NEW ORLEANS — Clemson arrived to the pomp of a jazz band along with a dancing grand marshal clad in tights, a top hat and carrying an umbrella.

For a program that has not been to the Sugar Bowl since Frank Howard’s 1959 team played Louisiana State in Tulane Stadium, it was a sight to behold. Head Coach Dabo Swinney said 95% of his team had never been to ‘the Big Easy.’

A lot of things come to mind when you think of New Orleans and most all of them sound like a major distraction for a team playing for a shot in a third-consecutive national championship.

While Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant loves to have fun, he is prepared to lead his team with a business trip mindset.

The junior quarterback has never been to New Orleans before but is looking forward to experiencing what the city has to offer and said so far it is just like what he sees on television.

He is no stranger to having fun, from frequent jokes in press conferences to the energy he radiates on the field, seemingly always with a smile on his face.

Bryant has had a lot to smile about on the field this season, especially considering almost nobody picked him to lead the Tigers back into the College Football Playoff.

The first-year starter and Wren High School graduate has his team in the playoff for the third straight year and has evolved to be one of the nations best quarterbacks.

He was a finalist for the Manning Award and a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brian Award, both given to the nation’s top quarterback.

Bryant is having an excellent year completing a Clemson record 67.6-percent of his passes for 2753 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 824 yards and 14 touchdowns.

A change in scenery does not mean a change in routine for Bryant who is already enjoying his time in New Orleans.

“I’m not going to do anything different, I’m going to continue to have the same mindset from all year” said Bryant. “I’ll focus on doing my job and not doing anything more or less.”

If he does his job like he has in the last four games Clemson will be in good position to knock of the Crimson Tide.

As for eliminating distractions, Bryant’s solution is simple: “not have too much fun but have fun as well.”