Paul Finebaum Questions Clemson’s Future as Kirk Herbstreit Sees Playoff Potential

On a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Paul Finebaum and sports betting analyst Joe Fortenbaugh discussed various college football programs and previewed some of the notable matchups for the 2024 season. During the segment, Finebaum made a bold statement about the Clemson Tigers, suggesting that they might be fading as an elite program.

Fortenbaugh highlighted the potential impact of Clemson losing its season opener against Georgia and another game against ACC rival Florida State. Finebaum then jokingly remarked that he had almost forgotten Clemson still played football, referencing the program’s recent absence from the spotlight. He mentioned the Tigers’ decline from their remarkable run of six consecutive College Football Playoff appearances from 2015 to 2020, during which they won two national titles. “Is Dabo Swinney in a missing persons bulletin right now?” Finebaum quipped. He noted that Swinney, who used to dominate ACC media days, has become less noticeable, often complaining about the state of college football as Clemson’s prominence wanes.

These comments might sting for Tigers fans, but they reflect the program’s reduced visibility compared to other top teams in recent years. The best way for Clemson to counter this narrative is by defeating Georgia in their season opener and reclaiming the championship spirit they had in the late 2010s.

However, not everyone shares Finebaum’s bleak outlook. On “The Pat McAfee Show,” Kirk Herbstreit expressed confidence in Swinney’s ability to lead Clemson back to the College Football Playoff. Herbstreit called Clemson a “potential longshot” for the playoff, noting that Swinney thrives when people doubt him. He pointed to veteran quarterback Cade Klubnik as a key player who could help the team make a strong run.

Clemson has faced challenges in recent years. The program’s last national title came in 2019, and their most recent playoff appearance was in 2021. Last season, the Tigers finished 9-4, their worst record under Swinney since 2010. The team also lost key players through the transfer portal, including cornerback Toriano Pride, receiver Beaux Collins, and linebacker Andrew Mukuba.

Despite these setbacks, Clemson’s 2024 recruiting class was impressive, ranking 14th overall and third in the ACC. The class features standout players like former five-star linebacker Sammy Brown, former five-star receiver TJ Moore, and former four-star receiver Bryant Wesco. The team also returns key players such as quarterback Cade Klubnik, tight end Jake Briningstool, running back Phil Mafah, and linebacker Barrett Carter.

The Tigers will have an opportunity to prove their critics wrong when they open the season against the Georgia Bulldogs on August 31.

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Eric Boggs

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