Dabo Swinney Postgame Press Conference Quotes

Jan. 1, 2009

Recap |  Final Stats |  Notes |  Photo Gallery  |  AP Photo Gallery 

“There is no question that when two good teams play, the difference in winning and losing is always four to five plays. Our guys fought hard but we came out on the short end of the stick today. We just did not make enough plays in the end, but you have to give Nebraska credit.”

“I was disappointed in the two quick touchdowns we gave up to begin the second half. Especially the second one, we had just scored on a big play go up by 11 points, but then they went right back down and scored. I was disappointed in that.”

“Our defense did a great job in the first half and they had a hard time moving the ball and getting first downs. The second half was a different story, especially with those big plays. Overall, our defense fought hard and competed all day, and they did a great job two times when they were put into a tough spot after the interception and blocked punt, and held them to two field goals.”

“There were several opportunities for us, especially at the end, but you have to give Nebraska credit. Our guys competed and didn’t quit, and I thought we were going to win it there at the end.”

“I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that we did not win. You come down here and the main goal is to win. I am proud of the kids, they competed down to the last play and handled themselves with class. We just didn’t quite perform well enough to win.”

“I love these seniors and they all have great futures. I am excited about our young guys too. I want to thank our fans for coming down, that’s another reason I am disappointed. I thank all of them for coming. I want everyone to hang in there with us, there are still 364 days left in 2009, and we are going to work every day to make it a good one.”

Clemson Player Quotes

Wide Receiver Aaron Kelly

On 25-yard TD Pass in the first half that earned Kelly the all-time yardage record at Clemson: “It was a great call by our coaches and a great throw by Cullen. I was able to go up and make a play because it was thrown just where it needed to be.”

On his career at Clemson: “There are so many memories from my time at Clemson. The thing I will always look back on is the great support of the Clemson fans. They were always there to support us, no matter what our record was. To have that kind of support is very special. I will always remember my teammates at Clemson and the time I spent there with them.”

Defensive End Da’Quan Bowers

On his three tackles for loss: “Our coaches had a great game plan for us today. I was able to make some plays in there, but we came up short as a team and that is all that matters. You have to give Nebraska credit. They made plays in the second half when they needed to. They have a great team.”

On his freshman season: “I feel like I have learned a lot from the first game until now. I know I have a ways to go before I’m performing at the level I know I can. This off-season will be different, because I feel like I know what to expect. Our team is going to work hard to be better next season. That will start next week.”

Linebacker DeAndre McDaniel

On 28-yard fumble return: “I was in the right place to make a play. Our coaches had us prepared. Once I picked the ball up I knew that I could score. That was the first touchdown for me since high school so that was pretty special.”

“It hurts to lose a game like this because we were so close. But you have to give Nebraska credit. They got it done when they had to and held on at the end.

“Coach Swinney told our team we have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be next season. There is a lot of work to do, but I know the guys we have coming back are going to put in the time to make us a great team next season.