It’s Fairly Obvious This Clemson Team Ready to Prove 2021 Was Minor Setback

For most programs, a 10-3 season would be considered a monumental success. At Clemson, it’s considered a down year. At least by some on the outside looking in.

Regardless, listening to the players on this team speak, it’s obvious the Tigers are ready to prove last season was not a sign of the program slipping.

Sophomore LB Barrett Carter called the season opening matchup with Georgia Tech a statement game.

“I think it’s a statement game,” Carter said this week. “And we treat every opponent the same but to start off against an ACC opponent, one that we face every year usually, it should be exciting. I’m excited to see the bullets start flying against them and I’m definitely to excited make plays against them.”

Sophomore RB Will Shipley made similar remarks.

“We just wanna go out there and show everybody what we truly are,” he said. “You know, we’ve put in the work, nobody has any doubt about that. But now it’s time to just put the country on notice. Clemson football, yeah, we had a down year, as many people would say. We’re ready to come back and show everybody that we’re our true self.”

Fifth year senior DE KJ Henry also said the Tigers were ready to prove they still belong.

“We know what we’re capable of, it’s going to start with this game,” Henry said. “We’re only focused on this game and being the best version of ourselves. but we’re excited. We’re excited to go play and prove that we belong. Not only do we belong but we’re one of the best in the country.” 

No. 4 Clemson will head to Atlanta to face the Yellow Jackets in the Mercedes Benz Dome on Monday night. The Tigers are currently favored to win by as many as 23 points.