Dabo Swinney shares special moment with Chase Brice after Appalachian State heroics

Dabo Swinney watched with a grin as former Clemson quarterback Chase Brice led Appalachian State to one of their most memorable wins of all time.

With an insane energy surrounding their game against Troy due to the fact that College GameDay was on campus, the Mountaineers found themselves in need of a miracle. Shockingly, their prayers were answered, as Brice’s Hail Mary was caught and taken into the end zone, giving Appalachian State the unlikely victory.

During his press conference on Wednesday, Swinney revealed the special moment he shared with Brice following the game.

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“Man, I called him, said he and I need to go to Vegas, like right now. Man. Unbelievable. His comment was winner’s win, and I love it. That’s Chase to the core, man. He is a winner. Really happy for him. Really proud of him,” stated Swinney. “He’s just a, he’s a great young man, and he’s just become a great leader for them. You can see everybody around him. They all believe in him. He’s just one of those guys that finds a way. He finds a way. That’s who he is.

“Love that guy, man. He’s a good one, he’s a good one.”

While it didn’t workout for Chase Brice at Clemson, it’s evident he made an immense impact on Dabo Swinney, as the coach still holds his former quarterback in high regard. Unless they play each other in an unlikely scenario, the duo can continue to root for each other’s success, as well as their own.

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Moreover, head coach Swinney also showed some love to his former quarterback Brice the week prior, as he led the Mountaineers to a 17-14 upset win over No. 6 ranked Texas A&M in Week 2. Swinney was asked if he still keeps up with Brice’s career at the time, and made it clear that he does. 

“Oh yeah absolutely, heck I look up the spring game he’s on the sideline, he’s wanted to call plays,” Swinney said. “I love Chase Brice man, he’s a great kid, he’s a Clemson graduate, he graduated here in three years and it’s been fun.”

Brice had an electric performance in a close, Week 1 shootout versus North Carolina, where he threw for 361 yards and six touchdowns to lead a 40-point fourth-quarter performance for the Mountaineers. Swinney spoke more on Brice’s recent play and the success of his upset victory over the Aggies.

“Obviously, North Carolina, that was a wild game whenever that was. And to go to Texas A&M and win, that ain’t easy, but what an unbelievable win for App State and for Chase. That’s something I know he’ll never ever ever forget,” Swinney said.

Clemson faced the Aggies at their house in the 2018 season in a two-point victory, and Bryce may not have played in that game, but was able to get familiar with Kyle Field and the ferocity of the 12th man.

“He’d been out there, he didn’t get to play but I’m sure he had a good vision for it. I didn’t get to see any of it obviously, but what an amazing win, good to see him having a great success. He’s awesome. He’s coach [Mickey] Conn’s nephew, so he’s family,” Swinney said. 

In that same season, Brice entered the game in the fourth quarter for an injured Trevor Lawrence versus Syracuse when the Tigers were down double digits. He went 7-13 on his passes for 83 yards and orchestrated a 13-play, 94-yard game-winning drive to keep the Tiger’s season perfect on their way to a National Championship win.