This year, Clemson Needs ACC and ACC Needs Clemson

Never before has winning a conference championship been so important for the Power 4 in college football.

Why?

The winners of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and the SEC will earn an automatic bid into the College Football Playoff. Those same four teams also earn a top 4 seed, meaning in the new 12-team CFP they automatically earn a spot in the quarterfinals.

That is a big deal. Though Clemson is suing the ACC and ultimately wants out of the conference, right now it needs the ACC, and the ACC needs Clemson.

Heading into the 2024 season, in this writer’s opinion, Clemson is the league’s best chance to contend for a national championship. Of course, we will have an idea if that is correct when the Tigers open the year against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 31.

Can that happen?

Can Clemson beat the Bulldogs?

I think most of you out there will probably say no. Being honest, though, we really do not know. I can honestly say not a single one of us thought Clemson was going to win the 2016 National Championship after losing to Pittsburgh at home, in November.

However, we were wrong.

The Tigers went onto win the ACC Championship, beat the Buckeyes out of Ohio State and then got a dramatic victory over Alabama in the CFP National Championship Game.

Granted, Clemson had Deshaun Watson on that team, as well as Mike Williams. There is no Watson or Mike Williams on this year’s roster, but there are enough pieces to challenge for a CFP spot and once you get in anything can happen.

However, to do that, Clemson needs to win the ACC. I don’t think the league is good enough to get two teams in the CFP this year. I could be wrong and maybe I will be, but I don’t think Florida State is as good this year as it was last season, and I am not trusting Miami until it actually wins something of importance.

NC State has not challenged for an ACC Championship since I was playing tee ball, and SMU is a dark horse candidate. Can trust that a first-year team in the conference can contend for a spot in the CFP?

We will see what happens, but I am telling you this, winning the ACC Championship has never been as important as it will be this year.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!