Swinney: 18th-ranked Tigers need to 'dig in'

CLEMSON -- The Tigers improved their ranking Sunday as they approach their first Atlantic Division title.

Following a convincing win at N.C. State, the Tigers (7-3, 5-2 ACC) jumped to No. 18 in the Associated Press poll released. Clemson was ranked for the first time this season last week, entering the poll at No. 24.

Also announced on Sunday was Clemson's final home game of the season against Virginia will start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and it will be televised on ABC (WCIV). Clemson can clinch a rematch against Georgia Tech in the Dec. 5 ACC title game in Tampa, Fla., with either a win or a Boston College loss. The Eagles host North Carolina on Saturday.

"We just have to really dig in and show some endurance this week and finish the right way," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.

While the Eagles and Tigers are tied in the standings, Clemson holds the first tiebreaker for the division title -- head-to-head record. Clemson defeated Boston College earlier this season.

Swinney says he is not concerned with outside scenarios. He said the team couldn't watch the Boston College-Virginia game on their bus trip Saturday night, having to settle for watching North Carolina's defeat of Miami.

Swinney furthered his message about shutting out outside factors, by retelling a story former Alabama coach Gene Stallings told his teams of an encounter with golfer Ben Hogan.

Hogan was famous for ignoring the gallery and other golfers, focused only with his own performance.

Sharing a golf cart with Hogan during a round, the young Stallings asked Hogan if he ever wished an opponent would miss a putt.

"The cart came to a halt," said Swinney, retelling the story Sunday. "'Let me tell you something young fella,' " said Hogan explaining to Stallings that he wanted to win because he "played my best, not because my opponent played poorly."

Regarding his team, Swinney said reviewing film reaffirmed his post-game thoughts -- it was Clemson's most complete offensive effort of the season.

The Tigers rushed for 254 yards on 36 carries (7.1 yards per rush), didn't allow a sack, and Kyle Parker completed 12 of 18 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

The Tigers didn't have a turnover.

Defensively, Swinney said the Tigers need to clean up penalties and pass coverage, though he was pleased with 20 quarterback pressures.

"The penalties were the most disappointing thing," Swinney said. "We have to improve technique-wise in our coverage."

Kicking competition

Swinney said he hasn't decided on a placekicker for Virginia.

A week after Richard Jackson missed two field goals and two extra points, Spencer Benton missed two extra points Saturday, though one was due to a poor hold.

"Let them compete," Swinney said of his plan. "Hopefully, they can be consistent all week."

In Raleigh, Swinney benched Jackson for an academic infraction. Jackson did come in to replace Benton for Clemson's final extra point.

Injury updates

Swinney hopes left guard Thomas Austin can return to practice Thursday. Austin suffered a mid-foot sprain Saturday.

Swinney "expects" defensive end Da'Quan Bowers to return against Virginia.

Notable Spiller

At N.C. State, Spiller became the third player at the FBS level to throw, catch and run for a touchdown in a game this season. He joined Mike Kafka of Northwestern(vs. Syracuse) and UAB's Joe Webb (vs. UTEP). Spiller became the first Clemson player to pull off the feat against an FBS team. Ray Matthews accomplished it against Presbyterian in 1950.

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.