This year, the matchup between Clemson and South Carolina means a little more with the Tigers’ playoff hopes in the balance.
Clemson heads into this weekend with a pivotal opportunity that could shape its postseason. Currently ranked No. 12, the Tigers (9-2) need a win over No. 15 South Carolina to remain in the hunt for an at-large College Football Playoff berth. However, their path could shift if Syracuse upsets No. 6 Miami, potentially vaulting Clemson into the ACC Championship Game.
Head coach Dabo Swinney has made his preference very clear: to win the ACC title, to get that first-round bye, and to give his injury-ravaged team some real rest. “It would be ideal,” Swinney said, not disguising the injuries that have taken place. The Tigers have lost six offensive linemen this season and will lose reserve Trent Howard, who tore his ACL this week.
While Swinney prefers a title game scenario, he’s prepared for whatever. “We’ll take whatever we can get and be ready,” he said. Still, the Tigers’ clash with South Carolina and Miami’s performance against Syracuse will collectively determine Clemson’s fate. Every Saturday play carries significant weight for a team eager to return to championship contention.
How Clemson responds to being under pressure could very well define its postseason hopes during a wild playoff race that seems to be full of surprises. The stakes are this high, and the Tigers must balance their ambitions for a league title with their ultimate goal of reclaiming a spot among college football’s elite.