Dabo Swinney definitely knows how to stir the pot, doesn’t he? In his college football pregame show’s latest episode on CBS Sports HQ, Clemson’s head coach didn’t mince his words, making his case for why the Clemson Tigers deserve a fair chance at the college football playoff. And oh, he didn’t stop there—Swinney also took a cheeky jab at what he mentioned, the “SEC Big Ten Invitational,” pointing out the favoritism he notices in the current playoff rankings.

Well, fortunately for Clemson, the tables have turned. The playoffs may no longer be a SEC-Big 10 invitation, as Swinney had predicted. We may see the Tigers (9-2) back in the Top 12 as Ole Miss and Alabama dropped crucial Week 13 games. They are now three-loss teams. Taking note of that, ESPN College Football has shared an official statement given by an analyst, Eric Mac Lain, who said, “If they win out, they’re in the playoff.” Who is he talking about? Clemson, of course.

The win-out part of the statement is where the problem starts for Swinney. The last game is against South Carolina, who had their share of change in the fortunes with SEC teams losing in Week 13. Sitting at 8-3, the Gamecocks can defeat a Top-25 team in Clemson and ensure that they get to have a crack at the playoffs. Interesting, isn’t it?

Before this chaotic Saturday, Swinney had a swipe at the rankings, especially at how the non-SEC teams were being called out for their schedules. “Hey, we’ve played tough schedules too. What more do you want from us?” You know what? Swinney actually makes some good points. The committee might be biased toward their favorite in SEC. Yeah, just look at the rankings; four of the top five playoff spots are given to the Big Ten teams, while the SEC has four teams chilling in the top 10 list, even with a few losses. That is sure to change this Tuesday.

Meanwhile, what about the ACC? Swinney’s boys are still not out of the race yet. Technically, they’re still in search of an ACC championship game, but their hopes are on thin ice. it depends if Miami and SMU both get crushed in the final game. Apart from Eric Mac, a Clemson player also believes they need to win their next game to be in the playoff picture.

Dabo Swinney’s wide receiver says South Carolina is in their way of the playoffs

Have you noticed why, all of a sudden, the upcoming Clemson vs. South Carolina game is getting popular as a rivalry game? Well, this one really has all the stuff for a nail-biter. The Clemson Tigers and South Carolina game can go down as one of the juiciest matchups in their history. And what’s at stake? Well, a potential spot in the playoffs. Which means a lot.

Both of these teams are sitting in the top 20, with Clemson at no. 17 and South Carolina at no. 18. now you know the pressure! So recently, Clemson’s wide receiver Antonio Willimas made some comments. And believe it or not, this game is his personal favorite, as he missed last year’s playoff meet with South Carolina because of an injury.

“They’re on our way to get to the playoff,” Williams said, pointing out what’s at stake. Both teams are on the hot seat right now. South Carolina is on a five-game heater, while the Tigers are entering with a three-game winning streak after a painful loss to Louisville at home. And Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and the squad should not forget the Gamecocks’ defense. It’s rock solid, as it can be the toughest road Clemson’s offense has even driven on to.