THE WEST ZONE message board | SHOP NOW: DEALS on CLEMSON apparel

CLEMSON -- Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney addressed members of the media Sunday as part of his weekly teleconference, this time to look back on his team's 61-3 win over The Citadel as well as look ahead to the Tigers' upcoming matchup with rival South Carolina (8-3, 5-3) in Columbia next Saturday.

Jordan McFadden Update | Chain reaction | Stakes higher with Gamecocks, Hurricanes on deck | Deep dive

The No. 2-ranked Tigers (10-1, 7-1) are as usual a lined favorite in this game, idling as a 14-point favorite over the Gamecocks for much of Sunday evening.

The following is an edited transcript of Sunday evening's teleconference.

Opening statements: "I thought we played extremely well yesterday. I think we played a school record 94 guys. Just a fun day. Our first groups on both sides really set the tempo and just executed very cleanly. Even though you're a better team, you still want to see your guys play well and execute. It was good to see us throw and catch and finish. Just so proud of them for playing a complete game. So proud of our seniors to see them finish up at 27-1 at home.

"Excited about this week. We're moving on. We all look forward to this one. It's important to a lot of people and we enjoy being a part of it. South Carolina has a heck of a team and they've had a great year. It's always a tough place to play. We're looking forward to having a great week of preparation."

Q: Healthiest you've been since the Auburn game?

Swinney: "I hope so, yeah. I think we've been able to develop some quality depth. We've got some guys who have gotten great experience across the board, especially on defense. We've held a few guys here over the last couple of weeks. We're excited about getting everyone back out there at practice tomorrow. We anticipate having a really good group. We've been down in the secondary, defensive line and at linebacker. Hopefully we'll have most if not everyone back and ready to go."

Q: Anything more on Mitch Hyatt?

Swinney: "Mitch is doing alright. He's just battling a little injury but he should be good to go tomorrow. We just wanted to hold him. Tremayne Anchrum played well yesterday. he has played well for us all year. He has done a good job for us."

Q: Talk about South Carolina some. What are they doing differently this year?

Swinney: "We're just into our evaluations. I can tell you more on Tuesday. From what I've seen, they're playing really good team football. They've played well on defense, created a lot of turnovers. Their quarterback has played well and they've made plays on special teams. They've found ways to win games. That's what good players do. They've earned it."

Q: You stated that you put in 94 players yesterday. Any of the underclassmen in particular catch your eye?

Swinney: "A bunch of them. Tee Higgins is one that jumps out. He's a true freshman. He had the second-most freshman yards ever in a game. There were a lot of guys offensively and defensively that I was excited to see play. Skalski played well in his first start and led us in tackles. A.J. Terrell continued to improve. We saw Nolan Turner and Denzel Johnson improve. A lot of guys."

Q: What did you see in your film evaluation of Hunter Johnson and Zerrick Cooper?

Swinney: "It's always good any time you get an opportunity to play guys. That experience is so valuable. It's also a critical part of evaluating those guys. They're not live in practice everyday. Both threw the ball for 100-plus yards. Both made some big plays. Hunter really had a very clean game execution-wise. Zerrick dropped a snap, picked it up one-handed and threw it down to Tee. Pleased with both of them."

Q: Talk about South Carolina defensively and where they've been able to have more success.

Swinney: "They're very aggressive. They try to be good at what they do. They're not all things to all people. Coach Muschamp has done a good job of knowing his team and has put them in a position to be successful. That's the biggest thing. They're going to challenge you. They have an aggressive mentality. We know we have a big challenge. This is a team that has created a bunch of turnovers. That's a credit to them knowing what they're doing. They've taken advantage of opportunities."

Q: What did you see on film from Gage Cervenka at center yesterday?

Swinney: "Talk about a guy who hasn't played center who is snapping in games. He's done a good job. He can also play guard. He's a good player and we want to get him on the field more . We really needed to develop some quality depth there. He's come a long way. He's just getting better with every rep. Any time you get game experience with your center, that's critical. The confidence that comes from that is essential. He's going to be a great player for us. He's a leader and very committed."

Q: Do you feel like you're ready for this Saturday, given the road tests and big games your team has been involved with?

Swinney: "Yes. It's another tough road environment. This is game 12. If you're going to have a good season, you have to be able to go on the road and win. We lost one this year but we've won a bunch of them. Thht's for sure. Every game is a challenge. It's another level of focus that you have to bring. There is obviously a lot of energy against you. That's what makes it fun. We know the emotion that is tied to this game. It's one of the best weeks of the year."

Q: Talk about guys like Dorian and Ryan Carter, guys who can go out 4-0 against South Carolina and what that would mean to them?

Swinney: "That would be great. It's one of their goals. I'm sure that would be something they would always cherish. They've had awesome careers. We'll do everything we can to put our best foot forward."

Q: Has there been a moment in the rivalry where you've had an a-ha moment where you've said man, these people really take this seriously?

Swinney: "Probably the first time I went on the road recruiting in the spring of 2003. I realized that this feels like home here after what I experienced at Alabama. You walked in the school and instantly people were either happy to see you or not happy to see you based on the logo on your shirt. I figured that out pretty quickly when I got here."

AVAILABLE NOW: Celebrate another Clemson division championship with officially-licensed Clemson Atlantic Division Title 2017 t-shirts and sweatshirts. They're available and MARKED DOWN in the Tiger Fan Shop HERE.