Three Crucial Moments from Clemson’s CFB Regular Season that Changed the Course of its Playoff Journey

The Clemson Tigers’ journey through the 2024 college football season has been nothing short of dramatic, filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of heart-stopping uncertainty. While the team is known for its resilience and consistent dominance over the years, the road to the College Football Playoff (CFP) can be unforgiving, and several key events throughout the regular season would determine whether Clemson could continue its prestigious postseason streak. Here, we take a look at three crucial moments in Clemson’s regular season that significantly impacted its chances at making the College Football Playoff in 2024.

1. A Shocking Loss to the Florida State Seminoles (Week 4)

Date: September 28, 2024
Score: Florida State 31, Clemson 28
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

Clemson entered the 2024 season with high expectations, buoyed by a stacked roster and the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney. However, one of the most pivotal moments came early in the season when the Tigers faced off against ACC rival Florida State in a highly anticipated matchup that had major implications for the ACC Championship race.

For much of the game, Clemson appeared to have the upper hand. They entered the second half with a slight lead, showing flashes of their usual dominance on both sides of the ball. However, Florida State’s offense, led by their star quarterback and NFL prospect, showed a level of efficiency and poise that rattled Clemson’s defense. The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter when Florida State’s offense mounted a game-winning drive, ultimately sealing a 31-28 victory.

Clemson’s defense, typically a hallmark of the program under Swinney, was unable to stifle Florida State’s balanced attack, and the Tigers’ offense struggled to execute in critical moments. The loss was shocking, as it not only halted Clemson’s momentum but also presented a roadblock to their hopes of securing a high ranking in the College Football Playoff race.

From a playoff perspective, this loss was particularly damaging because it was a loss to an in-conference rival. Not only did it tarnish their record, but it also hurt their chances of winning the ACC outright, leaving their margin for error incredibly slim for the rest of the season. A second ACC loss would mean that Clemson would need to rely on a highly unlikely set of circumstances (such as major upsets and losses by other top teams) to make the playoff. This game changed the trajectory of the season in many ways, as it forced the Tigers to play catch-up in a crowded and competitive playoff race.

2. Dominating Victory over North Carolina (Week 8)

Date: October 19, 2024
Score: Clemson 42, North Carolina 17
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC

After the stinging loss to Florida State, Clemson’s path to the College Football Playoff seemed increasingly narrow. They needed to string together a series of dominant victories and hope for other teams to slip up. Their turnaround began with a commanding 42-17 win over a surging North Carolina team that had emerged as one of the top teams in the ACC.

This game represented a statement victory for Clemson, showing the college football world that they were still a force to be reckoned with despite their early-season loss. The Tigers’ offense clicked on all cylinders against a North Carolina defense that had been tough all year. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, who had struggled at times in the early season, showed his growth with pinpoint passing, making key throws to wide receiver Antonio Williams and star tight end Jake Briningstool. The Clemson rushing attack, led by Will Shipley, gashed the Tar Heels, allowing the Tigers to control the clock and wear down North Carolina’s defense.

More importantly, Clemson’s defense was suffocating, making critical stops and forcing turnovers at crucial moments. North Carolina’s high-powered offense was stifled, and Clemson never allowed the game to become competitive after the first half.

This victory was not just a confidence booster for the Tigers but also a crucial one for their playoff hopes. A loss to North Carolina could have meant the end of any realistic path to the College Football Playoff, but instead, Clemson sent a message that they were not out of the race. Additionally, the victory helped them maintain a strong position in the ACC standings, keeping them in contention for the conference title and potentially securing a CFP spot.

While it wasn’t enough to fully erase the sting of the Florida State loss, this win helped restore Clemson’s momentum and positioning in the national conversation. It was a reminder that Clemson’s championship pedigree was still alive, and they had the talent and coaching staff to make a deep postseason run.

3. The ACC Championship Game Redemption Against Florida State (Week 13)

Date: December 7, 2024
Score: Clemson 35, Florida State 28
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

The final, and perhaps most important, moment in Clemson’s 2024 regular season came in the ACC Championship Game. Having suffered a heartbreaking loss to Florida State earlier in the season, the Tigers had one last opportunity to avenge that defeat and potentially secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. This game carried massive implications for both teams, as it was not only a battle for the ACC title but also a chance for Clemson to prove that they were capable of overcoming adversity and still competing with the best teams in the country.

Florida State entered the game as the top team in the ACC, with an undefeated record and a high ranking. On paper, they seemed to have the edge, but Clemson was determined to rewrite their season’s narrative. The game itself was a high-stakes thriller, with both teams playing at an elite level. However, Clemson’s ability to execute in key moments was the difference.

The Tigers’ offense, which had been inconsistent throughout the season, found its rhythm in the first half. Cade Klubnik showed poise and leadership, avoiding the mistakes that had plagued him earlier in the season. Will Shipley was a force in the backfield, running with power and precision, while the Clemson defense, led by linebacker Barrett Carter, stepped up in key moments to shut down Florida State’s explosive offense.

Florida State was still dangerous, and the game remained tight until the fourth quarter, when Clemson’s defense made a crucial stop deep in their own territory. On the ensuing drive, Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a touchdown that would prove to be the game-winner, clinching a 35-28 victory and securing Clemson’s seventh ACC title in eight years.

This victory not only solidified Clemson’s place as the ACC champion but also put them in strong contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Despite their earlier loss to Florida State in the regular season, the Tigers had demonstrated their ability to bounce back and win when it mattered most. Clemson’s playoff hopes now rested on the final CFP rankings, which would reflect the Tigers’ dominance in the conference title game and their overall resume.