Clemson is getting message

CLEMSON, S.C. --- Clemson's Dabo Swinney got where he is by dreaming big.

With his 18th-ranked Tigers so close to the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, Clemson's first-year coach won't let the players' hopes for success get in the way of what's important.

Swinney tells his players all the time to enjoy their season's journey. Right behind it, though, comes his cautionary words. "Be careful what you listen to," Swinney said Tuesday.

And this week, that's sure to be some crazy, excited Tiger fans.

Clemson (7-3, 5-2) can wrap up the ACC's Atlantic Division and reach its first league championship game with a win over the Cavaliers (2-4, 3-7). A victory in Tampa, Fla., over Georgia Tech in December would be the Tigers' first ACC crown since 1991.

While there's likely to be a large crowd at Death Valley on Saturday, Clemson's ticket staff says it's getting as many orders for ACC title game tickets from backers already looking past this weekend.

"There's definitely that kind of buzz in the air," guard Thomas Austin said.

There was a different buzz six weeks ago when the Tigers were 2-3 after a loss at Maryland, still the Terps' only ACC victory.

Since Oct. 17 and a 38-3 win over then-Atlantic leader Wake Forest, the Tigers have been one of the ACC's best.

Clemson has scored 27 touchdowns and averaged 42 points its past five wins after managing just seven and 24 its first five.

The Tigers' "Steele Curtain" defense, nicknamed for first-year coordinator Kevin Steele, is second in the ACC in overall defense and leads the league in sacks and interceptions.

The message of Swinney and Clemson's assistants hasn't changed from the start of the season, offensive coordinator Billy Napier said.

"In our minds, hopefully, our message has been consistent enough for these guys that every game so far has been exactly like this game," he said. "It's our opportunity to advance."