Clemson Tigers

Dabo Swinney taking the torch from Jimbo Fisher in 2016.

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dabo Swinney doesn’t get enough credit for the job he has done at Clemson. Let’s be honest before he took over in Death Valley, no one would have expected the Tigers to be where they are today. Swinney has turned Clemson into one of the elite programs in college football, yet Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles are widely considered tops in the ACC. I get that the Noles have the national title over Clemson, however, I believe that this year signifies the passing of the torch in the ACC. Clemson is going to solidify their spot as the big brother in the ACC with a win over Florida State this weekend.

Since taking over at Florida State, Fisher has four ACC Championship appearances winning 3 of those 4. Since taking over at Clemson, Swinney has three ACC Championship appearances, winning 2 out of 3. Both coaches have one national title appearance, however, Fisher was victorious, while Swinney’s ended in bitter defeat.

I am not saying that Jimbo fisher isn’t an elite coach, rather it is Clemson’s time. Success comes in waves and in this case Clemson is riding that wave. Look at the SEC, Urban Meyer appeared to have a strong hold on the conference, winning two national titles in four years. In 2009-following Meyer’s second national title with the Gators-Florida sat undefeated heading into the SEC championship game. That’s where Nick Saban comes in. Saban and Alabama ended Florida’s win streak, as well as their reign of dominance over the SEC. We all know how Alabama has been since 2009. Just plain dominant.

Clemson top dog in ACC

Clemson is on the verge of taking the ACC’s reins from Florida State. As great as this team is, Dabo Swinney has this program building towards the future. The hiring of Brent Venables was pure genius on Dabo’s part. Venables has turned this program into a dominant force on defense, ranking in the top ten in total defense for the past 3 years. Also, the bringing on Marion Hobby was one of the most overlooked moves in Dabo’s tenure. Marion Hobby is an absolute force on the recruiting trail, not to mention his ability to develop defensive lineman.

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Dabo Swinney has the Tigers reloading on a yearly basis. Clemson is built from the inside out. The Tigers have done a great job of stock piling talent on the offensive and defensive line. Of the 47 recruits that the Tigers have signed in the past two recruiting classes, 20 have been on the offensive or defensive line.

This Saturday, Clemson will defeat Florida State and in the process continue their run of dominance in the ACC.

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