Clemson Path to College Football Playoff

On paper, the Tigers strength of schedule for the 2022 season, isn’t all that daunting, as it currently ranks No. 44

Preseason FPI: No. 4
Chance to win conference: 59%
Chance to make the CFP: 59%
Chance to play in the national title game: 26%

Clemson sits at No. 4 in ESPN’s recently released preseason FPI rankings, with analyst Heather Dinich recently looking at the Tigers path to the playoff.

She thinks the Tigers biggest obstacle could be its late season matchup in South Bend against Notre Dame.

“This should be Clemson’s biggest opportunity to impress the selection committee on the national stage. If Clemson loses this game, it can still finish in the top four with an ACC title, but it’s not a guarantee. It still depends on how the other Power 5 champions fare in similarly difficult nonconference games.”

The ESPN analyst thinks Clemson’s non-conference slate is key to the program returning to the College Football Playoff.

“Clemson shouldn’t have any problems with Furman or Louisiana Tech (especially at home), but if the Tigers can win at South Bend, Indiana, and beat rival South Carolina at home, they’ll have a much better case for the top four as an ACC champ. South Carolina is making strides under Shane Beamer and is a potential top 25 opponent.”