Tyler, take that: No. 12 Notre Dame is held off by Clemson and Swinney 31–23.
(AP) — CLEMSON, S.C. The Tigers appeared to be energized by Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s fiery radio response to criticism from “Tyler of Spartanburg.”
NFL tailback Phil Mafah said, “We all had a chip on our shoulder.”
Replacing the sidelined starter Will Shipley, Mafah ran for a career-high 186 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday to lead the underdog Tigers to their biggest victory of the season, a 31-23 triumph over No. 12 Notre Dame.
“If Clemson’s a stock, you better buy all you freaking can,” Swinney said. “Buy right now.”
The victory ended an incredible week for Clemson that started when Tyler, who went by an unidentified last name, called into Swinney’s weekly program to criticize the Tigers’ longtime, national championship-winning coach. Tyler made him answer for the show’s four losses and elimination from the title race by October. The show’s tagline is “Best is the Standard.”
With a forceful, even antagonistic defense of himself, the show, and this season, Swinney unleashed his fury. then witnessed his Tigers deliver their season’s most comprehensive performance.
“It’s difficult because nobody loves us more than (Swinney) does,” Mafah, the Clemson running back with the most yards this season, said. “We had to give it our all today because I personally take it personally and I know a lot of guys do too.”
The Tigers (5-4) entered the game having suffered more losses in a season than they had in 13 years. They were also still reeling from the radio call that gave voice to the frustrations of some of their disgruntled supporters.
