Clemson @ Syracuse Postgame Quotes

On today’s win:“I’m really proud of our team. It was a great performance on the road and it’s always a tough place to play. Our guys really executed at a high level. I thought our defense really responded throughout the four quarters, really played outstanding. Another division win puts us right where we need to be on track 5-0. Offensively we took control of the game. What else can you say about our quarterback – he’s something special. We had 200 yards receivers. Adam Humphries was tremendous. It was just a very good game overall. We had very few possessions that were miscommunications amongst the team. All in all we are 5-0 and appreciate the competition Syracuse presented us.”

On Tajh Boyd‘s wrap on his hand:“He ended up getting hit in the hip which was what bothered him. We tried to hold him at certain plays, but he was ready to go at every play. In the second quarter we tried to give some other guys opportunities. Tajh is ok though, he just bruised his thumb.”

On what that says about their coach:“Well, that’s what great players do. They make great plays, especially with teams like this that play the way they play. They force the issue, there was a ton of blitzing going on out there. In that case you have to win the match ups. We talked about this last night – if we can hat them up early we could make big plays early. I give them a lot of credit. I thought they fought hard. Those guys came back and competed their tails off. Again, it’s a complete game. When you complement offense, defense, and special teams, that’s when you win games.”

Clemson Player Quotes

Spencer Shuey, Graduate Student, Linebacker

On how the defense stepped up in the second half:“They definitely gained a little bit of momentum there in the third quarter coming out into the second half, but that’s the thing about this team. When your offense isn’t clicking like they were in the first half, the defense was able to step up and make some stops, so it was definitely a good team win.”

On how the explosive offense helps the defense:“I think it gives the whole team a lot of momentum. Coach Swinney always emphasizes coming out fast and putting it on them from the get go and try to do that through four quarters. For the offense to be able to come out and score like they have, it definitely helps us as a defense and gives the whole team a lot of confidence.”

On Syracuse quarterback Terrell Hunt:“He’s a big guy, definitely a really good player. He can run extremely well and definitely throws a good ball so when you face a guy that scrambles as much as he did and has that ability to run, it definitely puts the burden on the defense and makes it a lot tougher.”

Martavis Bryant, Junior, Wide Receiver

On playing with Tajh Boyd“I thought he did a great job. No matter what they put in, it just plays out for him on Saturdays. We trust him, know that he’s going to put the ball there if we’re where we’re supposed to be.”