Head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the media in his weekly press conference to discuss No. 1 Clemson’s upcoming game against Florida State. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables and a few players also had a lot to say about the upcoming rivalry game.

Here is what we heard:

Swinney was proud of the way his team handled adversity on Saturday in a difficult road game.

“I’m really proud of our guys for winning back-to-back road games. This has been a tough stretch. We had a clean game down there in Miami and then a hard fought game up at NC State where we had momentum swings and were able to finish the game in strong fashion,” Swinney said.

Swinney said that he is glad to be back in the Valley, but he knows that Florida State will prove to be another challenge.

“Defensively, they are very talented up front. They’ve got some young guys who have gotten better as the year has gone on. They’re outstanding in the secondary. Offensively, they have a big, strong offensive line. You all know how I feel about Dalvin Cook. He’s an amazing player,” Swinney said. “They have really, really good football players and they have some really talented freshmen that they’ve mixed in there as well.”

Dalvin Cook had previously been verbally committed to Clemson, but changed his mind to attend Florida State. Now he is one of the best college running backs in the nation.

“We didn’t almost sign him. He just dated us for a little while when kicked us to the curb. He’s a great player and great guy. We didn’t really get past first base with him,” Swinney said.

However, tight end Jordan Leggett believes that Clemson is home to the best running back in the nation.

“In my opinion, I think he (Wayne Gallman) is the best back in the country. He might not get the spotlight like Ezekiel Elliot or Dalvin Cook but to me, I think he’s the best back in the country.”

Gallman also believes that he is the best running back in the nation, and he was really appreciative of the fact that his teammate, Leggett, had spoken that highly of his abilities.

“I’d like to think of myself as the best. I’m doubting myself if I don’t think that way,” Gallman said. “Knowing him for so long, I really appreciate that from him. He tells me that all the time. We have a close relationship so that just shows you how our team is. All of the guys are like that, and I’m like that to everyone else. That’s just how close we are,” Gallman said.

With the College Football Playoff rankings being released, many wondered what the players and coaches think about the initial rankings. However, Swinney was very clear when he said that he does not care what the rankings say right now.

“The only poll we’re excited about is December 6th. I promise you we will have the biggest poll party you’ve ever seen. We’ll open up Death Valley and serve pizza to everybody on December 6th. That will be a time to celebrate a poll. Until then, it just doesn’t matter. Our focus in on trying to beat Florida State,” Swinney said.