Swinney: "Unbelievable effort," respect marks new Clemson-Alabama rivalry

Swinney sees Clemson-Alabama as a "very healthy, respectful" rivalry.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Mon Dec 11 11:53:59 GMT-04:00 2017

Before 2015, a Clemson-Alabama rivalry was pretty far-fetched. The programs had played one scheduled game since 1976.

The collision course of two elite programs has changed that narrative, however, going into a third-straight matchup in the College Football Playoff after two classics.

“Sometimes in sports rivalries pop up from time to time that maybe you didn’t expect,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said on Birmingham’s JOX radio Monday, “but all of a sudden they happen and they are very healthy, respectful rivalries. That’s kinda what’s happened here. I don’t think Alabama people are excited about playing us. We’re not real excited about playing them. Because we know both teams are really good and capable of winning, but there’s a lot of respect on both sides from a team standpoint and a fans standpoint.

“I think Alabama people respect good football. And so do we here in Clemson. It’s become a heck of a matchup.”

Alabama won the first in the CFP trilogy, 45-40, in 2015, and Clemson clinched its first national title since 1981 with the famous last-second connection between Deshaun Watson and Hunter Renfrow.

The No. 1 Tigers are seeking what the Crimson Tide couldn’t accomplish last year, in back-to-back Playoff championships.

“There’s never been back-to-back College Playoff champions in this era,” Swinney said. “Hey, there’s a first time for everything, right? Sooner or later somebody has to do it. Might as well be us. That’s kinda been our mindset from day one around here.

“We just stay locked in on the opportunity in front of us. It’s been special. Really is. Some days I just kinda pinch myself that it’s been surreal to get to our third playoff in a row. We’ve won 61 games in the last five years and Alabama has 62. To have to sit here and play Alabama again for a third time – it’s just kinda the way it’s supposed to be.

“We’ve had to earn our way for the past eight years around here. You get to the Playoff and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. And Alabama, you can just count on them being there. If you’re going to win it, you’re going to have to beat Alabama regardless.”

Alabama is an early favorite for Jan. 1's Sugar Bowl semifinal (2.5 points) – and somebody has to take the three-season mini-series, but Swinney guarantees you will see each team’s best.

“You look at the previous two games and the way these teams have played – at the end of the day, somebody is going to win or lose – but you see guys play with unbelievable effort and that’s what you’ve seen in these last two games,” said Swinney. “And that’s what you’ll get this game. Somebody will win or lose, but I guarantee it will be two teams that will battle all the way for four quarters.”