With a 2-3 start, some have written Clemson off, but the Tigers can’t be counted out just yet. Some early chaos sparks ACC Championship hopes, and if the Tigers win out, there is a path. With Florida State and Syracuse taking recent losses, here’s how the rest of the season can shake out in Clemson’s favor.
Two ACC losses mean that Clemson needs all but one other team to have at least two. (Syracuse and Georgia Tech need to take three). With Syracuse losing Steve Angeli at quarterback, it’s not unreasonable to think they will lose another ACC game—especially with Georgia Tech and Miami on their schedule.
Duke is one of two 3-0 teams in the ACC. Clemson plays them, so that would take care of one of the losses. Duke also plays Virginia and Georgia Tech. Both are home games, but the truth is that the only home field advantage at Duke University is inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Miami and SMU have only played one conference game each, and both have some tough opponents on their schedules. Miami has looked like a championship team, but continuing this level of play through the end of the season would be new for them. Virginia and Georgia Tech are both good teams, and assuming the rest of the conference, currently sitting at 1-1, takes care of itself, Clemson will need at least three of these four to take some losses.
Georgia Tech’s remaining schedule is pretty favorable, and Clemson needs them to lose three ACC games. This seems like the most unlikely scenario, so the Tigers need Miami, SMU, and Virginia to stumble.
The toughest for Clemson fans to root against will be Virginia. With Tony Elliot coaching and Chad Morris’ son, Chandler, at quarterback, Tiger fans have found some solace in Virginia’s success while Clemson has struggled. But if Clemson is to have a chance, Virginia probably needs to lose. Their remaining schedule is not very threatening, but watch out for Wake Forest who has been close in both of their ACC losses and Virginia Tech who has had a spark since firing Brent Pry.
It’s way too early to know which ACC outcomes will be significant for Clemson down the stretch, but if they keep winning, the stage is set for Tiger fans to enjoy watching some ACC football in October and November.