Despite having a bye this weekend, Clemson football has a chance to rise in the rankings. Week 7 offers a host of highly competitive matchups featuring top-25 opponents.
Clemson’s lose to Syracuse may have been painful to watch, but, it wasn’t catastrophic. The Tigers are still very much in play to win the Atlantic Division, the ACC title and beyond.
With the help of a few other programs, Clemson’s quest for a third straight College Football Playoff appearance may get back on track sooner than expected. Here’s the games that will have an impact on Clemson’s standing in the polls.
Week 7 contests worth watching
#2 Penn State vs. #19 Michigan – This is the most highly anticipated matchup of the weekend. Penn State’s transformation is nothing short of a miracle. Entering 2016, there were doubts surrounding James Franklin’s ability to return this program to national prominence. One blocked field goal later and the Nittany Lions sit at No. 2 in the country, behind only Alabama.
Last season Michigan trounced Penn State 49-10. If the Wolverines can pull out a victory once again, this year, it will benefit Clemson.
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#11 USC vs. #13 Notre Dame – Both the Trojans and Fighting Irish enter week seven with one loss. As such, the loser of this contest will likely also lose their shot at a College Football Playoff birth. This is good for Clemson, as that makes one less program vying for one of the four playoff spots.
#8 Miami vs. Syracuse – Clemson knows all too well how talented Syracuse is. While Miami is sitting undefeated, they could very well be sitting 3-2 after two close victories in back-to-back weeks. The Cuse have a chance to derail the Hurricanes perfect season, while strengthening Clemson’s playoff resume.
#9 Oklahoma vs. Kansas State – Bill Snyder and the Wildcats have been thriving in the underdog role for years. Oklahoma sits 5-1 entering this matchup. After losing to Iowa State, the Sooners have no room for error if they hope to make the playoff.
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Clearly Clemson is in good position to move back up in the rankings if things fall the right way this weekend. The bye week may be eventful after all.