Dabo Swinney Recalls 2008 Chaos Before Clemson-Georgia Tech Game

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Clemson coach Dabo Swinney knows he doesn’t have much time to prepare for Georgia Tech. But he’s glad not to have the chaos that was swirling the last time he faced the Yellow Jackets.

Swinney was named the team’s interim coach the Monday before the Georgia Tech game last October. Along with replacing Tommy Bowden, Swinney fired offensive coordinator Rob Spence and had a struggling attack to rebuild.

Swinney worked to hold together confused players who didn’t know whether to continue, or throw in the towel on an already forgettable season.

Swinney says the players and remaining coaches dug in and competed hard in a 21-17 loss to the Yellow Jackets at Death Valley.

The teams meet Thursday night in Atlanta, this time with Swinney, his assistants and his vision clearly installed.