ESPN names Clemson as one of 17 teams that can make the College Football Playoff
Dabo Swinney has helped the Clemson football program become one of the best teams of the College Football Playoff era, and the Tigers are looking to return to the playoff in 2023.
The Tigers have the talent to make a run and made the right off-season moves that should put them on track. With 2022 Broyles Award winner Garrett Riley as the new offensive coordinator, expectations are high for the Tigers’ offense and starting quarterback Cade Klubnik.
On defense, the Tigers should once again be fierce. Led by the best linebacker duo in the country, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter, expectations are high for this group.
ESPN recently released an article naming the 17 teams that could make the CFP ($), with Clemson making the list. Here is what writer Heather Dinich had to say about the Tigers.
Last year’s record: 11-3
FPI projection: Make playoff: 24.2% | Win national title: 2.8%
Caesars Sportsbook odds to make playoff: +360Agree or disagree with FPI: Agree. Clemson has plenty of opportunities to impress the selection committee and a great chance to make the ACC championship game during the league’s first season without divisions. Florida State is hardly the only obstacle to the CFP, though.
Toughest test: Sept. 23 vs. Florida State. This will be the early indicator of which team to take a little more seriously as the ACC’s best hope at a top-four team. FSU, led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Jordan Travis, will have already learned a lot about itself from its opener against LSU.
What the committee will like: A 2-0 record against Notre Dame and South Carolina. Last year, Clemson went 0-2 against them, which is why the ACC title wasn’t enough for a top-four finish. If both of those nonconference opponents finish the season as CFP top 25 teams again, it will give Clemson some cushion to finish in the top four as a one-loss conference champion, or possibly even as a one-loss runner-up. Clemson could beat FSU during the regular season but lose its only game in a close loss to the Seminoles in the ACC championship. Or, the Tigers could lose to FSU during the regular season, but avenge it with an ACC title against the Noles. In both of those scenarios, Clemson would have a strong case for a top-four finish — but only if they are also 2-0 against Notre Dame and South Carolina.
What the committee won’t like: Another average offense. There’s a reason coach Dabo Swinney made some changes to the offense following the 31-14 loss to Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. He hired Garrett Riley from TCU to upgrade the Tigers and develop quarterback Cade Klubnik. Beyond the two losses last year, Clemson simply didn’t look like top-four material, and much of that had to do with a pedestrian offense. The Tigers ranked No. 72 in the country with 5.6 yards per play last year. The loss to Tennessee was evidence of where Clemson was and where it needs to go.
The Tigers have a major opportunity to show the college football world that they will remain among the elite college football programs for years. If the offense puts things together this season, there is no reason they can’t make a return to the playoff.
Starting quarterback Cade Klubnik will be the most important player on the roster, and the Tigers will go as far as he can take them.
