Seen some questions and guessing around how Clemson can get in so I’ve tried to summarize all that I’ve seen in the ways Clemson could make the CFP. Please fact check me where I’m wrong.
Path #1 - ACC Champion
Clemson’s 2 remaining games do not matter for anything rather than potential seeding (I’ll get to that). In order to even MAKE the ACCCG, one of the following three scenarios must happen:
a) Miami loses to Wake Forest OR loses to Syracuse
b) SMU loses to Virginia AND loses to Cal
c) SMU loses to Virginia AND Virginia defeats Virginia Tech AND Pitt defeats Louisville
If any of the above scenarios happen, Clemson would go to the ACCCG. A win in the ACCCG would get them an auto bid to the CFP. It’s likely, but not guaranteed, that it would also come with a first round bye. My GUESS is that the ACC Champ would get the 3 seed and be ranked over the Group of 5 Champ as well as the Big 12 Champ, but not guaranteed.
Path #2 - At Large Bid
Clemson must win their last 2 games, plain and simple. Additionally, they must NOT go to the ACCCG because a loss there would disqualify them almost certainly. At currently #17 in the poll, we then must hope for losses in front of them.
Either BYU or Colorado will drop below them when ultimately they play one another in the Big 12 Champ Game. That brings the Tigers to #16.
Your cheering guide then becomes:
-Texas to beat Texas A&M
-SMU to lose at some point, even to Miami in the ACCCG
Then comes the tough part. You need to make up 2 more spots. Any combination of 2 of the following would work:
-Ole Miss loses to UF or Miss St
-Tenn loses to Vanderbilt
-Indiana loses to OSU AND Purdue
-Alabama loses to Oklahoma AND Auburn
As you can see, Clemson’s path to the playoff is unlikely. Personally, I see the likeliest path being a Cuse win at Home vs the Hurricanes and Clemson defeating SMU in the ACCCG.
Been a wild ride for the Tigers this year, I just hope they can finish strong.
Path #1 - ACC Champion
Clemson’s 2 remaining games do not matter for anything rather than potential seeding (I’ll get to that). In order to even MAKE the ACCCG, one of the following three scenarios must happen:
a) Miami loses to Wake Forest OR loses to Syracuse
b) SMU loses to Virginia AND loses to Cal
c) SMU loses to Virginia AND Virginia defeats Virginia Tech AND Pitt defeats Louisville
If any of the above scenarios happen, Clemson would go to the ACCCG. A win in the ACCCG would get them an auto bid to the CFP. It’s likely, but not guaranteed, that it would also come with a first round bye. My GUESS is that the ACC Champ would get the 3 seed and be ranked over the Group of 5 Champ as well as the Big 12 Champ, but not guaranteed.
Path #2 - At Large Bid
Clemson must win their last 2 games, plain and simple. Additionally, they must NOT go to the ACCCG because a loss there would disqualify them almost certainly. At currently #17 in the poll, we then must hope for losses in front of them.
Either BYU or Colorado will drop below them when ultimately they play one another in the Big 12 Champ Game. That brings the Tigers to #16.
Your cheering guide then becomes:
-Texas to beat Texas A&M
-SMU to lose at some point, even to Miami in the ACCCG
Then comes the tough part. You need to make up 2 more spots. Any combination of 2 of the following would work:
-Ole Miss loses to UF or Miss St
-Tenn loses to Vanderbilt
-Indiana loses to OSU AND Purdue
-Alabama loses to Oklahoma AND Auburn
As you can see, Clemson’s path to the playoff is unlikely. Personally, I see the likeliest path being a Cuse win at Home vs the Hurricanes and Clemson defeating SMU in the ACCCG.
Been a wild ride for the Tigers this year, I just hope they can finish strong.
