In 2023, Clemson had a difficult year. The Tigers finished with a 9-4 record, their lowest winning total since 2010. As if that weren’t enough, criticism from the media and supporters alike has increased due to Coach Dabo Swinney’s refusal to use the transfer portal. Some observers of collegiate athletics, like Paul Finebaum, have already written Clemson off for the season. In actuality, though, the Tigers still possess some of the best players in the ACC. Talk about Clemson in the College Football Playoffs isn’t serious, no matter how much the Finebaum and others talk.
Three factors contribute to Clemson’s favorable schedule in the College Football Playoffs To put it mildly, Clemson football’s first stretch of games is difficult. The Tigers go to Atlanta to begin the season against Georgia, the nation’s top preseason squad. Although Atlanta is in the center of Bulldog Nation and just 1.5 hours away from Athens, the game is considered neutral site.
Subsequently, Clemson takes on Appalachian State, also known as the Giant Killers. The Tigers will then play two of the better ACC teams, NC State and Florida State, in the following three games. But after that, everything goes more smoothly. South Carolina and Louisville are the two toughest opponents they will face in the second half of their schedule, and both games will be played at home. This season, a return trip to the CFP may be in the cards if Clemson can get through the first five games with less than two losses and close out the campaign strongly.