College Football Playoff Projections 2018: Georgia rising in Week 14

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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 24: Teammates Hunter Renfrow #13 and Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers react 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) /

2. Clemson Tigers

Yup, Clemson Tigers come in at No. 2, despite their domination of nearly every opponent throughout the entire season.

In Week 13, the Tigers handled their in-state rival, the South Carolina Gamecocks, 56-35. Sure, this wasn’t their best defensive performance of the year. But, we will give them a pass since South Carolina was visibly more motivated to play hard this week.

However, the Clemson defense is the exact reason why they stand a chance against Alabama should they play each other later in the season. Specifically, three of Clemson’s defensive lineman, Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, and Christian Wilkins, are all possible first round draft picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Tigers will face the Pittsburgh Panthers in the ACC Championship Game, which will be played in the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clemson is clearly the better team and will have much more of a home field advantage. Should the Tigers win, and Alabama lose, Clemson will head into the College Football Playoff as the top seed.

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