Dabo Swinney and Clemson probably need to beat South Carolina to make the College Football Playoff. But a loss by Miami, Notre Dame, or Tennessee could help.

This year, the matchup between Clemson and South Carolina means a little more with the Tigers' playoff hopes in the balance. Clemson heads into this weekend with a pivotal opportunity that could shape its postseason.

The bubble is tightening in the College Football Playoff race. Clemson, South Carolina and Arizona State were major winners from Tuesday's updated rankings as all three teams made