Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has a potential path to the 12-team College Football Playoff, but none of that will matter if his team doesn’t secure a win on Saturday.
Dabo Swinney has never been shy about sharing his opinions, and his recent comments about the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection process have struck a chord with fans who feel the system favors teams from the SEC and Big Ten over those in the ACC and Big 12. Speaking on the Gramlich and Mac Lain podcast, Swinney referred to the playoff as “the SEC-Big Ten Invitational” and took a jab at Notre Dame, saying, “It’s been SEC, Big Ten, Notre Dame, and the rest of y’all. It’s been that way for my whole time here at Clemson. But guess what, check our records versus all of them. Check our records.”
And Swinney’s point is backed by results. Under his leadership, Clemson has solidified its place among college football’s elite, winning national championships in 2016 and 2018, compiling a 3-1 record against Ohio State, and a 4-2 record against Notre Dame.
Despite this success, Swinney believes Clemson is often overlooked in discussions of the sport’s premier programs. While some might argue that Clemson’s strong brand helped it secure a No. 12 ranking this season, Swinney insists that the Tigers have earned their spot through performance.
Looking ahead, Swinney is clear about the stakes. “We go win this game and we’re 10-2, I don’t see how you can’t put us in,” he said, referring to Clemson’s upcoming rivalry game against South Carolina. “We’ve been able to win at the highest level.
But you’ve gotta earn it.” A victory on Saturday would provide Clemson with a quality win, bolstering its case for an at-large playoff bid and keeping its slim hopes for an ACC Championship alive.
However, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would solidify Clemson’s argument for playoff inclusion, but a loss would spark widespread criticism and likely end their postseason aspirations. South Carolina, playing some of its best football of the season, poses a significant challenge, adding to the pressure on the Tigers.
Regardless of the outcome, the conversation around Clemson and Swinney’s playoff comments will be loud—either celebrating a comeback season or lamenting a missed opportunity.
