Where Clemson Ranks in Dinich’s Latest CFP Top 12 Prediction

Clemson Tigers Not Making Top 12

In ESPN college football analyst Heather Dinich's latest College Football Playoff (CFP) top 12 prediction, Clemson was left out of the picture entirely.

Clemson, the six-time defending ACC champion, was ranked No. 10 in the preseason AP Poll and No. 11 in the preseason Coaches Poll, but Dinich's prediction has the Tigers missing out on the CFP for the first time since 2014.

Dinich's prediction has Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Michigan making up the top four, with Penn State, Tennessee, TCU, USC, Utah, and Oregon rounding out the top 10.

Clemson went 10-3 last season, losing to Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and finished the season ranked No. 12 in the CFP rankings.

Tigers Have Tough Schedule Ahead

Clemson's schedule this season is one of the toughest in the country, as they will face six teams ranked in the preseason AP Poll, including No. 2 Alabama, No. 5 Ohio State, and No. 10 Notre Dame.

The Tigers will also face No. 12 Florida State, No. 16 Wake Forest, and No. 21 North Carolina State.

Clemson will need to have a strong season in order to make a case for a CFP berth, but Dinich's prediction suggests that the Tigers will have an uphill battle.

What Does This Mean for Clemson?

Dinich's prediction is just that, a prediction, and it is still early in the season.

However, it is a reminder that Clemson will need to have a strong season in order to make a case for a CFP berth.

The Tigers have a tough schedule ahead, but they have the talent and experience to make a run at the playoff.