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Where Clemson football finished among ACC competition, plus game-by-game picks

Clemson Football's Final Standing: A Season of Resilience and Reflection

In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, where dynasties rise and fall with the turn of a season, Clemson Tigers have long been a beacon of excellence. Under the steadfast leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney, the program has etched its name into the annals of the sport with multiple national championships and a string of ACC titles. However, the 2023 season presented a different narrative—one marked by challenges, growth, and ultimately, a respectable finish that underscores the team's enduring spirit. As the dust settles on another thrilling year of gridiron action, Clemson's placement in the final Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll offers a snapshot of their journey, revealing both triumphs and areas for improvement.

The Tigers concluded the season ranked No. 20 in the AP Top 25, a position that, while not at the pinnacle they've grown accustomed to, reflects a campaign filled with highs and lows. This ranking places them among the nation's elite, yet it also highlights the razor-thin margins that define modern college football. To fully appreciate this finish, it's essential to delve into the context of their performance, the key games that shaped their year, and how they stack up against their peers in the ACC and beyond.

Clemson's season began with high expectations, as is customary for a program that has won two national titles in the past decade (2016 and 2018) and appeared in six consecutive College Football Playoffs from 2015 to 2020. Swinney's squad entered 2023 with a talented roster, including quarterback Cade Klubnik, who was poised to build on his freshman promise, and a defense anchored by experienced players like linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle Tyler Davis. The early schedule, however, proved daunting. An opening loss to Duke in a Monday night thriller set a tone of adversity. The Blue Devils, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, capitalized on Clemson's miscues, including turnovers and special teams blunders, to secure a 28-7 upset. This defeat, on national television, raised eyebrows and sparked questions about the Tigers' readiness.

Undeterred, Clemson bounced back with a string of victories that showcased their potential. Wins over Charleston Southern, Florida Atlantic, and Syracuse demonstrated offensive firepower, with Klubnik finding his rhythm and running back Will Shipley providing a reliable ground game. A pivotal moment came in their matchup against Florida State, a top-10 showdown that went to overtime. Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers fell 31-24, a loss that would loom large in the ACC standings. This game highlighted Clemson's resilience but also exposed vulnerabilities in pass protection and red-zone efficiency.

As the season progressed, the Tigers navigated a gauntlet of conference foes. Victories against Wake Forest, NC State, and Notre Dame provided momentum, with the latter being particularly noteworthy. Facing a ranked Irish team on the road, Clemson's defense rose to the occasion, forcing turnovers and limiting star quarterback Sam Hartman. This 31-23 win was a statement of intent, proving that even in a rebuilding phase, the Tigers could compete with the best. However, inconsistencies plagued them, as evidenced by a surprising home loss to Miami in double overtime, where penalties and missed opportunities proved costly.

The turning point for Clemson's ranking came in the latter half of the season. After a midseason slump that saw them drop out of the Top 25 temporarily, the Tigers rattled off five straight wins to close the regular season. This surge included dominant performances against Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and rival South Carolina. The Palmetto Bowl victory over the Gamecocks, a 16-7 defensive masterclass, was especially sweet, as it not only secured bragging rights but also boosted their postseason prospects. Shipley's tough running and the defense's ability to stifle South Carolina's offense were key factors.

Entering bowl season, Clemson was selected for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Kentucky. In a hard-fought battle, the Tigers emerged victorious with a 38-35 thriller, thanks to a late touchdown pass from Klubnik to Troy Stellato and a game-sealing interception. This win improved their record to 9-4, a solid mark that, while short of their championship aspirations, demonstrated growth. Klubnik's performance in the bowl game—throwing for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns—offered a glimpse of his potential as the heir to Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson.

In the final AP Top 25, Clemson's No. 20 spot positions them just behind teams like Notre Dame (No. 14), LSU (No. 13), and Arizona (No. 11), but ahead of upstarts like West Virginia (No. 25) and Kansas State (No. 18, wait no—actually, Kansas State was higher, but let's clarify the landscape). The poll was topped by Michigan, who claimed the national championship with an undefeated record, followed by Washington, Texas, Alabama, and Florida State. Within the ACC, Florida State led the way at No. 6, with Louisville at No. 19 and NC State at No. 21, sandwiching Clemson in a cluster of conference representatives.

This ranking is a testament to Clemson's ability to rebound. Compared to their preseason projection—often in the top 10—the No. 20 finish might seem like a step back, but it's crucial to consider the broader context. The ACC as a whole had a resurgent year, with Florida State's unbeaten regular season and playoff snub drawing national attention. Clemson's losses, all to ranked or bowl-bound teams, underscore the conference's depth. Moreover, injuries to key players, including offensive linemen and secondary contributors, tested the team's depth.

From a statistical standpoint, Clemson's defense remained a strength, ranking in the top 20 nationally in points allowed per game and total defense. Offensively, they improved as the season wore on, with Klubnik's completion percentage rising and the rushing attack averaging over 170 yards per contest. Shipley, who declared for the NFL Draft post-season, leaves a void, but emerging talents like Phil Mafah suggest continuity.

Looking ahead, this finish fuels optimism for 2024. Swinney, ever the motivator, emphasized in post-bowl press conferences the importance of learning from setbacks. "We're not where we want to be, but we're building something special," he said. "This team fought through adversity, and that's what champions do." Recruiting remains a cornerstone, with Clemson securing a top-15 class featuring blue-chip prospects on both lines.

In the grand scheme, Clemson's No. 20 ranking among the nation's best is more than a number—it's a narrative of perseverance. It places them in elite company, ahead of programs like USC (unranked after a disappointing year) and Utah (No. 24). Yet, it also serves as a reminder that in the era of NIL deals, transfer portals, and expanded playoffs, sustained success requires adaptation. For fans in Death Valley, this season's end is not a conclusion but a springboard. As spring practices loom, the Tigers are poised to reclaim their spot among the top echelons, blending tradition with innovation.

Critics might point to the absence from the playoff picture as a failure, but such views overlook the incremental progress. Clemson's ability to finish strong, winning their bowl game and securing a ranked spot, contrasts with teams that faltered late. For instance, Oklahoma, preseason darlings, ended at No. 15 after a bowl loss, while Oregon State dropped out entirely. Clemson's consistency in finishing ranked—now for the 13th straight year—solidifies their status as a blue-blood program.

Moreover, this ranking has implications for the ACC's perception. With three teams in the top 20 (Florida State, Louisville, Clemson), the conference asserts its relevance amid realignment talks. Clemson's performance contributes to that narrative, proving the league's competitiveness.

In reflecting on where Clemson finished among the nation's 130-plus FBS teams, their No. 20 spot is a badge of honor earned through grit. It's a position that honors their past while challenging them for the future. As Swinney often says, "The best is yet to come." For Clemson football, this season's end is merely the beginning of the next chapter in their storied legacy.

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