Smith goes on record why he didn’t play in national title game

After starting all 14 games for Clemson last season leading up to the national championship game against LSU on Jan. 13, linebacker Chad Smith did not get the start that night against the SEC’s Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans in what was the final game of his college career. In fact, Smith […]

Tigers ready to play after touching down in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Clemson linebacker Chad Smith wishes he and his teammates could play Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship today. The Tigers arrived in New Orleans Friday in advance of the national title game against LSU, which will be played at the Superdome in New Orleans. When the two Tigers tangle just blocks away […]

Smith: ‘We’ve been laying in the weeds, ready to attack’

NEW ORLEANS — Clemson linebacker Chad Smith spoke with the media shortly after the Tigers’ football team touched down at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Friday afternoon ahead of Monday’s national championship game against LSU. Asked if this national title game trip feels any different than previous ones, Smith said, “A little […]

Smith reaped the fruits of his labor with MVP night

Chad Smith saw his years of patience pay off and reaped the fruits of his labor last Saturday night when he was named the Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl after recording 12 tackles (0.5 for loss) during Clemson’s 29-23 victory over Ohio State in Glendale, Arizona. Smith, a fifth-year linebacker, had to wait his […]

Smith says Clemson not worried about being underdog to LSU

Dabo Swinney is a master at finding ways to motivate his team, and the Clemson head coach has had no problem doing that this season, using criticism from the media and playing the disrespect card to help keep his team fired up and playing with a chip on its shoulder. Well, the oddsmakers in Las […]

Clemson had a lot of heroes in win over Buckeyes

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Fiesta Bowl proved to be one of the most exciting games of the College Football Playoff era as third-ranked Clemson defeated No. 2 Ohio State, 29-23, with a late touchdown from Trevor Lawrence to Travis Etienne with 1:49 remaining in the contest. The Tigers fell in a hole early and trailed […]

Fiesta Bowl: Clemson postgame press conference report

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, Trevor Lawrence and Chad Smith shared their thoughts on the Fiesta Bowl win over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday. The third-ranked Tigers beat the Buckeyes, 29-23. Watch the winners press conference on TCITV:

Smith says mentality doesn’t change despite playoff hype

Linebacker Chad Smith says Clemson’s matchup versus Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl this Saturday will be a challenge for the third-ranked Tigers, but for veterans like Smith, this is just another trip to the post-season and a chance to vie for another national championship in January. While many teams could become complacent in the […]

Ohio State coach feels Skalski, Smith are unappreciated

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson says no one wants to talk about Clemson linebackers James Skalski and Chad Smith. So, he decided to do it. Wilson says they are as tough as anyone the Buckeyes have played this year. “Those inside linebackers are as tough as heck and they call the […]

Tigers shine on both sides of the ball

RALEIGH, N.C. — Fifth-ranked Clemson decimated North Carolina State 55-10 on Saturday night to win its eight straight Textile Bowl. The Tigers have now won 15 of their last 16 games in the rivalry. The win also secured Clemson with its fifth straight ACC Atlantic Division title and appearance in the ACC Championship Game. They […]