Dabo Swinney 'really excited' to have healthy defense against Florida State

In what has been a tough part of the schedule for Clemson, another test is coming on Saturday night. Dabo Swinney will lead the Tigers down to Tallahassee for a big-time ACC matchup against Florida State. And for the first time this season, the head coach feels like his defense will be 100%.

Swinney said he’s “really excited” to have the unit at full strength. Players have been in and out of the lineup through six games but now, it’s all coming together. With Jordan Travis on the other side for the Seminoles, Swinney thinks it’s a “great” time for Clemson to band together on defense.

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“I’m really excited,” Swinney said. “I’m super pumped to have all hands on deck. They’ve all been there at one point or another but having everybody available at one time — really haven’t had that just yet. Hopefully, we’ll be able to play at a high level, play sharp, playing smart, keep guys fresh. But we got a tough challenge on our hands with this quarterback they got. It’s great.”

Only one player got a special shoutout from Swinney. Star defensive lineman Bryan Bresee is expected back in the Clemson lineup on Saturday, returning from an injury. With all of the off-the-field incidents occurring in Bresse’s life as well, Swinney is “excited” for him to play some football.

“I’m really happy to have Bryan back. Excited for him. Obviously, he’s been through a lot. It’s been good to watch him in practice. And then watch some of these secondary guys as well.”

Dabo Swinney discusses running back after Kobe Pace injury

Clemson lost reserve running back Kobe Pace to a high ankle sprain he suffered in their week 4 matchup against Wake Forest. Pace had a procedure on his ankle last week that will sideline him for the next few weeks, which opens up some carries for some of Clemson’s other running backs.

Head coach Dabo Swinney talked about which running backs will likely receive more touches in Pace’s absence starting with Domonique Thomas.

“Domonique, he’ll be our third guy, Domonique Thomas,” Swinney said. “And I love Domonique Thomas and I hate that he’s another one of those guys, kinda like I was saying with our OL, I hate that we haven’t been able to get him more opportunity because he’s a really good player.”

Thomas has only received five carries for the Tigers so far this season, but Swinney is convinced his skill set will impress once he does finally get some playing time for Clemson.