Clemson Brings Business Mindset to Big Apple Ahead of Pinstripe Bowl
New city, new venue - same mission.
Clemson touched down in New York this week, trading the warm comforts of South Carolina for winter coats and subway noise, but don’t let the change in scenery fool you. This trip isn’t about sightseeing. For Dabo Swinney and his Tigers, it’s all about finishing strong.
After wrapping up their first on-site bowl practice at Columbia University, Swinney struck a tone that was equal parts lighthearted and laser-focused. He even cracked a joke about potentially being recruited by Columbia back in the day - “I’m pretty sure I might have got recruited by Columbia,” he said with a grin.
“I’m about to go check and see if I’ve got a letter or two.” But the humor gave way quickly to a clear message: Clemson didn’t come north to take in the skyline.
They came to play.
A New York Moment - But the Work Comes First
Tuesday’s practice was held inside Columbia’s indoor bubble, a necessary escape from the December chill outside. For many players and staff, it was their first time in New York - and Swinney acknowledged how special that was.
“This is awesome,” he said. “So many of these guys have never been in New York.
We have a lot of staff that’s never been in New York. It’s just a great experience for everybody.”
But just because the setting was new didn’t mean the standard changed. Swinney called it a “tough Tuesday practice,” praising his team’s energy, effort, and focus. “They showed up ready to work,” he said.
That’s been the theme for this bowl trip - enjoy the moment, but don’t lose sight of the mission.
Competitive Spirit Still Intact
Despite the distractions that come with a trip to the Big Apple, Clemson’s edge hasn’t dulled. Swinney said the team’s competitive fire has traveled with them, and Tuesday’s practice was no different.
“It was a very competitive day, as all of our practices have been,” he said. Clemson closed the session with a scrimmage - the final one for the team’s younger players - giving coaches one more look at the future of the program in live reps.
That development work has taken on added importance with the Tigers heading into the Pinstripe Bowl short-handed.
Short Roster, Big Opportunity
Clemson will be without nearly 30 scholarship players for the bowl game - a mix of injuries, NFL Draft opt-outs, and transfer portal departures. That kind of attrition could derail some programs. Not this one.
“We still got enough,” Swinney said. “These guys came here to play. For a lot of them, it’s an opportunity to play.”
It’s a next-man-up moment, and Swinney’s leaning on the team’s veterans to set the tone. “We’ve got great senior leadership - guys that have truly been all-in to finish,” he said.
“That’s the closer. Whether you’re in the national championship or it’s the last game, it’s the closer.”
These aren’t just reps - they’re auditions. And for younger players, it’s a chance to put something meaningful on tape.
Building Momentum, Regardless of Who’s Out
Clemson rolls into the Pinstripe Bowl on a four-game win streak, and Swinney made it clear: they’re chasing a fifth. And in his eyes, momentum still matters - even if the roster looks different than it did in September.
“We’ve won four in a row. We’re trying to create momentum,” he said.
“Nobody cares who’s in, who’s out. It’s about the guys that are here.”
Of the 28 unavailable scholarship players, 19 are out due to injury - many of whom would be key contributors. But the preparation hasn’t dipped. If anything, it’s energized the group.
“We’ve had fun preparing,” Swinney said. “We’ve had fun challenging some of these other guys that are going to get their shot to put it on tape.”
All Eyes on Saturday
The Tigers will trade Columbia’s practice bubble for Yankee Stadium when they face Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl - a setting that’s as unique as it gets in college football. But the stage doesn’t change the mindset.
“We’re up here to try to win this game,” Swinney said. “That’s our focus - doing what we’ve got to do when nobody’s watching so that we can play our best game when everybody is watching on Saturday.”
Yes, the skyline’s different. Yes, the weather’s colder. Yes, the roster’s thinner.
But the mission?
Still the same.