Dabo Swinney explains not icing Georgia Tech kicker before game-winning kick

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets took down the Clemson Tigers in Atlanta in what was a thrilling game. It would end on a game-winning kick by Georgia Tech, where Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney made the decision not to ice kicker Aidan Birr.

Hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s easy to second guess that decision after the kick is made. It would be easy to second guess icing the kicker if he missed the initial try but made the later one too. Now, with some time to reflect on that decision, Swinney broke down what he saw in that situation.

“The 55-yard field goal,” Dabo Swinney said. “That’s by far, I think, his longest. Didn’t want to use a timeout there because it’s a chaotic situation and I didn’t want to help him.”

Clemson had battled back throughout the day in Atlanta. With around three and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Tigers were able to tie the game. Georgia Tech responded, though, and was methodical, using up clock and slowly moving into field goal range. By the time they were ready to kick, it was fourth down from the 38-yard line. That final play ended with 20 seconds left, but Georgia Tech didn’t have any timeouts left. That forced them to run the offense off and special teams on quickly, making for a bit of a fire drill.

“I felt like that’s what they would do. I told Tom before they went out there that they’re gonna probably run the quarterback and go red field goal and just take a shot at it, hoping that they might pop it. So, hey, they hit it. I’ve been on both sides of it… give that kid credit and give Georgia Tech credit.”

In the end, Georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr nailed a knuckleball that flirted with floating right of the post, but curved back in. Time had expired, and the fans stormed the field to celebrate sending Clemson to 2-1 on the season.

Since the game, Dabo Swinney has clearly heard the frustration over that slow start that fans have recently been voicing. That led to a fiery response from the two-time national champion head coach.

“I thrive in the battle, honestly. I have my whole life,” Swinney said. “Perspective is important. If they want me gone, they can send me on my way. If they’re tired of winning, they can send me on my way. I won’t stop. I’m 55. I’ll go somewhere else and win. I ain’t going to the beach. We’ve won this league eight of the last 10 years. Is that good? I’ve got a long memory in case y’all don’t know. This is a program that’s built to last. If you don’t believe in us after we lost just two games, you weren’t all in anyway. Hate to disappoint all the haters out there, but I have a long way to go, boys.”

Clemson is looking to bounce back in ACC play next week. The Tigers will return home. There, they’re set to host the Syracuse Orange in Week 4.