Clemson football has established a notable legacy in the College Football Playoff (CFP) over the years, even though the team has not participated in the tournament since 2020. Under the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have consistently performed at their peak in the CFP, although they have never had to face a true road game in the tournament.
This Saturday, as Clemson plays at Texas, it offers the team another chance to dispel doubts about the program’s ability to thrive in the ever-evolving world of college football. Despite these concerns, Clemson’s overall history in the College Football Playoff remains strong. Below is a breakdown of each of Clemson’s appearances in the CFP, showcasing their 6-4 record in the four-team format:
Clemson vs. Oklahoma – Orange Bowl Semifinal (2015)
Date and Location: December 31, 2015, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
In Clemson’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, the Tigers faced off against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl semifinal. Although the final score suggested a dominant performance, the game was much closer than it seemed. Oklahoma led by a slim 17-16 margin at halftime, but Clemson came out strong in the second half, with quarterback Deshaun Watson leading the charge. Watson orchestrated a key touchdown drive to begin the second half, and the Tigers extended their advantage when a fourth-and-1 stop on Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine shifted momentum. Following that defensive stand, Hunter Renfrow caught a touchdown pass, and the Tigers seized full control of the game, holding Oklahoma scoreless in the second half. Clemson’s 37-17 victory sent them to the national championship game.
Key Player: Deshaun Watson was the standout performer, passing for 185 yards and rushing for 147 yards. He outperformed Oklahoma’s Heisman finalist quarterback, Baker Mayfield, leading the Tigers to a commanding win.
Alabama vs. Clemson – National Championship (2016)
Date and Location: January 11, 2016, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
In the national championship game, Clemson faced off against Alabama in a contest that many saw as a defining moment for the Tigers, even though they came up short in a thrilling 45-40 loss. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times through the first three quarters. However, Alabama took control in the final period, largely due to a pivotal special teams play. Nick Saban’s decision to go for an onside kick with the score tied at 24-24 set the stage for a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown by Kenyan Drake, putting Alabama ahead by a significant margin for the first time in the game with just over seven minutes remaining.
Despite the defeat, the game was a memorable showcase of individual talent on both sides. Derrick Henry, the Heisman-winning running back for Alabama, rushed for 158 yards and scored three touchdowns, while O.J. Howard caught five passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. For Clemson, Renfrow had a standout performance with two touchdowns, but the real star was Watson. He threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 73 yards against an Alabama defense that was among the most formidable in the country.
Key Player: Deshaun Watson’s remarkable performance, despite the loss, will always be remembered. He nearly led Clemson to an upset victory over a team widely considered to be the best in the nation, and his 405-yard, four-touchdown effort was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.
Clemson vs. Ohio State – Fiesta Bowl Semifinal (2019)
Date and Location: December 28, 2019, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
In their second appearance in the College Football Playoff, Clemson faced a tough challenge from Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal. The game was highly anticipated, with both teams entering with undefeated records. Clemson came out firing on all cylinders, with Trevor Lawrence playing at an elite level and leading the Tigers to a dominant 29-23 victory. The game was hard-fought, with Ohio State threatening late, but Clemson’s defense, led by linebacker Isaiah Simmons, made key stops in the final moments to secure the win and send the Tigers to their third national championship game in four years.
Key Player: Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns, was the standout performer, guiding Clemson through a tough matchup against a talented Ohio State defense. Simmons was also crucial, with his defensive leadership helping to neutralize Ohio State’s offensive attack.
LSU vs. Clemson – National Championship (2020)
Date and Location: January 13, 2020, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
In the 2020 national championship game, Clemson faced an undefeated LSU team led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. Despite a valiant effort from the Tigers, they fell short in a high-scoring contest, losing 42-25. LSU’s explosive offense, led by Burrow, was too much for Clemson’s defense to handle, as the Tigers’ defense struggled to contain the potent passing attack. Clemson was unable to keep pace, and despite another solid performance from Lawrence, who passed for 234 yards and rushed for 49 yards, the team could not overcome LSU’s dominance.
Key Player: Trevor Lawrence again stood out for Clemson, but LSU’s offensive prowess ultimately proved to be the difference. Burrow’s 463-yard, five-touchdown performance overshadowed Lawrence’s efforts and cemented LSU’s place as the national champions.
Looking Ahead
Despite missing out on the College Football Playoff in recent years, Clemson remains a program to watch in the future of college football. With Dabo Swinney continuing to lead the Tigers, the team’s culture of excellence is likely to keep them competitive for years to come. The 2023-2024 season could be pivotal for the Tigers, as they look to regain their place among the elite programs in the country. With a mix of young talent and experienced leadership, Clemson could soon make another deep run in the College Football Playoff, continuing the legacy of success that has been a hallmark of the program since their CFP debut in 2015.
Final Thoughts: Clemson’s College Football Playoff history has been marked by high points, including two national championship appearances and a 6-4 overall record in the four-team format. While they have faced some tough losses, the Tigers have consistently been one of the top programs in college football, with a bright future ahead. The game at Texas is another opportunity for Clemson to prove that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the ever-changing landscape of college football.
