Even after stumbling out of the gate, Clemson remains firmly in the College Football Playoff picture.
The Tigers took a step back in the polls after falling 17-10 to LSU, landing at No. 8 in both the AP and Coaches rankings. ESPN analysts see them holding steady in that territory, projecting final seeding anywhere from No. 7 to No. 10.
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That narrow window could prove pivotal. Mark Schlabach’s projection would bring Florida State back to Death Valley, while Kyle Bonagura sees Clemson heading to Texas for a rematch.
“I’m not going to overreact to season-opening losses for Texas, Notre Dame and Clemson, which faced three difficult tests,” Schlabach said. “Clemson lost star receiver Antonio Williams to a hamstring injury on the second possession against LSU, which undoubtedly hurt the Tigers on offense. Clemson’s offensive line has to play better, and the Tigers need to find a running game to take some pressure off quarterback Cade Klubnik.” Schlabach’s bracket has Texas meeting Notre Dame in round one.
Neither projection gives Clemson a path to the quarterfinals.
“Here are two 0-1 teams that will have to claw their way back,” Bender said. “Clemson lost to LSU, but the Tigers have enough talent on defense to make their push back in the ACC. Notre Dame will improve around new quarterback CJ Carr, who nearly led a fourth-quarter comeback against the Hurricanes. The margin of error for both teams is considerably less now, however.”
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If Bender’s scenario plays out, the winner would square off with Ohio State in the next round, leaving Clemson in chase mode to prove its season isn’t defined by Week 1.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: ESPN updates Clemson’s College Football Playoff projection
