Dec 09, 2015 03:32 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Leading his team to an undefeated season and a consensus number-one national ranking, Dabo Swinney was named the Home Depot Coach of the Year.

The Clemson Tigers started their ACC Championship campaign as the Associated Press' 12th team overall on the preseason poll. By week 11, Clemson overtook Ohio State as the nation's top team even though both teams were still undefeated at the time.

Now in week 15, with the Iowa Hawkeyes suffering a loss in the Big Ten Championship, Clemson was left alone as the AP's lone nationally ranked undefeated team. What's more, quarterback Deshaun Watson will represent Clemson in Manhattan this Saturday as a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Swinney will be honored at the College Football Awards Show on Thursday, airing on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET from the College Football Hall of Fame, the AP noted.

Clemson will play fourth-ranked Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31.

With Watson at the helm, Clemson's offense balanced offensive attack was the headline of most the Tigers' wins. But Clemson's defense ranked among the Top 10 in the nation for average yards allowed and passing yards allowed per game.

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