After getting off to a disastrous start to the season by dropping five of the first eight games, Clemson has rebounded to win each of its last four contests.

During that four-game winning streak, the Tigers went into Louisville and squeaked out a one-point win, then capped off the regular season with a 28-14 road win over the rival Gamecocks.

Dabo Swinney’s team will now prep for a Pinstripe Bowl matchup against Penn State on December 27, and while it’s not the College Football Playoff appearance most thought his team would make, the longtime head coach and his players are still looking forward to the opportunity to play in Yankee Stadium in New York City.

“They are excited about it,” Swinney said. “It will be a unique experience to have Christmas in New York City.”

While Swinney has spent the past few days out of town, the Tigers will hold a team meeting on Thursday, before hitting the practice field to begin prep for the Nittany Lions.

“We will have our first team meeting on Thursday, so that will be the first chance I get to get in front of the whole team, since this was announced,” Swinney added. “I know we will have an eager group. I have always enjoyed postseason and the experiences that come with it. I have been all over the country in bowl games with this game, but have never had an opportunity to have a bowl game in New York City. It is unique for me.”

And make no mistake, Swinney insists his team is coming to win. While there are likely to be opt-outs and portal declarations between now and the game, given how this season has played out, the head coach knows how important it is for his program to enter the offseason with some positive momentum.

“Anytime you take the field, the goal is to win the game,” Sswinney said. “That is why we practice and prepare. This is a tough challenge. We have had a great finish, winning our state championship, winning four in a row. One of our goals is to win the closer, so this is the closer. It just so happens we are playing in Yankee Stadium to do it. Anytime you can finish your season with a win, it is a great thing. So, huge game, huge opportunity.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright