things to come together at a few key positions if the Tigers are going to knock off Georgia.

“Usually, you only get opportunities like this in the postseason in the playoffs in a national championship,” said Swinney. “This just happen to be on our schedule, so it’s a great opportunity to play the best team in the country right out of the gate.”

“ Kirby (Smart) has done a tremendous job down there and they got a lot of guys back,” continued Swinney. “You know, starting on the offensive side, I mean, you got a a Heisman quarterback he’s a very, very good football player. They’ve lost two games in three years.”

Georgia has won two national championships since bearing Clemson in the 2021 season opener. Swinney is impressed with Georgia quarterback Carson Beck .

“I think Carson (Beck) is accurate. I think he’s a great vertical thrower, so just puts a lot of pressure on you. And then offensive line. There’s probably none better in the country. This is a really talented group, very experienced,” added Swinney. “Just a complete group on that (offensive) side of the ball.”

“Defensive side… same thing. You know, big long athletic, physical. Got pass rushers. They got some sub package stuff that they do where they’re going to get their best rushers on the field. You live in third long on these guys. It’s a really a tall task, so, you know, one of the best safeties you’re going to see in the country. Number 24 (Georgia safety Malaki Starks) great player,” said Swinney.

The Georgia-Clemson game starts at noon ET on Saturday, Aug. 31 and can be seen on ABC.