Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, Tennessee’s Josh Heupel arrive for Capital One Orange Bowl week
Wouldn’t you know the weather got chilly — football-perfect chilly — for the teams in the Capital One Orange Bowl just as the players and their coaches began arriving this weekend to prepare for Friday’s 8 p.m. showdown between the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers and No. 7 Clemson Tigers.
The thermometer had dipped into the low 40s overnight Saturday heading into Christmas, just after Clemson coach Dabo Swinney arrived in the evening at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel arrived at the Intercontinental Miami on Christmas evening.
“Oh, it was great, especially coming from about eight degrees. Power went out so it was really cold,’’ Swinney told the Orange Bowl media department after hitting the South Florida air. But he meant great, as in warm. “I know it’s still a little cool for Miami this time of year, but it’s awesome to be here. Excited to get this thing going and have a great week.’’
Said Heupel: “We’re so excited to be here. Our university is extremely proud to be in this great bowl game — historic, iconic bowl game. ...Hey, we’re going to enjoy a little bit of sun later in the week I think.’’
Game day forecast: A balmy 76 degrees at kickoff.
The Atlantic Coast Conference’s Clemson (11-2, 8-0 ACC) is the home team. The Southeastern Conference’s Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) is the visitor.
“When you come to the Orange Bowl, it means you had a great year,’’ Swinney said. “You don’t get lucky and get here. You really have to earn it. This is one of the premier bowls and destinations in all of college football.”
Schedule
Tennessee begins practice Monday at Barry University. Clemson starts Tuesday at Inter Miami’s facility in Fort Lauderdale. Practices are closed to the media and public.
But it’s not all football this week for the Vols and Tigers. Each team will have a beefy dinner at Fogo de Chao in Miami Beach — Clemson on Tuesday and Tennessee on Wednesday. Each has a day at the beach — Tennessee on Tuesday outside the Fontainebleau and Clemson outside the Diplomat. And each has its own dinner cruise Monday night.
The coaches were asked what the team was most looking forward this week aside from the game.
“Nobody on our team has been to the Orange Bowl,’’ Swinney said. “Because last time we were here it was our ‘15 season so just seeing them experience this hotel, experience the time together they have. We’ve got a beach day, they’ve got a dinner cruise, they’re going out to eat, we’re in a great practice venue. Just the whole experience, I’m excited for these guys to have that and see them as they go through the week and settle in.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun for a lot of these guys to experience staying at a place like this —right on the beach and having some good fellowship. And having some great practice too. We’ve got to get them refocused, gotta have a good balance of enjoying and having some fun but we’re also here to win. It’s going to be a great trip.’’
Heupel: “Going to enjoy some great food, a lot of activities for our players. Looking forward to being on the beach a little bit and having a lot of fun.’’
Heupel, who won a national title as the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback in the 2001 Orange Bowl, said he is “looking forward to Vol nation showing up in droves” for the game. “I appreciate you guys being on this journey really over the past two years, but certainly this past fall. Can’t wait to see you guys on game night.’’
