Dabo Swinney defends Clemson, reminds critics of team's winning tradition despite season's slow start

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Dabo Swinney, the winningest coach in Clemson football history, delivered a fiery message to those who have expressed criticism about the direction of the football program in the midst of a 1-2 start to the season.

This year's Clemson team was tasked with meeting the high expectations fans and supporters had grown accustomed to in the Swinney era. But

However, a 17-10 loss to LSU in their season opener quickly tempered at least some of those expectations. Clemson did bounce back in Week 2 with a come-from-behind win over Troy. But this past Saturday's heartbreaking loss to Georgia Tech sparked criticism once again.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney on the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports)

During Tuesday's media availability, Swinney addressed concerns about Clemson's 1-2 start by pointing to the track record since he was named head coach in 2009.

"Listen, I know everyone is frustrated, but 17 years we have had one bad season. The worst season we’ve had in 14 years is nine wins and it happened one time. It’s not that we haven’t had bad moments. I’d say this is a low and a bad moment. We’ve been in this situation many times. We’re a great program because we have always responded. How many ADs would sign up for the worst season in 14 years being 9-4?"

CHRIS 'THE BEAR' FALLICA'S TOP 10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS: WEEK 4 EDITION

"This season isn’t written yet. What’s so bad about our program? How many programs in college football would sign up to have nine wins as their worst season in 14 years? We may suck