Ranking every College Football Playoff team in history

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney holds up the National Championship trophy after the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter during the ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

11. Clemson Tigers – 2018

Result: TBD

The fact that the Clemson Tigers are back in the College Football Playoff is truly a testament to Dabo Swinney and the program that he’s built in South Carolina. This is a team that lost a transcendent leader and player in Deshaun Watson from last year’s team that won the National Championship while also losing key pieces on defense and a first-round pick at wide receiver in Mike Williams. Not to mention, they also lost their starting running back from a year ago.

Yet, here they are with the chance to vie for a National Championship for the third consecutive season. While their defense was a big part of their success last season, it’s been the driving force this year. Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins are arguably the most fearsome defensive line group in the entire country, and they’ve proven that week in and week out throughout the season. What’s more, the secondary has also stepped into big shoes and played like veterans.

Perhaps Swinney’s most impressive feat, though, is what he’s gotten from this offense. While Kelly Bryant has been fun, he’s nowhere near the level that Watson was. So for this team to be in this spot with him at the helm is truly a testament to Swinney’s coaching ability.

At the same time, though, Bryant at quarterback is why this team isn’t higher in these rankings. Put simply, it’s still hard to fully trust him when the pressure is on like it will be in the CFP. Perhaps he proves me wrong, but I’ll take that L if that time does come and bet against him now.