Clemson (10-3) opened the year in ignominious fashion, getting crushed 34-3 to Georgia which was a major setback in their quest for a CFP Playoff berth. However, the Tigers battled back to rattle off six consecutive wins before dropping a 33-21 decision (18%-win expectancy) at home to Louisville that further complicated their hopes of an ACC Championship Game appearance.

The Clemson Tigers are set to take on the Texas Longhorns on December 21 in their first game of the College Football Playoff. While it was a bumpy road to get i

Dabo Swinney has ties to Texas coaches Mack Brown and Steve Sarkisian, while Cade Klubnik battled Quinn Ewers in high school. Andrew Mukuba is a Longhorn, too.