3 reasons Clemson fans can still breathe easy

Clemson just suffered the biggest upset loss of the season to Dino Babers’ Syracuse. But here’s why they shouldn’t be counted out of the Playoff race.

While there has been at least one high-profile loss every week, Clemson’s loss to Syracuse likely ranks as the biggest one yet. That’s because it’s been 11 games since Clemson last lost, they did it to a second-year coach and were in the Playoff discussion all season long. Dabo Swinney also made an easily avoidable mistake by playing Kelly Bryant when he clearly wasn’t in match shape.

It may seem like the sky is falling in Death Valley and that Clemsoning has reared its ugly head. But rest assured, that has not happened, and Tigers fans shouldn’t freak out. In this chaotic sport, every College Football Playoff contender should be afforded at least one loss before being completely counted out.

3. They can make up for Kelly Bryant

This depends on how long Bryant is out. He didn’t look good after being taken out of the Wake Forest game, and playing him against Syracuse may have worsened his recovery timeline. Swinney may have to deal with a season-ending injury to his starter, but don’t think he’s the only capable quarterback on the roster. Bryant had to earn the starting job in training camp, and we saw in this game that Zerrick Cooper isn’t far off from him.

Despite getting thrown to the wolves, Cooper still completed over 70 percent of his passes for 88 yards and a 124.2 QB rating. Clemson also would’ve won had their kicker not missed two field goals. Give him a full practice and a chance to read over the playbook and he’ll look just fine under center.

It’s also worth remembering that this is still a special defense. However, Syracuse dominated the time of possession and even the best units can get worn out after a while. They’ll give Cooper a chance to win every time, while the offense has more than enough weapons to pull out a win each week.