CLEMSON – Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods spoke to the media earlier this week. The junior defensive tackle says how the Tigers respond to their 1-3 start during the off week will go a long way in how they tackle the rest of the season. 

Question: We just heard about the team meeting from Collin Sadler‘s perspective. Just from your perspective, what was (Monday) like for you?

Woods: “(Monday) was great. It was needed. It was just about responding. Nobody expected us to start the season off like this. This wasn’t in Coach [Dabo] Swinney’s notes for the bye week. But it’s all about how you respond.”

Question: Collin was also saying there was a direct line of communication between Coach Swinney to be able to air out your emotions. How emotional was it in the room for some of you guys?

Woods: “You lose some games. Got guys that are hurting. But everybody was on the same page as far as I know. Just being in there and hearing those guys expressing themselves. Everybody’s looking forward to what we can do to be better. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to those seniors. Our fans. Just to be better. All across the board. It all just comes down to a response.”

Question: How would you write you and your defensive line? Has it been as good as you wanted? Not as good? Room for growth?

Woods: “If I came in here and I was talking to y’all with 10 sacks and 15 TFLs, we’re still 1-3 and I’m still going to come in here and tell you that we’ve got to get better everyday. I’ve got to do better for my team. That’s kind of my mindset with that. Schemes and game plans, as far as the other team, they vary. One thing that doesn’t various is hard work, dedication, and a response. If I was in here, and I had the stats that y’all had written down for me, whatever you had in your head, we’re still 1-3.” 

Question: Do you feel like the efforts been there?

Woods: “Yeah, I think we’ve played hard.” 

Question: Do you agree that you and T.J. [Parker] have underperformed?

Woods: “I’ll give you the same answer I gave to him. If had 10 sacks, 15 TFLs, I’d come in here and say I have to get better. So my answer is I have to get better and I take full accountability. I’m sure TJ would say the same. At the end of the day, we’re a 1-3 football team. It’s all about what we do in the next coming week.”