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Illinois Football: Everything the Illini need to make the College Football Playoff

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) and teammates celebrate Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 22: DJ Uiagalelei #5 of the Clemson Tigers recovers his fumble against the Syracuse Orange in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 22: DJ Uiagalelei #5 of the Clemson Tigers recovers his fumble against the Syracuse Orange in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /

11. Clemson shows their true colors

  • Loss at Notre Dame on November 5
  • Loss in the ACC Championship game vs North Carolina
  • 2 losses – Eliminated

The one team most people are aggravated about that the College Football Playoff committee put in the top four in the first rankings is Clemson. The Tigers haven’t been a true powerhouse in a few years.

Clemson doesn’t have a loss this season, though. They are 8-0 and their final four games don’t look too tough. They have Louisville, Miami (FL), and South Carolina all at home to end the year. But this week could be a key game.

The Tigers travel to Notre Dame to take on the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame has started to play some decent football. This is a big game for Illinois. If Notre Dame can take down Clemson, then that might actually be enough for the Illini to eventually jump the Tigers in the College Football Playoff rankings by season’s end.

I think there is also a chance for Clemson to get knocked off in the ACC Championship game. They are probably going to take on No. 17 North Carolina. If the Tar Heels beat the Tigers, that would give Clemson two losses and would officially knock them out of contention for a national title.

Don’t worry, Illini fans. If North Carolina does beat Clemson to win the ACC, they will still likely finish with two losses on the year. They play two ranked teams out of the final four games of the season.

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