Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from rivalry win over South Carolina

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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 24: Austin Bryant #7 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

1. Clemson may just be a playoff lock

There are no such things as locks when it comes to the College Football Playoff, but Clemson may be as close as anything — along with Alabama.

Even with a loss in the ACC title game against Pittsburgh, you have to think the entire body of work by the Tigers would be enough to send them to the College Football Playoff for yet another year — they are regulars along with the Crimson Tide.

Dabo Swinney’s team shook off some early-season scares, including a slim win over Syracuse which required a major comeback and has since won seven straight games by at least 20 points. That streak includes victories over NC State, Florida State, Boston College and South Carolina. Sure, the schedule has been weaker this year with a down ACC, but they have been dismantling everyone in their path.

The Tigers locked up an unbeaten season with a blowout win over the Gamecocks — and added a late touchdown much to the dismay of Will Muschamp — and may have just sewn up a playoff berth.

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The Tigers likely won’t lose to Pittsburgh in the title game but if they do, there’s still a chance this team will be headed to the playoff.

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