Clemson Tigers

College Football Playoff on the horizon for Clemson

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the first College Football Playoff rankings about 3 weeks out, Clemson must maximize their next two games. NC State is not only important for playoff seeding, but, also as a spring board for the Florida State game on October 29.

College Football Playoff seeding

The College Football Playoff is far from an exact science as we all know. Which is why Clemson needs an impressive win over NC State, a close call will not cut it. With teams like Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Washington winning as handily as they have, Clemson could potentially be

Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

left out of the initial four over style points. It has happened before. For instance, in 2014 TCU was left out of the playoff in favor of Ohio State. The Buckeyes were coming off of a blowout win over Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship.

Clemson can afford to skate by Florida State, because the Seminoles hold more weight in the eyes of the committee.

Leading up to FSU

Clemson’s biggest test year-in-year-out is Florida State, this season looks to be the exception to that rule. Florida State was embarrassed in a 63-20 loss against Louisville and upset at home by North Carolina. The Seminoles playoff chances are likely over.

While this seasons match-up between Clemson and Florida State may not be as sexy, it presents an intriguing story-line. Florida State has an opportunity to play spoiler to the Tigers. However, Clemson has an opportunity to gain consecutive wins over Florida State for the first time under Coach Swinney.

It will be interesting to see how Dabo Swinney handles the team against NC State and throughout the bye week. It is important that the Tigers stay fresh and focused during their down time.