My initial predictions for Clemson this season have held up thus far. When I made my first score prediction (44-33 Clemson) for the NC State game, I got close to the Tigers actual total. Clemson racked up 41 points in the rout, shutting out the Wolfpack for the first time this season, and the first since back-to-back goose eggs in 2011. I sorely underestimated the Tigers defense, and thought NC State would definitely score… something.
The silver medal for the ACC looks to be a battle between Clemson, Georgia Tech, and maybe Virginia. The Tigers had their shot against top dog Florida State but fell short in overtime. If the Yellow Jackets continue their streak, they can wrap up the Coastal Division and head up Interstate 85 to Charlotte for the conference title game. Tech’s last five games are arguably their toughest, so a couple losses in that stretch puts the Coastal right back in anyone’s hands.
When five of the top eight teams in the AP Poll lost last Saturday, one of the craziest weekends in college football memory left new contenders at the top of the pile. FSU took care of Wake Forest to the tune of 43-3, keeping their number one ranking intact. The Auburn Tigers demolished the LSU 41-7, taking some first place votes themselves and moving up to number two this week.
The state of Mississippi was the big winner as the Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs are ranked in the top five together for the first time. They each knocked off Top Ten teams, and are tied for third in the AP Poll.
Stanford and Clemson are the only two-loss teams in the polls this week. Stanford is number 25 in the AP Poll, and 22 in the Coaches. Clemson is number 25 in the Coaches Poll this week.
Deshaun Watson has the Tigers passing attack rolling. He was the obvious shot in the arm the Tigers needed, proving himself against two conference foes. Back-to-back games against yield signs like North Carolina and NC State will only help the statistical department. Watson threw for 267 yards and rushed for 62 in the lopsided win over the Wolfpack.
The defensive unit showed up in Death Valley, limiting NC State to 154 total yards of offense. Defensive end Vic Beasley tied the Clemson career sack record in glorious fashion with a sack/fumble/touchdown trio.
NC State was riding high, coming off a game in which it led top-ranked Florida State at the half. A Wolfpack meltdown combined with a characteristic Seminole flurry helped FSU leave Raleigh undefeated. But State isn’t known for its defense this season, and a meltdown isn’t that surprising. Getting blanked the following week is a surprise.
Both Clemson units got a good warm up for the upcoming Louisville game. The Cardinals defense has been the bright spot the last few games, becoming quite stingy in conference play. Clemson’s passing attack will need to be efficient again, and hope the defense shows up like it did against the Wolfpack.
With the Orange Bowl at the end of the tunnel for the top ACC team (second if the top is in the College Football Playoff), the Tigers may have the advantage over the best from the Coastal. Clemson already blew their shot against the Noles, but it might not keep them out of the New Year’s Six.
If the season pans out with FSU running the table, they’ll get in the CFP. They may be jumped by an SEC West team for the one seed, especially if someone runs that division unbeaten, but they’ll be in New Orleans or Pasadena.
It’s looking like the Florida State-Notre Dame clash in Tallahassee next weekend will be a huge weight off the winner’s chest in their quest for perfection. It will be a big test for both, as either could run the table after that. The Irish have tricky road games at Arizona State and Southern California, while both teams play Louisville.
Clemson needs Florida State to take care of business, and maintain its top spot come New Year’s. Clemson will benefit from not having to play the Seminoles again, especially with Jameis Winston. The Tigers have that “good loss” on their resume, they can claim they took FSU to the brink, and they can slowly sneak back up the rankings.
The Tigers needs Georgia to win out as well, and take the SEC East crown. This would mean the Bulldogs took out Georgia Tech in the process. Not an ACC factor, but nationally, yes. If the Tigers catch South Carolina in what’s turning into a disappointing season and beat the Gamecocks in the finale, they could be on quite a roll.
If UGA upset the West champ in the SEC title game, then Clemson’s two losses (thus far) would be among two of the best in the country, if head-to-head loss comparisons were made.
Oregon and UCLA losing has put the Pac-12 back a bit in conference rankings. It’s still SEC all the way, but there’s no solid second place conference out there. The SEC West now has three Top Five teams in Auburn and the Mississippi schools, but their roads get tougher too.
If the SEC West beats itself up, and the Pac-12’s top teams suffer any more losses, then Clemson will be there ready to jump up each week to get back in the Top 20 or 15. Going to Atlanta will be a tough test. Rushing versus passing will tell the tale with the Tigers against the Yellow Jackets.
The best from the Coastal has the burden of playing FSU in Charlotte most likely. It’s the punishment for winning the lesser division when you get rewarded with the high likelihood of losing, and backing into bowl season. Clemson can wait and watch it unfold.
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