How Clemson’s ‘windshield mentality’ — and some timely upsets — put the Tigers in prime position for a playoff spot

The good thing about getting blown off the field in your first game of the season is, at least you’ve found your floor. When your opponent stomps you by a factor of 10 — even if that opponent is the University of Georgia — well, there’s only one direction to go from there.

Just look at Clemson now. Forgotten Clemson, mocked Clemson, dismissed Clemson, ground into orange paste by the Dawgs in that season debut, has now run off four straight wins. Thanks to a highly favorable schedule, plus the snake pit that is the SEC, Clemson, 4-1 and undefeated in the ACC, is in prime position for a College Football Playoff berth. After two recent faceplants — 4-7 through seven games in 2021, 4-4 through eight games in 2023 — Clemson is holding it together in-conference so far, and that’s made all the difference.

Coming into the season, last week’s Clemson-Florida State showdown was supposed to be one of the ACC’s marquee games of the year. The Noles killed that by self-destructing, and Clemson took care of business, 29-13. As a result, the remaining slate for Clemson is like Interstate 85 without speed traps, a wide-open route to Charlotte and the ACC championship. The only currently ranked team still on the Tigers’ schedule is No. 22 Pitt. Clemson wouldn’t meet either conference leader Miami or dark horse (sorry) SMU until a hypothetical ACC title game.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, front right, celebrates with quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Not only that, last week’s sudden upsets across the college football landscape open the door a little wider for Clemson. If you’re comparing quality losses, falling to then-top-ranked Georgia in Week 1 is preferable to…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-09 17:53:01

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