Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson's Chances at Reaching ACC Championship Game Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 1:24 PM ET

The No. 17 Clemson Tigers (8-2) need some help to reach the ACC Championship Game and play for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

One spot is left in the conference title game, as the No. 13 SMU Mustangs (9-1) have already clinched a birth in their first season in the ACC. The two major players left are Clemson and the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (9-1).

Clemson's upcoming rivalry matchup against No. 18 South Carolina (8-3) will not count toward its conference record, leaving the Tigers' chances at reaching the ACC championship completely out of their hands.

Clemson needs Syracuse (8-3) to topple the Hurricanes in the season finale, and according to ESPN SP+, the chances of that potential upset taking place are dismal at 13%. Miami is a 10.5-point road favorite, per ESPN BET.

A positive outlook for Clemson is how Miami has oddly struggled against unranked opponents this season. Fourth-quarter comebacks were needed to top California and Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes' lone loss came at Georgia Tech in Week 12.

While an ACC title and automatic playoff bid is the best-case scenario for the Tigers, Dabo Swinney and company may not be out of the playoff race without winning the conference. A win in the Palmetto Bowl could serve as a play-in game, though the updated playoff rankings on Tuesday will paint a clearer picture.

Miami-Syracuse is slated for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Clemson will welcome South Carolina to Death Valley at noon ET (ESPN).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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