CLEMSON — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke with the media following Wednesday’s practice via zoom, as the Tigers get set to host North Carolina in the ACC opener for both teams on Saturday.

The Tigers are going for an eighth consecutive victory against North Carolina, starting with a 59-38 victory in 2011. An eighth straight win would break the longest winning streak in series history by either team (seven wins by Clemson from 1986-92).

Below are some of the news and notes from Wednesday’s media session:

–Swinney was asked what Gordan Sellars III has done that has allowed him to become the first wide receiver off the bench this season. “It is kind of him and Juju Preston depending on the position. But those two are the first two guys. But he just really kind of picked it up quicker in the spring. Of the three freshmen, he just grabbed on to it quicker. Naeem (Burroughs) started coming on a little bit toward the end of the spring and he actually has had a good week this week. Connor, it did not come as easy for him from the assignments and all that stuff. Athletically and physically, and all that stuff, he is very gifted, but just not yet mentality in a position to compete like he needs to. Gordo is big. He is strong and, I guess, fundamentally advanced for a young guy. He just really performed well through the spring, summer and fall camp.”

–The Clemson coach was also asked about another wide receiver — Tristan Smith and what he has to do to get back in the rotation. “He just needs to practice consistently,” Swinney said. “He did not have a good camp. He just kind of went backwards in camp and he just got behind. He has to stack days, every day and I will say he has. I would say last week was one of his better weeks” Swinney said Smith was struggling in practice and was dropping a lot of balls. “He did not realize how bad he was there, so he got some contact and he has had a couple of good weeks. He just needs to keep practicing hard.”

–Swinney was also asked how the blocking was with his tight ends Olsen Patt-Henry and Christian Bentancur and his thoughts. “Just okay. Everybody has to be better.”

–Former Ohio State transfer Jelani Thurman has hauled in 8 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown through two games this year for North Carolina. On Wednesday, Swinney was asked about Thurman and what makes him such a good tight end. “Good players are always hard to deal with, he is a really good player,” Swinney said. “I have a lot of respect for him. He is one of their best players, so they are going to do everything they can to feature him. That is what good coaches do. He is a handful.”