ACC Media Days always deliver some memorable quotes from top players and coaches, and this year was no exception. Clemson fans had to wait until Thursday to hear from head coach Dabo Swinney, defensive standout TJ Parker, rising stars Peter Woods, Cade Klubnik, and Antonio Williams. Their media session didn’t disappoint, especially with the highly anticipated season opener looming large.
On August 30, Clemson will host LSU in what promises to be a showdown full of intensity and bragging rights. The buzz around the game has been amplified in recent days thanks to LSU head coach Brian Kelly, whose comments at SEC Media Days stirred the pot. Kelly made waves by asserting that the “real Death Valley” is in Baton Rouge, claiming that Clemson is merely borrowing the nickname. He doubled down on this provocative statement during another event, going so far as to label Clemson “Death Valley Jr.” Naturally, this declaration caught everyone’s attention, especially on the Clemson side.
TJ Parker, Clemson’s All-American defensive end, responded with a mix of humor and confidence. When told about Kelly’s “Death Valley Jr.” comment, Parker laughed it off, but then made it clear that words only go so far. “We’re gonna handle all that on August 30,” Parker said, emphasizing that talk is cheap and that the real proof will come on the field. Parker stressed that LSU can keep hyping themselves all they want, but Clemson is focused on getting the job done when the lights come on.
This measured but confident attitude seems to be a trademark of Swinney’s leadership. Clemson’s players have been well drilled not to fall into the trap of giving their opponents bulletin board material before big matchups. It’s this disciplined mindset that has contributed to Clemson’s sustained success over the years, in contrast to Kelly’s LSU teams, which have notoriously struggled to win season openers.
Swinney and his squad are treating the upcoming game like any other challenge—quietly confident, prepared, and ready to let their performance speak for itself. The hype machine can churn out whatever noise it wants, but when August 30 arrives, it’s Clemson’s Tigers who will be looking to show they are the true kings of Death Valley. For now, the focus remains locked on preparation and execution, with the talk reserved for after the final whistle.
