THE Clemson Tigers know that they will need help to earn their spot in the ACC Championship Game and return to the College Football Playoff roster.

But the only thing they can control is their own success, because they can’t afford to suffer another loss. They knew this before their game against The Citadel in Week 13 and went about their business as you would expect.

They won 51-14setting up a massive clash next week in their annual rivalry match against the South Carolina Gamecocks. This victory, combined with utter chaos, allows them to climb the newest college football power rankings.

At the start of the week, the Tigers were ranked 19th ESPN Rankings. They are now No. 13, knocking on the playoff door thanks in large part to the failures of other teams.

“The Tigers picked a good week to face an FCS team. With chaos reigning over them, Clemson took care of business with a 51-14 victory over The Citadel thanks to three touchdown passes from Cade Klubnik. The Tigers are now 9-2, marking their 14th straight season of nine or more wins. More importantly, the losses surrounding them in the top 25 leave the door wide open for a playoff spot. A win next week against South Carolina would deliver a signature win over the SEC – home of the majority of teams Clemson would be judged against. A loss at Miami next week would also push the Tigers into the ACC title game, which could be either a blessing or a curse at this point,” as shared on ESPN.

Next week is essentially a playoff game, as the loser of this contest will likely be eliminated from the College Football Playoff.

Given the chaos that ensued last weekend, both teams have more hope heading into Week 14 of securing a spot among the 12 teams than they did heading into Week 13. That will add even more excitement to a match already full of buzz. .

A win against the Gamecocks could be enough to move Clemson back into the overall rankings, especially if more teams ahead of them fall at the end of the regular season or in a conference championship game.

For example, they might jump on the team that loses in the ACC title game, whether it’s Miami Hurricanes Or Mustang SMU. How the committee will handle things is anyone’s guess, especially because there are no clashes between this trio.

Participants in the championship game will likely be determined by tiebreaker unless Miami loses a second time in conference play next week against the Syracuse Orange.