FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Clemson arrived to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Saturday afternoon, five days before the Orange Bowl.

It’s the Tigers’ third appearance in the game since 2011.

Eric Mac Lain was a true freshman tight end when they showed up to play West Virginia in their first BCS appearance. Thursday’s game will be their first showing in the College Football Playoff.

“We’re just excited, being in that playoff, we were just ready to land. It was the longest plane ride of my life,” he told reporters on the airport tarmac.

Clemson had its first practice since Christmas on Saturday, before departing for sunny South Florida.

“They’ve been really smooth,” Mac Lain said of bowl practice. “At first, we had to knock off some rust…today was really good, a lot of high energy. You expect it to be a little sluggish coming off of break, guys betting back from families.

“It was great, guys were flying around, high energy. We’re excited to get after it.”

The opportunity to be around their families for the holidays was welcomed.

“I think it’s pretty good. From a mental standpoint, to be able to get away and just kind of unplug a little bit. It’s really just great for the younger players. We have so many of them on our team.”

Clemson returns to practice at 12:15 today at Nova Southeastern University.