As far as the playoff goes, as long as the Tigers take care of their own business, they’re in. Guaranteed. Do not buy into the media members who suggest an unbeaten Clemson team could possibly be left out. There is no chance that happens. However, there are games each week in which the results could impact the Tigers playoff wise, and conference wise. Let’s take a look at those games scheduled for this weekend.
#4 Ohio State at Northwestern (Friday 8:30 pm BTN)
The Buckeyes are four touchdown favorites on the road and the FPI gives them a 96% chance to win. Nothing to see here.
West Virginia at #5 Oklahoma (Noon FOX)
The Sooners are even bigger road favorites than Ohio State. The Mountaineers are tasked with slowing a Sooner offense that no one has come close to taming. West Virginia won’t either.
#6 Wisconsin at Illinois (Noon BTN)
The Badgers are allowing just 4.8 points per game. Yes, you read that correctly, and the Illinois offense won’t have much better luck. They will have accomplished something if they crack the scoreboard.
#2 LSU at Miss St (3:30 CBS)
LSU is rolling up over 550 yards of offense, and more than 50 points per game. The Bulldogs are coming off a loss to lowly Tennessee, and their only P5 win came over rebuilding Kentucky.
#9 Florida at UofSC (Noon ESPN)
The Gamecocks knocked off previously unbeaten and third ranked Georgia last weekend in Athens. Florida is coming a 42-28 loss at LSU, their first of the season. Can South Carolina do it two straight weekends and end the Gators slim playoff hopes? Florida is only a five point road favorite and the FPI gives them a 60% shot at getting the win.
Duke at Virginia (3:30 ACCN)
If the Dookies have any hope of winning the Coastal, this is a must win. There is a 3 way tie atop the division between Duke, UVA, and UNC. Falling a game back could be disastrous.
UNC at Va Tech (3:30 ACCNX)
The Hokies are already basically playing for nothing more than pride, and possibly a lower level bowl game. They are already out of the race for Coastal and the defense they are putting on the field is an embarrassment to Bud Foster’s name. The Heels need a win to keep pace, and the Tigers need them to win in order to keep the hope for revenge in a rematch alive.
