The Clemson Tigers are gearing up for a must-win game against The Citadel Bulldogs as they look to close out their regular season with a bang. With an 8-2 record and a dominant 7-1 mark in the ACC, Clemson has been impressive—but not quite where they need to be.
Despite leading the ACC in wins, they’re on the outside looking in for a conference title due to tie-breaker scenarios, leaving their path to the College Football Playoff in jeopardy.
If the Tigers are going to make a push for the Playoff, winning the ACC is their only ticket. But there’s one major catch: Clemson hasn’t played their best football yet, and Dabo Swinney knows it. Linebacker Barrett Carter echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’ve shown flashes, but we’re nowhere close to playing our best football.” The defense, in particular, has been inconsistent this season, with moments of brilliance followed by costly lapses.
Though the Tigers have struggled with their defensive consistency, there’s been some serious bright spots. The defense has had a few rocky games—like the 64 points allowed to Virginia and Louisville—but bounced back with solid performances against Virginia Tech (14 points) and Pittsburgh (20 points). In the recent win over Pittsburgh, edge rusher T.J. Parker turned in a national-caliber performance with four sacks.
While Clemson is expected to handle The Citadel with ease, all eyes will be on the season finale against the South Carolina Gamecocks. That game will be the true test for Clemson’s defense and their ability to show up when it matters most. With the ACC title and potential Playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Tigers can’t afford to leave anything to chance.
As the season winds down, Clemson is running out of time to prove they’re worthy of a spot among the nation’s elite. The question remains: Can this defense finally find its rhythm and deliver when it counts? The clock is ticking, and the Tigers need to make a statement—starting with The Citadel.
