Dabo Swinney has spent the entire offseason balancing his message on the opener.
The stakes are high for both No. 14 Clemson and No. 1 Georgia on Saturday (noon/ABC). One of the first authentic games of week one is a top-15 matchup between two rivals. Swinney sees the opportunity presented to the Tigers—if they pull off the upset, a message will be sent nationally.
He also knows it is just one game in what could be an extended season if 2024 follows its intended course.
"It is big to win any game out of the gate," Swinney said.