Clemson's Swinney expects another tight game vs. Alabama

Clemson and Alabama split their first two encounters, and Dabo Swinney believes both sides are wary of one another as the rubber match approaches.

"I don't think Alabama people are probably excited about playing us, and we're not really excited about playing them, because we know both teams are really good," the Tigers coach said Monday, according to Talal Elmasry of SEC Country. "Both teams are capable of winning."

The Tigers and Crimson Tide met in the last two national championship games - both instant classics. Swinney expects more of the same when they clash again in the national semifinal Jan. 1, with a trip to the title game hanging in the balance.

"I think Alabama people respect good football, and so do we here at Clemson," Swinney said. "It's become a heck of a matchup. You look at the previous two games and the way the teams play. At the end of the day, someone's going to win and lose, but you just love to see guys play with unbelievable effort, and that's what’s happened in these last two games, and that's what you'll get this game."