Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made an appearance on the ACC Network’s ACC Huddle show Saturday night after the 25th-ranked Tigers delivered a commanding 66-20 victory over Appalachian State at Death Valley. During the interview, Swinney not only celebrated his team’s impressive performance but also took the opportunity to provide injury updates on two key starters from the offensive side of the ball—sophomore wide receiver Tyler Brown and senior left guard Marcus Tate.
Tyler Brown, an emerging talent for the Tigers, has been an important part of Clemson’s offensive unit. However, the young wide receiver found himself sidelined for the majority of Saturday’s game due to an ankle injury.
“Tyler kind of rolled his ankle so he was limited, so we just held him,” Swinney explained during his post-game interview.
While the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, Swinney and his staff took the cautious route, ensuring that Brown’s ankle had time to heal before pushing him back into game action. This strategic decision allowed the sophomore to rest and potentially return fully fit for the team’s upcoming schedule, a pivotal factor for the Tigers as they head into the heart of their season.
Swinney also addressed the status of starting left guard Marcus Tate, a senior who plays a critical role in protecting Clemson’s offensive line. Tate sustained an injury during Clemson’s season opener against Georgia last week, exiting the game in the third quarter.
Swinney had provided an update earlier in the week, mentioning that Tate was “getting better each day” following the injury. In Saturday’s post-game interview, he elaborated further, noting that while Tate was ready to play if necessary, the coaching staff opted to rest him.
“We didn’t play Marcus Tate tonight,” Swinney said. “He was ready if we needed him, but we were able to hold him.”
By holding Tate out, Swinney demonstrated the importance of long-term planning in keeping key players healthy. Tate’s presence on the offensive line will be crucial as the Tigers face tougher competition later in the season, and ensuring his full recovery remains a top priority.
With the victory over Appalachian State behind them, the Tigers now shift their focus to the next phase of their schedule. Clemson has a bye week on Saturday, Sept. 14, which gives the team time to regroup, heal, and prepare for their upcoming ACC opener.
On Sept. 21, the Tigers will return to Death Valley to face NC State, a key conference matchup that could set the tone for the rest of their season. The open date offers valuable time for players like Brown and Tate to recover fully and rejoin the lineup without rushing their rehabilitation.
Clemson’s 66-20 rout of Appalachian State was a strong statement from the Tigers after their challenging season opener against Georgia. The victory showcased Clemson’s depth and offensive firepower, as several players stepped up in the absence of Brown and Tate. Despite these injuries, Swinney’s team is proving that they have the resilience and talent needed to compete at the highest level.
As they gear up for ACC play, Swinney’s decision to prioritize player health and recovery speaks volumes about his approach to managing a long and grueling season. With Brown and Tate on the mend, the Tigers are positioning themselves for success in their pursuit of another ACC title and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
The next two weeks will be critical for Clemson, both in terms of healing and preparation. As the team prepares for their showdown against NC State, all eyes will be on Death Valley to see if the Tigers can maintain their momentum and emerge as a dominant force in the ACC.