Clemson Football History Since the Playoff Era
Since the inception of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014, Clemson University has established itself as a powerhouse in college football. Here’s a detailed look at their journey, achievements, and accolades during this period.
College Football Playoff Appearances
Clemson has been a consistent presence in the CFP, making six consecutive appearances from 2015 to 2020
Their playoff record includes:
• 2015: Reached the National Championship game but lost to Alabama.
• 2016: Won the National Championship by defeating Alabama.
• 2017: Reached the CFP Semifinals but lost to Alabama.
• 2018: Won the National Championship by defeating Alabama.
• 2019: Reached the National Championship game but lost to LSU.
• 2020: Reached the CFP Semifinals but lost to Ohio State.
National Championships
Clemson has claimed two national titles in the playoff era:
• 2016: Defeated Alabama 35-31 in a thrilling championship game.
• 2018: Dominated Alabama 44-16 to secure their second title in three years1 .
ACC Championships
Clemson has won eight ACC Championships since the playoff era began:
• 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023.
Bowl Games
Clemson has participated in numerous bowl games during this period, with notable victories including:
• 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl: Defeated Oklahoma.
• 2015 Orange Bowl: Defeated Oklahoma (CFP Semifinal)
• 2016 Fiesta Bowl: Defeated Ohio State (CFP Semifinal)
• 2018 Cotton Bowl: Defeated Notre Dame (CFP Semifinal)
• 2019 Fiesta Bowl: Defeated Ohio State (CFP Semifinal)
All-Americans
Clemson has produced numerous All-Americans and All-ACC selections:
• All-Americans: Players like Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, and Isaiah Simmons have earned All-American honors.
Records and Milestones
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Winning Streaks: Clemson has had multiple winning streaks, including a 29-game winning streak from 2018 to 2019 ( •
Undefeated Seasons: The Tigers had an undefeated season in 2018, becoming the first team to finish 15-0 in the modern era.
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Legacy and Impact
Clemson’s success in the playoff era has solidified its status as one of the elite programs in college football. The Tigers’ consistent performance, numerous championships, and production of NFL talent have made them a benchmark for excellence.
