Clemson Football: 5 reasons the Tigers should be nation’s No. 1 team

1. Dabo keeps them dabbing

Unless you are Alabama with Nick Saban leading the program, it can be very difficult to remain a top contender for the national title year after year after year.

Dabo Swinney has found a way to do just that.

Swinney was promoted from his role as wide receiver coach to head coach, first on an interim basis before earning the job and taking the Tigers to the promised land.

What is it that makes Swinney so successful? His dedication and drive.

Before Swinney, the Tigers had no trouble scoring top recruits like C.J. Spiller, Sammy Watkins, James Davis and countless others. What they did have trouble with was winning games they should.

People even found a term for it: “Clemsoning.”

Under Swinney, there hasn’t been any of that, as the Tigers are 34-2 over the past two-plus seasons.

Last year, Clemson had that sense of purpose after being denied in the national title game by Alabama. But this year, they entered with the trophy back in Death Valley for the first time since 1983 and easily could be resting on that.

They aren’t.

Three wins vs. Top-15 programs Auburn, Louisville and Virginia Tech, along with victories over Kent State, Boston College and Wake Forest have Clemson right back at the top.

Swinney has developed and instilled his drive and determination that led him from being a walk-on wide receiver at Alabama to a scholarship player in each and every one of his players – no matter if they were a highly-recruited athlete or someone trying out of the squad.

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At this point, it’s safe to say as long as Swinney is at Clemson, the Tigers will be challengers no matter the roster makeup.