Clemson football is preparing for its first College Football Playoff berth since 2020, and defensive lineman Peter Woods believes the Tigers are motivated by a strong desire to make their mark. “This is my first playoff,” Woods stated Monday. “We are hungry.” Nobody on this squad has ever won a national title, and that motivates us. It’s part of Clemson’s heritage, but we want to make it part of ours.”
The Tigers have adopted a “us vs. the world” mentality as they prepare for Saturday’s playoff opening against Texas. Clemson, the No. 12 seed and double-digit underdog, thrives on proving naysayers wrong.
“Everybody knows people don’t want us here,” Woods explained. “But we consider this as a compliment. We wear it proudly. It does not affect how we prepare on a daily basis, but it is always on our minds. Being counted out motivates us. Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s head coach, believes his team has yet to play its best football, and Woods agrees. “We haven’t had a full four-quarter game, and that’s what makes us dangerous,” Woods joked.
“If we put it all together, that’s when we’ll be at our best.” Clemson travels to Austin with a chip on its shoulder and an opportunity to demonstrate how eager it is to return to championship glory.
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