Yes, Dabo Swinney is the reigning title holder and has a chance for a repeat national championship. And yes he has a great overall record.
“But you have to remember his accomplishments have come while playing in the ACC. He wouldn’t be so successful if he had to consistently face SEC teams.”
That’s the conventional wisdom. But do the numbers back it up? Actually, not really.
Dabo Swinney’s record:
Overall: 101-29; 77.69%
Vs. SEC: 13-8; 61.90%
Vs. all others: 88-21; 80.73%
Since becoming head coach midway through the 2008 season, Swinney has won 78 percent of all his games. Against SEC opponents, that percentage drops to 62 percent.
But in recent years, it hasn’t mattered much who was on the other sideline.
The Tigers have won five in a row versus SEC opponents and seven of their last eight. The lone loss was that thrilling game against Alabama in the national championship game two years ago.
During that eight-game stretch Clemson has beaten Auburn twice, Alabama once and South Carolina four times.
Swinney has also beaten Kentucky and LSU and Georgia. In fact, he’s won at least once against every SEC team he’s had a crack at.
I know there’s a difference between playing three SEC opponents per year instead of eight.
But at this point I think we can all just admit that Clemson doesn’t have to take a backseat to anyone. That includes the best the SEC has to offer.
For Threaded Fasteners, I’m Randy Kennedy with Nuts and Bolts of the Game.
