CLEMSON – The Clemson Tigers head to Austin, Texas on Saturday for the first round of the College Football Playoff. The 12th seeded Tigers are matched up against the 5th seeded Texas Longhorns.
–Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter was asked about the excitement of getting into the playoffs after weeks of feeling like they had no control of their own destiny. “That is what we expected to do so that is what we have been working for all offseason not just to make it to the playoffs, but just keep fighting round-by-round, day-by-day, and finish strong, finish on top so the energy has been great within the guys.”
–Carter was asked about the toughness of staying away from negative energy and how Dabo Swinney helps instill this in the team. “It is honestly tough just being in a society where we all know how big social media is nowadays. He really just preaches to us every single day, just stay inside out and some guys it is hard. I fall into the trap too. I wake up and I check my phone. I see all the stuff, but I truly just try to listen to what he says and truly believe in what he says.”
–When asked about Texas’ offense as a whole, the linebacker said, “They definitely have a lot of pre and post snap, so definitely a lot. It is going to be tough. You are going to have your eyes in the right place because they do have a lot of eye candy and a lot of misdirection. You are just focusing on your keys, and you have to know your responsibility and execute.”
–photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images