It's not for a playoff spot. It's not for the ACC crown. But in a sign of just how far these two rivals have fallen, the College GameDay crew made their picks for the 3-5 Clemson Tigers versus the 4-4 Florida State Seminoles.
The panel was divided on a game that Desmond Howard was "surprised we were actually picking" given the "bad season" both teams are having.
Despite Clemson's historic 3-5 collapse and their year-long home losing streak to Power Four teams, most of the panel is still betting on the magic of Death Valley and the pride of a Dabo Swinney-coached team.
“Both teams have had disappointing seasons, no doubt," legendary coach Nick Saban said. "But I just think that Dabo will do a good job of teaching this team how to learn in a difficult circumstance. I’m going to go with Clemson.”
Desmond Howard and guest picker Patrick Mahomes agreed, both citing the intangibles.
"Because the Tigers are at home, I’m going to go with Clemson,” Howard said.
"You can tell those guys are still inspired to go out there and play football," said Mahomes. "I’ll take Clemson."
Kirk Herbstreit summed up the surreal nature of the season, but ultimately landed on the Tigers. "Clemson, this is just uncharted territory. They’re not used to this... I’m going with Clemson. Running down that hill, they win this one.”
But Pat McAfee is buying the upset. He's seen a spark from the Seminoles and is betting against Dabo's struggling squad.
“Florida State absolutely pounded Wake last week. I think they might have found a little something," McAfee declared. "Give me Florida State to get the win in Clemson.”
In a matchup of two programs desperate for any late-season momentum, the GameDay crew is nearly unified in backing the Tigers at home. But McAfee is calling his shot, betting that the Tigers' downward spiral will continue.