Swinney believes crowd will play a factor

CLEMSON — The No.1 ranked Clemson Tigers have a significant advantage over a lot of college football teams — at least according to head coach Dabo Swinney.

That advantage is not found in the number of five-star recruits that are on the field, the facilities they have access to or even the winning of two of the last three national championships.

It is in the fans.

In fact, at some point in every one of Swinney's Tuesday press conferences prior to a home game he tells the fans who excited he is to play in front of the home crowd. And after every postgame press conference begins the same way, with Swinney thanking the fans for showing up, being loud and doing their part.

This week, the fans will not need any encouragement with the Tigers playing host to the No.11 Texas A&M Aggies — in what has been billed as one of the biggest nonconference games in college football this season.

"It’s going to be a big challenge for us, but I’m excited to see how our team is going to respond to a group like this," Swinney said. "Early in the season, I think this is great for us. They are definitely one of the best teams in the country, regardless of what happens in this game. I think that’s going to play out, and the same thing for us. It’s a great opportunity early for us to grow our team. Win or lose the game, we’re going to get better from this game."

Last year, the Tigers played in front of the largest crowd in program history, as they traveled to College Station and took on the Aggies in front of 104,794.

While Death Valley holds around 20,000 less people than Kyle Field, Swinney is fully expecting the Tiger faithful to make Death Valley a formidable environment Saturday.

"I always tell our guys that if they're only good players at home, they're not going to be good players," Swinney said. "If your play is determined by outside influences, you won't be a good player. There's no question a home crowd can create great energy for you. We try not to get caught up in that stuff.

"But I know this; this is one of the unique environments in college football. I think it was an issue on that first punt-fumble last week. It takes a lot of focus when you are on the road. You have to block it out. Our fan base is so passionate and loud. I've never sat in the stands here before but I always hear people stand up a lot. That's what they tell me. Our crowd energizes us at home. For sure. Hopefully they can impact the opponent."

That crowd will undoubtedly be fired up for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff for a nationally televised game against a top 12 team, but so will Swinney.

"I love the challenge. I love the opportunity to go against a great team early in the year, especially before we get into conference play, and kind of see where we are and grow up a little bit," Swinney said. "I thought it helped us last year. We were fortunate to win the game, but that game in particular helped us to get better and make a run, so I don’t have any different feelings this time around against this group.

"We’re excited about having them here at home. I know it’s going to be an awesome crowd"

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