Clemson had a rough year in 2023. For the first time since 2010, the Tigers dropped below ten wins with a 9-4 season. If that weren't enough, Coach Dabo Swinney’s unwillingness to use the transfer portal has exacerbated criticisms from the media and fans alike.
Some people around college sports — Paul Finebaum, for example — have already counted Clemson out this season. But, in reality, the Tigers still have some of the most elite talent in the ACC. The Finebaum and others can talk all they want, but conversation around the College Football Playoffs isn’t serious if Clemson isn’t mentioned.
Three reasons Clemson makes the College Football Playoffs
Favorable schedule
The first part of Clemson football’s schedule is daunting, to say the least. To kick the season off, the Tigers head to Atlanta to play the preseason No. 1 team in the country, Georgia. It’s technically a neutral site game, but Atlanta is only an hour and a half from Athens and in the heart of Bulldog Nation.
After that, Clemson plays Appalachian State, a.k.a. the Giant Killers, and in the next three games, the Tigers will play two of the better teams in the ACC, NC State and Florida State.
However, after that, it’s smooth sailing. The two hardest teams to play in the back half of their schedule are Louisville and South Carolina, and both games are at home.
If Clemson can escape the first five games with less than two losses and finish the season strong, a trip back to the CFP could be on the menu this season.