Dabo Swinney confirms Clemson DT Tre Williams will play against NC State

Clemson defensive tackle Tre Williams will return to the field Saturday against No. 10 NC State, coach Dabo Swinney confirmed Tuesday. The redshirt sophomore has missed the past two games with a knee injury.

“I do expect Tre to be back,” Swinney said in his weekly press conference. “He’s been just kind of nursing a little inflammation and we just really just needed to settle it down. We just didn’t want it to be something that carries out throughout the season. But when he’s been able to play, he’s been a factor as well. So, we do expect him back.”

A backup defensive tackle, Williams recorded one tackle in the season-opening win against Georgia Tech. Last season he appeared in 11 games with one start and recorded 13 tackles, including four for loss.

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Although Swinney was confident enough to confirm Tre Williams’ status early this week, he is still unsure about several injured Clemson players. The coach could not say whether cornerbacks Malcolm Greene and Sheridan Jones or safety Andrew Mukuba will play, but added that he is “hopeful” according to the Post and Courier’s Jon Blau.

The Tigers are coming off of a thrilling 51-45 double overtime victory against Wake Forest in Week 4 and currently sit at 4-0 (2-0) ACC on the year. Clemson is set to kick off against NC State at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at home.

Dabo Swinney addresses potential impact of Hurricane Ian on NC State game

Hurricane Ian already forced the postponement of one college football game this week and the relocation of another. But one more game could be in its path — a big one between NC State and Clemson — and Dabo Swinney talked about how weather could impact that showdown.

As of Tuesday morning, the game is still going forward as planned with a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Andrea Adelson. College GameDay is also planning to attend the game, which could have massive College Football Playoff implications.

Swinney said both teams have to plan for harsh, rainy conditions, meaning that will impact the game plans for each side.

“Have no idea what the weather’s going to be like,” Swinney said during his weekly press conference Tuesday. “Sounds like it’s going to be wet and all that. But you know, it’ll be wet for both sides. We’ll have to find a way. That’s what it’s all about.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.