Clemson’s thrilling 24-20 victory over Pitt on Saturday afternoon has not only kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive but also reignited their quest for the ACC Championship. As the 2024 regular season approaches its conclusion, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Tigers.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
Clemson entered halftime with a solid 17-7 lead, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the second half saw a dramatic turn of events as Pitt rallied back, taking a 20-17 lead with just 1:36 remaining in the fourth quarter. The tension was palpable, but Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik stepped up when it mattered most. With the game on the line, he electrified the crowd with a stunning 50-yard rushing touchdown, reclaiming the lead for the Tigers with only 1:16 left on the clock.
Klubnik’s Heroics
The play was nothing short of spectacular, capturing the essence of college football excitement. As the crowd erupted, fans couldn’t help but marvel at Klubnik’s poise under pressure. His ability to make big plays in crucial moments is what makes him a standout player in the league.
ACC Championship Scenarios
With this victory, Clemson remains in contention for the ACC title game in Charlotte, but the path is fraught with challenges. The Tigers currently sit in third place in the ACC standings, and they will need some help from other teams to secure their spot.
To paint a clearer picture, here’s how the standings look as the season winds down:
- SMU (5-0 in ACC play) leads the standings.
- Miami (5-1 in ACC play) is in second, despite their recent loss to Georgia Tech.
- Clemson (7-1 in ACC play) is currently in third place, following their earlier loss to Louisville.
Clemson can afford one other ACC team to finish league play at 7-1 or better. However, if there’s a tie for second or a three-way tie for first, the Tigers could find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the ACC title game.
What Needs to Happen for Clemson?
The Tigers’ path to the championship game hinges on several key outcomes. SMU is set to face Boston College on Saturday and has just two more conference games against Virginia and Cal. If they win out, it could complicate Clemson’s chances.
On the other hand, Miami’s fate is also critical. If they stumble against Wake Forest or Syracuse, it would open the door for Clemson to leapfrog into second place, thus securing a trip to Charlotte. But if all three teams—Clemson, Miami, and SMU—finish with a 7-1 record, it could lead to a Miami-SMU championship showdown, leaving Clemson out in the cold.
Understanding the Tiebreaker Scenarios
As the season reaches its climax, understanding the ACC tiebreaker scenarios becomes essential. My colleague Bill Bender has laid out the intricacies of the tiebreaker process, which is crucial for teams vying for a championship spot:
Three teams or more
The three-team tiebreaker procedure will first be used to determine one championship game participant. Then, the tiebreaker restarts for the remaining tied teams:
- Combined head-to-head win-percentage among the tied teams if all tied teams are common opponents.
- If all the tied teams are not common opponents, the tied team that defeated each of the other tied teams will be considered.
- Win-percentage versus all common opponents.
- Win-percentage versus common opponents based upon their order of finish.
- Combined win-percentage of conference opponents.
- The tied team with the highest ranking by the Team Rating Score metric following the conclusion of regular season games.
- The representative shall be chosen by a draw as administered by the Commissioner or Commissioner’s designee.
Looking Ahead
As Clemson gears up for the final stretch of the season, the excitement is palpable. The Tigers have proven they can rise to the occasion, and with a little luck and some favorable outcomes from other games, they could find themselves in the ACC Championship Game.
The journey is far from over, and every game counts. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the drama unfolds. Can Clemson maintain their momentum and secure a playoff spot? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the stakes have never been higher, and the thrill of college football is in full swing.
With the ACC Championship on the line, every play, every yard, and every second will matter. The Tigers have shown they have the heart and talent to compete at the highest level, and now it’s time for them to seize the moment.
