The Clemson Tigers have become the embodiment of why the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format was introduced. A team that seemed out of contention after a loss to South Carolina managed to secure a spot thanks to a series of fortuitous events, including unexpected help from Syracuse. Once in the ACC Championship, the task was clear: win and they’re in. Clemson achieved this in dramatic fashion, holding off a spirited SMU comeback to secure a narrow victory with a 56-yard field goal. Now, they’re back in the CFP after a brief absence.
However, their journey has sparked debate, especially among analysts. A prominent voice on a football podcast suggested Clemson should reconsider its tough non-conference schedule. This year, they played two powerhouse SEC teams—Georgia and South Carolina—and suffered both losses outside their conference. The analyst argued that had Clemson avoided such games, they might have secured a higher playoff seed without the last-minute drama. Meanwhile, teams with lighter schedules, like SMU, made the CFP with fewer obstacles, despite lacking marquee victories.
Clemson’s path also highlights the contentious issue of strength of schedule in the playoff format. Several 9-3 SEC teams with stronger schedules were left out, while Clemson sneaked in, partly due to external factors and luck. This dynamic has raised questions about whether tougher schedules are worth the risk, especially with the expanded playoff field.
The Tigers’ first-round matchup adds another layer of intrigue. As the 12th seed, they face the 5th-seeded Texas Longhorns in Austin, where Clemson is a significant underdog. The game is particularly meaningful for Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who grew up in Austin and will face several former high school teammates now on Texas’s roster. His reaction during the playoff announcement, a mix of surprise and determination, reflected the weight of the challenge ahead.
Clemson’s journey to the CFP, defined by resilience and luck, now hinges on their ability to overcome a formidable opponent on the road. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if their improbable run con
tinues.