Dabo Swinney’s Clemson program regularly competed for national championships in the early years of the College Football Playoff. Many expected the Tigers to bounce back in 2023 with a new offense, but Swinney’s squad dropped out of the championship race early with losses to Duke and Florida State.

Swinney does not appreciate some fans’ attitudes toward the ’23 squad. On his Monday coaches show, Swinney opined that the Tigers can do without fair-weather fans.

“We’re at a point in our time, and I hate that, where people, if you don’t go undefeated, (say) ‘You’re losers. You’re terrible.’ And it’s just such a terrible mindset,” Swinney said, per FootballScoop.

“And, honestly, maybe we need to lose a few games and lighten up the bandwagon. Sometimes the bandwagon can get a little too full.”

Clemson is at 4-2 overall and 2-2 in ACC play entering Week 8. While a 2-loss team can make a prominent bowl game, Tiger Nation understandably did not expect to be out of the ACC title picture before Halloween.

There are currently 3 teams undefeated in ACC play: Florida State, North Carolina and Duke. Swinney’s squad lost to the Blue Devils and Seminoles.  If Clemson takes care of business over the next 4 weeks, the Tigers could be 8-2 with opportunities to play spoiler against North Carolina and end the season on a high note with a rivalry win over South Carolina. Or, the Tigers might drop a few more games and see fans jump off the bandwagon.