1. Start Fast and Set the Tone on Senior Day
Clemson’s seniors—and several underclassmen on track to graduate—will run down the Hill for the final time, and this team has made clear how badly it wants to finish strong. Dabo Swinney told his team last week that they can still “have the type of finish that we want to have” and praised the group for its resilience during a turbulent season. A fast start keeps emotion working for Clemson and prevents Furman from believing it can hang around.
2. Protect the Football and Continue the No-Turnover Streak
Clemson enters this game having thrown 141 consecutive passes without an interception, with the most recent pick coming on Oct. 11. Avoiding turnovers is essential given Clemson’s offensive inconsistency this season, and extending the clean streak could allow the Tigers to pull away early.
3. Lean on the Run Game and Maintain TD Efficiency
The Tigers have scored at least one rushing touchdown in a national-best-tying 94 of their last 106 games, and have rushed for multiple scores in 76 games, also the best in the nation. With Adam Randall seeking back-to-back 100-yard games for the first time in his career, the run game gives Clemson its most reliable path to controlling tempo and keeping the pressure off Cade Klubnik.
4. Let the Defense Hunt—Especially in the Pass Rush
Clemson needs four more sacks to reach 30 for the 14th straight season, the only program in the nation to hit that mark every year of the CFP era. Linebacker Sammy Brown also enters one sack shy of matching his career high and is aiming for his third straight game with a sack, something no Clemson LB has done since 2024. Generating backfield havoc should overwhelm Furman’s offensive line.
5. Lock In on Bowl Eligibility and Avoid the Trap
This is more than just another FCS matchup—Clemson is attempting to earn its sixth win and extend its streak of bowl-eligible seasons to 27 straight, the third-longest active run in the nation. The Tigers are also undefeated all-time vs. FCS opponents at 39-0, including dominant margins in virtually every meeting. Handle business, avoid sloppy play, and the postseason streak continues.