CLEMSON — After a shocking turn of events, the Clemson Tigers received a second shot at the ACC championship despite their loss to rival South Carolina team. The Tigers face off against SMU in the ACC title game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte this coming Saturday.

–Walker Parks, a fifth-year veteran offensive lineman, explained that “Everything we want is still right in front of us.”

–Clemson has a breath of fresh air after Syracuse recorded an upset against Miami, which leveraged the Tigers to a title game. “We’re still in control of our destiny.” However, Parks said that a national championship isn’t what the Tigers have their sights set on this week. “We have to be a really good team in a championship game. That’s the focus right now.”

–Despite a game-sealing interception thrown by quarterback Cade Klubnik, Parks detailed the unwavering confidence and faith he has in him. “The transformation that I’ve watched Cade make over the last couple of seasons is unreal.”

–Klubnik sits at 29 touchdowns, which is 10 more than last season. Parks also mentioned, “It’s not all on Cade; it’s on everyone.” Parks added, “A bunch of plays lead up to the final play.” Parks capped it off by saying, “Cade’s a great leader. I think he’s the right man for it.”

–Parks isn’t preparing any differently for this game. He said, “I’m the same through and through.” He described how his consistent routine brings him tranquility throughout the week leading up to Saturdays. “My confidence comes from preparing the same.”

–He described the uniformity from day-to-day and week-to-week, detailing that his lifts, meals, and recovery procedures are always consistent. He described how his mentality doesn’t change from week to week. “We play to a standard and the standard is our best.”

Clemson is set to face SMU Saturday at 8 p.m., in Bank of America Stadium. The Mustangs are coming off of a victory while the Tigers are looking to bounce back after a loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks.