‘This was an ass kicking. Period’: Dabo sounds off after Clemson loss to Notre Dame
No. 4 Clemson’s College Football Playoff chances took a big hit after Saturday’s 35-14 loss at unranked Notre Dame. The Tigers were undefeated entering the game.
Here’s what coach Dabo Swinney had to say about the Tigers’ loss, which snapped a nation-best 14-game winning streak dating back to last season.
Opening statement
“Congrats to Notre Dame. They were outstanding. They dominated us in every facet of football: coaching, blocking, dominating … congrats to Coach Freeman and his staff”
“Momentum is tough in a game like this … we lost momentum right out of the gate (after the punt block touchdown) … it was huge momentum early and we never got it back”
“Defensively we couldn’t stop the run. Period … At the end of the day, they were the more physical team, the more disciplined team … this is a very disappointing day and its my responsibility … we gave up a score on offense and a score on defense and a score on special teams and that’s never happened since I’ve been here”
“We got out-coached in every facet of the game … I wish I could say I saw it coming … Unfortunately there are some nights like this you want to forget … we’ll have better days ahead and it’s my job to make sure that happens …. I feel the burden from Clemson nation because it’s my responsibility to win every game”
“I was proud of the offense at the end, that was about the only positive … they tried to help us and go score”
On run defense
“Super surprising. Nobody’s fault but mine … tonight that’s what you saw: they were clearly the more physical team …it’s going to be a painful tape to watch for everyone … if we’re made of the right stuff we’ll bounce back. It hurts … proud of the offense at the end, that was about the only positive … they tried to help us and go score”
On the QB change
“We tried to create a little spark … Cade was trying to make a play, it was a bad decision, he’ll have better days too .. I thought DJ responded and went back in and did some good things … we had a miscommunication on the pick six there on both those guys (Uiagalelei and receiver Joseph Ngata)“
On Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman
“All you can do is have a good today tomorrow, stay together and keep grinding … there are a lot of lessons that can come from a game like this. That’s for us to deal with … Marcus and his team, they had two disappointing (early) losses, they responded … they punched us in the mouth and beat a good football team tonight”
“That was the first time I’ve met him. Very sharp coach. He’s done a great job … I saw that (from Notre Dame) coming into this game … they’d responded to disappointment”
On bouncing back
“This was an ass kicking. Period. We got our tails kicked. We’ve handed out a few of those, too.”
“The message to the team is, ‘I’m sorry. I’m the head coach … I’m going to show up to work on Monday. You have to respond … you deal with negativity, that comes with being at Clemson … we’re not the only team in the country with a loss … in totality, we’re still a great program.’ ”
“Tom Brady, he’s the best ever and they’ve lost … the Warriors have lost about five in a row … sometimes you have days like this and it’s hard … This is an opportunity for us to hopefully grow … it’s painful
“We’ll teach and challenge and evaluate … it’s my job to make sure of that … that’s part of coaching … Our goals are still our goals … there’s not a single goal that’s still not there for us”
“This was a really bad day and all the criticism is warranted … Don’t direct it at the players or the staff … It’s on me … I never saw this coming tonight.”
On his staff
“I still believe in my guys ... We’re all in this together ... I have an unshakable belief in my staff but we’ve got to respond”
On injured defensive end Xavier Thomas
“We’re re-evaluating everything with him. He re-injured his foot Wednesday going full speed in a practice. My heart breaks for him. He was trying to hurdle a guy going full speed … We’ll re-evaluate his situation … I’ll probably know more next week”
