Analysts debate: Would Clemson struggle outside ACC?
Analysts Joel Klatt of Fox Sports and Danny Kanell of CBS Sports got into a dust-up on Twitter over No. 5 Clemson's football resume.
After Klatt wondered how the Tigers would fare outside the ACC, the discussion quickly turned into a question of Clemson’s ability to post an undefeated record against the schedules of No. 4 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State. On Saturday, Clemson struggled to beat No. 16 Syracuse, 27-21.
At first, Klatt was dubious.
Klatt eventually agreed that the Tigers would own the same record as Ohio State (7-0), but thought they'd struggle against Wolverines' schedule. The former Colorado quarterback highlighted the uncertainty at QB for the Tigers after starter DJ Uiagalelei was benched in favor of 2022 five-star Cade Klubnik against the Orange.
Kanell offered a rebuttal.
ESPN's College Football Power Index reveals the Tigers rank 56th in strength of schedule and second in strength of record — only No. 3 Tennessee ranks higher.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines and Buckeyes posted the 81st- and 80th-rated strength of schedule and the fifth- and sixth-rated strength of record.
The numbers from the FPI indicate that Clemson has a better resume and would fare just as well, if not better, against the schedules of the Buckeyes and Wolverines, but the margin is slim.
Additionally, the remaining schedules of Michigan and Ohio State both rank as more difficult than that of the Tigers. (See Michigan and Ohio State schedules.)
If anything, the numbers prove the futility of trying to find a definitive answer to the question, and as Kanell points out, college football fans are better off letting it play out on the field.
He was referring to a certain game in Columbus, Ohio.
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