The College Football Playoff Excludes Clemson and USC

In a surprising turn of events, both Clemson and USC will not be participating in the College Football Playoff this year. The Tigers suffered their third loss of the season in a 28-20 overtime defeat against Miami, while USC fell 34-32 at home to Utah after the Utes made a last-minute field goal for the win.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney recently expressed his frustration with the high expectations placed on the team, stating that fans often consider anything less than an undefeated season as failure. He even suggested that the team may benefit from losing a few games to alleviate the pressure. Although Swinney later tried to clarify his comments, it remains to be seen how many Clemson fans will remain loyal now that the team is 4-3 and unlikely to contend for the ACC title.

Both Clemson and USC had lofty goals heading into the season, but they have struggled to meet expectations. The Tigers, known for their consistent success under Swinney, have failed to find solutions for their offensive woes. This season marks the first time since 2010 that Clemson has endured three regular-season losses. USC, on the other hand, has also fallen short, facing similar issues to those that plagued them in the previous season.

These disappointments are not exclusive to Clemson and USC. Throughout the first eight weeks of the 2023 season, several other teams have underperformed.

Disappointing Teams of the 2023 Season

• Arkansas (2-6): With a challenging schedule, Arkansas has struggled this season, losing six consecutive games, with five of those losses decided by seven points or fewer. Head coach Sam Pittman’s job security is in question.
• Boise State (3-4): Boise State has been inconsistent on both offense and defense, failing to live up to expectations. Losses to UCF, San Diego State, Memphis, and Colorado State have highlighted their struggles.
• Pittsburgh (2-5): Pat Narduzzi, known for his winning record at Pitt, is facing a challenging season. The Panthers suffered a heartbreaking loss to Wake Forest, leaving them with a 2-5 overall record and 1-3 in ACC play.
• Texas A&M (4-3): Jimbo Fisher’s tenure at Texas A&M has been under scrutiny. The Aggies’ performance has fallen short of expectations, with an 8-12 SEC record over the past three seasons. With a 4-3 record this year, a 7-5 season looms.
• South Carolina (2-5): After a 34-12 loss to Missouri, the Gamecocks have already surpassed last season’s loss total. Their struggling offense and challenging upcoming games make bowl eligibility unlikely.
• TCU (4-4): TCU suffered a significant setback in its rematch against Kansas State, showcasing a struggling offense despite missing QB Chandler Morris. It’s a bigger step back than anticipated, and they face the possibility of missing a bowl game.
• Texas Tech (3-5): Texas Tech’s third-string quarterback played in their recent loss to BYU, but their inconsistencies began earlier in the season. With a 3-5 record, they enter a bye week looking for improvements in a challenging Big 12 conference.

Surprising Winners

Though many teams have faltered, a couple of teams have managed to surprise.

Virginia: After a tragic end to the 2022 season, Virginia struggled early with five consecutive losses. However, they delivered a stunning upset by defeating No. 10 North Carolina 31-27. Mike Hollins, a key player who was injured in last year’s shooting, played a crucial role in the victory, rushing for three touchdowns.

Michigan: Despite facing another scandal, Michigan continues to dominate. They crushed rival Michigan State with a resounding 49-0 victory. Although their ground game wasn’t particularly efficient, it allowed J.J.…

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.