SUNDAY NOTEBOOK: Tigers dominant, but still can improve

In his Sunday teleconference, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney stated that what he thought he saw in Saturday's 41-6 dominant performance was actually the case after reviewing the film of the game.

CLEMSON—In his Sunday teleconference, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney stated that what he thought he saw in Saturday's 41-6 dominant performance was actually the case after reviewing the film of the game.

"Defensively they set the tone, did an awesome job," Swinney said. "They dominated up front. Great job on third and fourth down and red zone defense. We got eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss. So pleased with the positioning of our defense. We only gave up three big plays and those were very correctable. We probably could have had double-digit sacks. Just so proud of them. They're playing with a lot of confidence, effort and fundamentals. We're still a work-in-progress, but I like what I am seeing. The back seven guys are doing an awesome job. A lot of guys got a chance to play. We played about everybody we took defensively.

"Offensively, explosive but we have to be more efficient at times. I'm proud of how we protected our quarterback. We only had five negative yards...612 yards of total offense."

Even with the Tigers currently sitting at 3-0, the amazing thing for the Tiger faithful is that they are still leaving points and big plays on the field.

"Again a lot, a lot that we are still leaving out there," Swinney said. "There are plays to be made that we feel like we can make. We just weren't very good on third down and had some turnovers. Our receivers, a lot of yardage after the catch. I believe it was 180 yards after the catch. Four out of our five scoring drives were 70 yards or more."

"As a team, the experience of going on the road is good for us. We are 3-0 in our first quarter. We're ahead of where we were this time a year ago. We've been challenged more, too. We're not a championship caliber team now, but I don't know anyone that is in September. I like how we are improving.

No comment on paying players: Two South Carolina legislators are planning to be next in a recent movement of lawmakers attempting to give college athletes more opportunities to earn money while in school.

Similar to a bill that is awaiting the governor's signature in California, the proposed bill would allow college athletes to profit from selling their name, image and likeness.

When asked if he had a comment on the bill, Swinney deferred. 

"I don't know enough about all of that to even have a comment on it," Swinney said. "Nothing to add there. I'm just getting ready for Charlotte."

Tigers in the polls: The Tigers maintained their No. 1 spot in both the Coaches poll and the Associated Press poll—even strengthening their lead in the Coaches poll.

The Tigers entered last week's game against Syracuse receiving 60 first-place votes. Following the Tigers 41-6 win over the Orange Saturday night, the Tigers received 62 votes.

Injury Update: 

"Injury-wise, we're in a good shape. Several guys are banged up but nothing major with anyone. Getting Amari back has been a huge shot in the arm for us."