NEWS FLASH: The Clemson Tiger’s Secret to Winning the CFP Race Swinny Unveils Two New, Revolutionary Strategies
Prior to the 12-team field being determined this Sunday, the College Football Playoff committee announced its final round of rankings on Tuesday. And the Clemson Tigers’ rating fell precipitously after their 17–14 loss to South Carolina on Saturday, as was to be expected.
This week, the Tigers dropped five positions to check in at No. 17. Given that the selection committee hasn’t been all that fond of Clemson for the most of the season, it was obviously not shocking.
The good news is that head coach Dabo Swinney and his squad still have a chance to make the playoffs because they are facing SMU in the ACC Championship Game this weekend. The Tigers will undoubtedly secure a berth in the field if they win, but if they finish as the lowest-ranked conference champion, they could not receive a first-round bye.
The Tigers’ ranking this week wasn’t particularly intriguing, but rival South Carolina wasn’t all that intriguing either. Because of this, the Gamecocks continued to play.
But Clemson’s in-state rival did not do well in Tuesday’s rankings. This week, South Carolina is ranked No. 14, up just one position from the previous week.
Ole Miss, Miami, and Alabama, the three top candidates for the last at-large slot, are ranked No. 13, 12, and 11, respectively. Since the Gamecocks aren’t playing another game until the field is permanently decided, it is practically difficult to imagine them receiving a bid.
Therefore, Clemson is in a stronger position than the Tigers, despite the Gamecocks defeating them head-to-head. Few people anticipated that ironic turn of events about a potential at-large run.
