The 2024 college football season is all about teams fine-tuning with the new 12-team format in the mix. It’s more complicated than fun. While it certainly broadens the chance for some teams to hit the playoff bubble, the process is up to controversy. Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney made a case for ACC, specifically the Clemson, to be under-represented in the system.

As per the rule book, the top four power conferences are supposed to dominate the college football yearly rankings. ACC and the Big 12 top programs will be in the playoffs, whereas Big 10 and SEC will be heavy on the rankings. But in the first year’s reality, nine of the top 12 ranked programs belong to the Big 10 or the SEC, with Notre Dame being on its own (Independent).

”We’ve won eight league titles in 12 years. We can only play the schedule that we have.” Swinney took a shot at CFB. “We basically got an SEC-Big Ten invitational (in the College Football Playoffs).”

Swinney and The Tigers (8-2,7-1 ACC) stay in the chase of an ACC Championship game berth, but they are no longer in control of their destiny. They have already dropped the ball in two games, including a home loss against Louisville. Now, only a Miami loss or SMU dropping both their remaining games can fix their ACC title game fate for Swinney and the Tigers.

Swinny took a humble pie, noting they really had two nasty games this season, but wait. He still thinks the Tigers deserve better; in fact, they are worth clinching a spot in the playoff.

Dabo Swinney has sky-high confidence in his team despite two costly losses 

Swinney had his held awkwardly high while justifying his coaching setback, putting the blame on Georgia for an underwhelming third quarter and calling out a poor outing for a loss against Louisville. In favor of his CFP spot claim, the Clemson head coach pointed out how the Tigers were undefeated on the road for the 10th time in history. Swinney also flexed their revenge game against every team that gave them a hard time last year except for Duke.

Don’t gouge out! There is more to his plate to brag. The veteran coach, who earned the team two national championships in his 16-year tenure, kept quarterback Klubnik in the front and showcased his fourth spot in touchdown passes (26) in FBS. No matter how it does justice to the idea of the Tigers’ potential playoff spot in the season, Swinney continued his brag game. He noted how Klubnik’s stats match those of former legendary QB Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.

However, coach Swinney will have no answer if they let it slip against Citadel this week, which is their last chance to raise the stacks a bit ahead of the rivalry week matchup against the Gamecocks.

If they have to convince the CFP committee for a last-minute playoff spot in the best possible case, they will strictly dominate against Citadel. Plain and simple! However, the playoff spot can still remain a far-fetched dream if Miami or SMU lives up to their standard.