From there, the Tigers would face a tough task in Miami. The projections have Georgia, slotted at No. 4, ending Clemson’s run in the Orange Bowl to set up a national semifinal clash with top-seeded Texas — the Longhorns are Athlon’s pick to win it all this season.

Unsurprisingly, the five teams in front of Clemson are Big Ten and SEC schools. Penn State chimes in at No. 1, followed by Notre Dame (the only non-SEC or Big Ten school in the top 5), Texas, Alabama, and the reigning national champions, Ohio State. The Tigers are the highest-ranked ACC team by a mile, with Miami coming at No. 14.

The South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers rivalry has been listed as one of the best in college football.