"It's not a period, it's a comma": Dabo Swinney refuses to give up with his bold national championship remark despite big losses

Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers are 3-5 in the 2025 college football season. The veteran head coach's troops lost their Week 10 game against the Duke Blue Devils by one point, putting them two games under .500.

Swinney has refused to give up despite a less-than-stellar campaign. The Clemson Tigers head coach said,

"It's not a period, it's a comma. This is a part of our story. You know what else is a part of our story? National championships."

Swinney has led the Tigers to two national championship wins over the past decade, and he didn't hesitate to remind doubters. The Tigers were national champions in 2016 and 2018, and have nine ACC Championships under Swinney's tutelage.

Swinney added that the 2010 season is a part of the story, but that Clemson found success after that. He's confident that the team can turn their fortunes around in the not-too-distant future.

Dabo Swinney's Clemson up against FSU in Week 11

Dabo Swinney's Tigers will host the Florida State Seminoles in Week 11. The Tigers will look to end their two-game losing streak and potentially give their fans something to smile about.

Swinney's troops were outdone by a clutch Nate Sheppard touchdown and two-point conversion in Week 10 against the Duke Blue Devils. Their opponents trailed late in the game, but came back to hand them their fifth loss of the season.

The Tigers are now on the verge of their worst season of Swinney's 17 full seasons. The Florida State Seminoles matchup will occur at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC, before a trip to Louisville to face off against the Cardinals.

Dabo Swinney's team has its work cut out for it to secure bowl game eligibility in the ongoing campaign. Here's what you need to know about the all-important FSU game:

• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
• Livestream: FuboTV and DAZN
• Time: 7 p.m. ET.
• TV Channel: ACC Network
• Venue: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC

Edited by Nick Igbokwe