Clemson Tigers News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Analysts debate: Would Clemson struggle outside ACC?

By Ethan Petrik | Last updated 10/25/22

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.

Does anyone think @ClemsonFB could actually win either division in the SEC or the B10 East? Do you think they could finish better than 3rd in the SEC East or B10 East?

I don't either!
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) October 24, 2022

Hey @joelklatt set your Buckeye pompoms aside for a minute and ask this question...would Clemson be undefeated vs Ohio State's schedule or Michigan's schedule to this point??? I guarantee they would!! Let's not act like the Big Ten is some gauntlet.... https://t.co/j6AOZgTzaD
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) October 24, 2022

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.

They would likely be unbeaten vs Ohio State schedule...Not sure about Michigan schedule as I believe Penn State would be a tough match-up for them...I don't use pompoms, brosef, I call it how I see it...Clemson has the most unsettled QB situation of any top 10 team...cry harder! https://t.co/Nn9sPMWzuG
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) October 24, 2022

Kanell offered a rebuttal.

So if you think Clemson's QB situation is unsettled can only imagine what you think of Michigan's??? We sure Michigan would be undefeated vs Clemson's schedule?
DJ U: 1804 Yards 17 TD 4 INT
JJ McCarthy: 1297 Yards 9 TD 2 INT @joelklatt https://t.co/vxiBvn7sJt
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) October 24, 2022

ESPN's College Football Power Index reveals the Tigers rank 56thin 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.

Why would I watch Michigan blowout cupcakes?? I only need to watch on Nov 26th. Better keep it close! https://t.co/IeqvBBxI9j
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) October 24, 2022

He was referring to a certain game in Columbus, Ohio.

More must-reads: