Despite stubbing their toes at Syracuse, Clemson football enters November with a solid shot at making the 2017 College Football Playoff. What, though, do the Tigers need to do to be considered among the final four standing?
With a schedule that already includes wins over three Top-15 teams and the chance to improve the resume with a win in the ACC title game, Clemson will be in that final group should they win out.
Last year, the Tigers overcame a hiccup at home when they fell to Pittsburgh, rebounding to claim their second ACC title and eventually best Alabama in the national championship game.
Many wondered if Dabo Swinney had staying power like his alma mater, Alabama, after the loss of Deshaun Watson, Mike Williams, Wayne Gallman and others. Thanks to a strong defense and the ever-improving play of Kelly Bryant, the Tigers enters a crucial showdown with NC State sitting at 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference.
With the first CFP rankings released this week and four games – plus the ACC title contest if they make it that far – remaining, what does Clemson need to do to return to the final four for a third straight year? Let’s take a closer look at just that.