CLEMSON — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke to the media briefly following Wednesday’s practice, as the Tigers get set to head down to Columbia on Saturday to play rival South Carolina.

Below are some of the notes from Swinney’s short press meeting.

–Swinney was asked about injured defensive tackle Stephiylan Green, and if he expects him to play in Saturday’s game against the Gamecocks. The Clemson coach said he expects Green to play.

–Swinney also said freshman quarterback Chris Denson is better after being injured during Monday’s practice, while playing the role of LaNorris Sellers on the scout team.

“He was little better today,” Swinney said. “Fortunately, he does not have anything long term or anything like that, so there is a possibility (he could be available).”

Denson had his foot stepped on in practice. He ran for 106 yards and a TD on six carries last week against Furman, while throwing for another TD on 4-of-4 passing for 22 yards.

–The Clemson coach was asked about his relationship with South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer. Swinney said they have known each other since Beamer was an assistant coach under his dad at Virginia Tech.

“Like I said, if you have done this long enough, because this is a relationship business, you are going to have to coach against friends. Shane and I have been friends for a long time… You know, that doesn’t change because you are at the rival school, and again, that is no different.”

Despite being friends, Swinney says he still wants to beat Beamer and the Gamecocks just as bad.

–In 2023, the last time Clemson had to visit South Carolina, many of the players were sick, causing Clemson to have to take a quarantine bus down to Columbia. It’s the only time, outside of COVID, Swinney has had to have a quarantine bus to separate the sick players from his healthy ones. Despite the sickness, the Tigers still won the game 16-7.