Clemson’s fatal flaws that will doom them in 2024-25 College Football Playoff
A few seasons ago, if someone had asked whether the Clemson Tigers would be part of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, the answer would have been a resounding “absolutely.” However, recent seasons have painted a much less certain picture for Clemson football.
Until this year, Clemson hadn’t made the College Football Playoff since 2020, when they fell to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. Since then, the Tigers have endured three straight seasons with at least three losses, including a four-loss campaign last year and another three this season—despite their return to the playoff.
Back in the era of the four-team format, Clemson was a perennial contender, consistently earning a spot in what was then a more exclusive playoff. But this year, with the expanded 12-team field, Dabo Swinney’s Tigers needed a mix of fortune and determination to secure their place.
Heading into the final week of the regular season, Clemson’s playoff hopes hinged on a significant upset. They needed Syracuse to take down Miami just to reach the ACC Championship Game—a scenario that felt improbable but became reality. After that, the Tigers had to beat SMU in the ACC title game to punch their playoff ticket. They got the job done on both counts.
Now, No. 16 Clemson is heading to Austin, Texas, this weekend to face No. 3 Texas in a first-round playoff game. This matchup highlights the uniqueness of the new playoff format, which features home playoff games and expanded opportunities for teams like Clemson—programs that may not have been included in the previous system.
Clemson earned the 12th seed as the ACC champion, a privilege granted to the five highest-ranked conference champions under the new rules. While some might argue the Tigers’ inclusion reflects the expanded field rather than their dominance, it doesn’t mean they should be dismissed outright.
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