Can Clemson get to the National Championship game

It was an impressive performance from No. 9 Clemson as it continued its march toward getting back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020 with its win over Virginia.

With the new 12-team format, Clemson has multiple paths to reach the playoffs with the new format. There would be no doubt that the most direct path would be to win the ACC outright, as the five teams with the highest ranking in the conference receive automatic bids into the playoffs. A bye will be given to the four highest-ranked champions in the first round of the playoffs.

Due to the divisions being scrapped prior to the start of this season, the top two teams in the conference will be guaranteed a spot in Charlotte. In ACC play, the Tigers are now 5-0 and two games ahead of both Miami and SMU, who are now both 3-0 in the conference. With a 2-0 record in the conference, Pitt is also unbeaten.

No. 9 Clemson's have remaining games vs. Louisville, at Virginia Tech, at Pitt, vs. The Citadel, vs. South Carolina. They should be favored to win all of these games.

Clemson's strengths lie in their strong defensive lineup and dynamic offense, which have consistently overwhelmed opponents. However, they need to stay vigilant against potential upsets, particularly when facing Pitt and Virginia Tech on the road, as both teams have the capability to exploit any lapses in Clemson's secondary. Maintaining focus and minimizing turnovers will be crucial for the Tigers as they aim to secure their spot in the playoffs.