Another step comes this week against Georgia Tech, an opponent that's been a particularly large hurdle for Clemson (3-3, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) to overcome in Swinney's short tenure.
"If there's a team we ought to know something about, it's these guys," Swinney said.
And not all the memories are pleasant.
The Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-1) have won all three meetings against Clemson since Swinney assumed head coaching duties in October 2008 after Tommy Bowden's departure.
Georgia Tech spoiled Swinney's debut that week with a 21-17 victory. The Tigers then lost twice to the Yellow Jackets last season, including a 39-34 defeat in the ACC championship game.
Clemson rallied with two fourth-quarter TDs for a 34-33 lead in the title game. But then Georgia Tech and coach Paul Johnson used its triple-option attack to perfection, moving 86 yards in 13 plays for the winning touchdown as Tigers defenders could not make the critical stop.
It's a loss that hung with Clemson's coaches and players throughout the offseason.
"It's been very hard. This memory has been with us since last December," said Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers. "It's a bad chip on our shoulder. We're just looking for another chance to redeem ourselves."
The Tigers got some redemption a week ago, ending a three-game losing streak against Maryland, who had been a thorn in their sides the past few seasons.
Clemson didn't have the offensive success it hoped for - the Tigers were outgained by Maryland 350-213 - but got an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown from Andre Ellington and a 61-yard interception return score by defensive back Xavier Brewer to widen the margin.
Maryland, Swinney said, concentrated on limiting Clemson's run production. The Tigers couldn't take advantage through the air, their receivers dropping six passes including a pair that likely would've been touchdowns.
Things must improve with Clemson's passing game, offensive coordinator Billy Napier said.
The Tigers called 44 runs out of their 65 plays "when the run wasn't working that well," Napier said. "That should tell you about what we're thinking."
Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said his players showed the efficiency and improvement in holding down the Terps playmakers of receiver Torrey Smith and running back Da'Rel Scott.
"Now, we get to put that on a shelf, lock it up and bring it back Sunday. It's a whole other world" facing Georgia Tech's offense, Steele said.
The Yellow Jackets have also bounced back from early season problems. The defending ACC champions have won their past three games after starting 2-2. But Johnson is concerned about facing Clemson players focused on ending Georgia Tech's win streak.
"I'm sure they are going to be welcoming us with open arms in Death Valley," Johnson said. "We have to get ready to play our best game of the year."
Swinney's looking for that, too. The Tigers used a six-game win streak last season to take control of the ACC's Atlantic Division and, after opening 0-2, probably can't afford a slip if they hope to repeat.
"They have beaten us in two heartbreakers. One for the championship," Swinney said. "For us, it's a one-game season. That's the mentality, regardless of the opponent."
Clemson's Andre Ellington takes a hand off from quarterback Kyle Parker during the second quarter of a NCAA college football game against Maryland on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Clemson S.C. / photo: Associated Press
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/10/233153