The Clemson Tigers spent much of the 2019 college football season on cruise control.
Far more talented than any other team in the ACC or on their non-conference schedule, Dabo Swinney’s team won every game from October on by at least 30 points.
They won their first four games by a total score of 169-40. Then came their only real test, a September scare at North Carolina when they escaped with a 21-20 win.
“Well, we did have one close game against North Carolina and had to battle ourselves off to find a way to win,” Swinney said.
“It’s not easy to win. There’s only three undefeated teams out there. There’s a lot of leagues. There’s no undefeated MAC or Sun Belt or Conference USA or any other league. I don’t care what league you’re in, it’s incredibly difficult to win, to win them all. And our league has got 10 bowl teams, has been very competitive.”
But while Swinney tries to talk up the ACC, the fact remains that the Tigers’ highest-ranked opponent in the final College Football Playoff rankings was Virginia at No. 24.
Even then, the Cavaliers only stayed in the poll through some exceptional generosity from the committee. They only dropped one spot, from 23rd to 24th, after losing the ACC title game, 62-17.
The Buckeyes have five wins this season over teams ranked ahead of Virginia, including Cincinnati.
None of this changes what the Tigers are as a team this season or a program overall. They will be the most talented team the Buckeyes have faced this season, according to the 247 Team Talent Composite.
Oh, and they’re also the defending national champions, so they’re very familiar with the big stage and pressures of the Playoff.
“At the end of the day, this is a new season,” Swinney said. “Both teams have earned their way here. We’ve got a track record over the last nine years that kind of speaks for itself. And I think our team, in particular, has shown up with great focus and preparation each week with great respect for every opponent and have found a way to win.”
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was quick to downplay the idea that Clemson’s schedule may have left them unprepared for what lies ahead.
“You don’t go to Ohio State or Clemson without playing in big games,” Day said. “I don’t think the stage will be too big for either side. And our guys and certainly Clemson’s guys have played in this arena before. So I don’t think that will factor in.”
Swinney agreed, and said all that matters is what the Buckeyes and Tigers do starting now.
“It doesn’t really matter if you are ranked first, second, third, or fourth,” Swinney said. “This is the four best teams that has played throughout the season. And these games are usually just a few plays. We know that the margin for error is very small and it’s going to take 60 minutes of great football to have a chance.”