The College Football Playoff rankings are nearing their final reveal, with the second-to-last list released ahead of conference championship weekend.
Clemson (9-3, 7-1 ACC) dropped to No. 17 in the latest rankings after a 17-14 loss to South Carolina last Saturday. The Tigers were previously ranked No. 12 but fell following the narrow defeat. Meanwhile, South Carolina climbed to No. 14 in the updated standings.
This season features the debut of the 12-team playoff format, which includes the five highest-ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams. The top four conference champions will receive first-round byes, while teams ranked fifth through 12th will play their opening round games at the higher-seeded team’s home field. Quarterfinal and semifinal matchups will be held in the New Year’s Six bowls, with the national title game played at a neutral site.
Clemson will face No. 8 SMU this Saturday in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. on ABC. A win would guarantee the Tigers a spot in the playoff as one of the top-ranked conference champions.