During his weekly radio show Monday night ahead of Saturday’s game at North Carolina, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked if he’s willing to bench starters who he feels aren’t playing up to their potential.
“Yeah, absolutely. There’s no question about that,” Swinney said. “Guys have to play to the standard, and if they don’t, we’ve got to put the next guy in there. Everybody’s on the same page and understands that.”
Swinney went on to say that “just getting 11 guys on the same page, and then working together” has been a problem.
“We’ve had so little complementary football,” he said.
Swinney added that “if you just take the turnovers away, we’re probably 3-1” instead of 1-3.
Clemson is tied for 102nd nationally in total turnovers lost, with seven (three fumbles, four interceptions). The Tigers are -2 in turnover margin, tied for 93rd nationally.
“Don’t change anything else – just [take away] that part,” he said of the turnovers.
“So, just working against each other. Critical mistakes at critical times. So, yeah, it’s a fresh start for everyone. But we’ve got to really play better and execute better. Much more precision and details than what we’re doing.”
The Tigers will try to do that on Saturday when they travel to North Carolina to take on the Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN.