CLEMSON – Defensive end Justin Mascoll spoke to the media on Tuesday to evaluate Clemson’s performance against Florida State this past Saturday and to preview their matchup against Syracuse on the road this weekend.

–When asked what the locker room was like after the Tigers’ overtime loss against the Seminoles, Mascoll admitted that it was a tough moment. However, he said that “As a team, I feel like it brought us closer. Everyone was hurting and loving on each other in that moment.”

–Head coach Dabo Swinney spoke to the media earlier on Tuesday, where he noted that the way the defense has played this year, the Tigers should be 4-0 right now. When asked how they do not let this demoralize them given the fact they are 2-2, Mascoll said that they have to take it one step at a time. “We just have to keep taking it play-by-play, day-by-day, and control what we can control.”

–Even though the results haven’t been what they wanted, Mascoll noted that their coaches have put them in positions to win. “I feel like, for the most part, we have prepared a lot. We just have to keep working and capitalize on every possession.”

–Being an upperclassman who has played in JMA Wireless Dome before, Mascoll is excited to travel to Syracuse this Saturday and play the Orange on their home turf. “It’s a great environment. It’s like the crowd is on you. I actually like playing indoors . . . it’s fun.”

–When asked about the trajectory of defensive end TJ Parker, Mascoll is very impressed and proud about the freshman’s success so far this season. “For TJ, it’s his knowledge of the game. He’s a hard worker and he competes every day. He pushes me and XT [Xavier Thomas] to be better.”

–Mascoll admitted that Parker is strides ahead of where he was as a freshman, and as long as he continues to stay humble and keep working, the future is bright for him.

–Overall, the big theme from Mascoll is staying positive despite the setbacks they have faced. “We’ve got to keep loving on each other.”

The Tigers will try to turn things around against Syracuse. Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday and will be televised by ABC.

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