CLEMSON — After a rough stretch of games to start off the season, it is always nice to get a break.

The Clemson Tigers had their second open date of the season last week, taking the time to rest and recover before their final five games. With the strenuous nature of school, football and everything else that life brings, these athletes certainly need it.

Starting linebacker Wade Woodaz shared his experience during the bye week with the media on Wednesday.

“It was great. Personally, I got a massage, so my body feels pretty good,” he said. “It was good to just relax. Take your mind off of football for a bit.”

The Tigers sit at 3-4 on the season, including a 2-3 record in the ACC. With five games left, Clemson has the chance to bounce back, become bowl-eligible and redeem itself after the collapse of the national championship expectations. A time to rest and recover physically and mentally is some of the best medicine during such a season.

Starting defensive back Avieon Terrell also spoke, noting the importance and value of the bye week, including taking a look at the Duke Blue Devils before the game on Saturday.

“We have been working on it a lot,” Terrell said. “It has been a good bye week. It has been a good bye week and a good week so far. Everything has been smooth.”

A victory against Duke on Saturday will be only the second victory at home in Death Valley for the Tigers, with losses to SMU, Syracuse, and LSU at Memorial Stadium. Defeating the Blue Devils would be a big step for Clemson as they try to get back on track. The defense has specifically been looking at ways to make big plays this weekend.

“One thing we have emphasized is taking the ball away,” Woodaz said. “Especially during practice against our scout team guys, the second or third guy in there to wrap up and punch at the ball, rip it out.”