2017 Clemson Tigers football | |
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ACC champion ACC Atlantic Division champion | |
ACC Championship Game, W 38–3 vs. Miami (FL) | |
Sugar Bowl (CFP Semifinal), L 6–24 vs. Alabama | |
Conference | Atlantic Coast Conference |
Atlantic Division | |
Ranking | |
Coaches | No. 4 |
AP | No. 4 |
Record | 12–2 (7–1 ACC) |
Head coach |
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Co-offensive coordinator | Tony Elliott (3rd season) |
Co-offensive coordinator | Jeff Scott (3rd season) |
Offensive scheme | Spread |
Defensive coordinator | Brent Venables (6th season) |
Base defense | 4–3 |
Home stadium | Memorial Stadium |
Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Atlantic Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 4 Clemson xy$^ | 7 | – | 1 | 12 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 23 NC State | 6 | – | 2 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boston College | 4 | – | 4 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Louisville | 4 | – | 4 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wake Forest | 4 | – | 4 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Florida State | 3 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Syracuse | 2 | – | 6 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coastal Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 13 Miami (FL) xy | 7 | – | 1 | 10 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 24 Virginia Tech | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Georgia Tech | 4 | – | 4 | 5 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duke | 3 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pittsburgh | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virginia | 3 | – | 5 | 6 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina | 1 | – | 7 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Championship: Clemson 38, Miami 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 2017 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney in his ninth full year and tenth overall since taking over midway through 2008 season. They played their home games at Memorial Stadium, also known as "Death Valley", and competed in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Clemson won the ACC for the third consecutive season by beating Miami (FL) in the ACC Championship game, 38–3. They received their third straight bid to the College Football Playoff, earning the number one seed. The Tigers fell to eventual national champion Alabama in the semifinal game played at the Sugar Bowl, 24–6.
Clemson announced their schedule for the 2017 season on January 24, 2017. [1] The Tigers' schedule consisted of 7 home games and 5 away games. Clemson hosted conference opponents Boston College, Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest, and traveled to Louisville, NC State, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. The Tigers hosted out of conference games against Kent State, Auburn, and The Citadel, and traveled to arch rival South Carolina to close out the regular season. Clemson's out of conference opponents represented the MAC, SoCon, and SEC.
The Tigers played 10 total teams who played in the postseason in the 2016 season: 2 New Year's Six participants (Auburn and Florida State), 7 other bowl teams (Boston College, Georgia Tech, Louisville, NC State, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech), and 1 FCS playoff participant (Citadel).
Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
September 2 | Noon | Kent State * | No. 5 | ESPN | W 56–3 | 80,121 | |
September 9 | 7:00 p.m. | No. 13 Auburn * | No. 3 |
| ESPN | W 14–6 | 81,799 |
September 16 | 8:00 p.m. | at No. 14 Louisville | No. 3 | ABC | W 47–21 | 55,588 | |
September 23 | 3:30 p.m. | Boston College | No. 2 |
| ESPN2 | W 34–7 | 80,525 |
September 30 | 8:00 p.m. | at No. 12 Virginia Tech | No. 2 | ABC | W 31–17 | 65,632 | |
October 7 | Noon | Wake Forest | No. 2 |
| ESPN2 | W 28–14 | 80,567 |
October 13 | 7:00 p.m. | at Syracuse | No. 2 | ESPN | L 24–27 | 42,475 | |
October 28 | 8:00 p.m. | Georgia Tech | No. 7 |
| ABC/ESPN2 | W 24–10 | 80,346 |
November 4 | 3:30 p.m. | at No. 20 NC State | No. 4 | ABC | W 38–31 | 57,600 | |
November 11 | 3:30 p.m. | Florida State | No. 4 |
| ESPN | W 31–14 | 81,436 |
November 18 | 12:20 p.m. | The Citadel * | No. 2 |
| ACCN | W 61–3 | 80,618 |
November 25 | 7:30 p.m. | at No. 24 South Carolina * | No. 3 | ESPN | W 34–10 | 82,908 | |
December 2 | 8:00 p.m. | vs. No. 7 Miami (FL) | No. 1 | ABC | W 38–3 | 74,372 | |
January 1, 2018 | 8:45 p.m. | vs. No. 4 Alabama * | No. 1 | ESPN | L 6–24 | 72,360 | |
|
Week | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
AP | 5 | 3 | 3 (1) | 2 (15) | 2 (8) | 2 (17) | 2 (18) | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 (27) | 1 (43) | 4 |
Coaches | 5 (7) | 3 (3) | 2 (2) | 2 (6) | 2 (4) | 2 (6) | 2 (8) | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 (25) | 1 (49) | 4 |
CFP | Not released | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Not released |
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kent State | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
No. 5 Clemson | 21 | 7 | 21 | 7 | 56 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
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|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 13 Auburn | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
No. 3 Clemson | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
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|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 3 Clemson | 7 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 47 |
No. 14 Louisville | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium • Louisville, KY
Game information | ||
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Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boston College | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
No. 2 Clemson | 0 | 7 | 0 | 27 | 34 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 2 Clemson | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
No. 12 Virginia Tech | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
at Lane Stadium • Blacksburg, VA
Game information | ||
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|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wake Forest | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
No. 2 Clemson | 14 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 2 Clemson | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 24 |
Syracuse | 14 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
at Carrier Dome • Syracuse, NY
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia Tech | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
No. 7 Clemson | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 4 Clemson | 7 | 10 | 14 | 7 | 38 |
No 20. North Carolina State | 14 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 31 |
at Carter–Finley Stadium • Raleigh, NC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida State | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
No. 4 Clemson | 7 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 31 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Citadel | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
No. 4 Clemson | 21 | 17 | 20 | 3 | 61 |
at Memorial Stadium • Clemson, SC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 4 Clemson | 7 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
South Carolina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 |
at Williams-Brice Stadium • Columbia, SC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 1 Clemson | 14 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 38 |
No. 7 Miami (FL) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
at Bank of America Stadium • Charlotte, NC
Game information | ||
---|---|---|
|
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 4 Alabama | 10 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
No. 1 Clemson | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome • New Orleans, LA
Game information | ||
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Head coach Dabo Swinney added one new addition to the Tigers' coaching staff in January 2017, Todd Bates who was the defensive line coach at Jacksonville State University was hired [31] after losing Dan Brooks to retirement and Marion Hobby signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. [32] Mickey Conn was promoted from defensive analyst to co-defensive back coach. [33]
Name | Position | CU Years | Alma mater |
---|---|---|---|
Dabo Swinney | Head Coach | 15th | Alabama (1993) |
Danny Pearman | Assistant Head Coach / special teams coordinator / tight ends coach | 10th | Clemson (1987) |
Brent Venables | Defensive Coordinator / linebackers coach | 6th | Kansas State (1992) |
Todd Bates | Defensive Line Coach | 1st | Alabama (2004) |
Jeff Scott | Co-offensive Coordinator / wide receivers coach | 10th | Clemson (2003) |
Tony Elliott | Co-offensive Coordinator / running backs Coach | 7th | Clemson (2002) |
Robbie Caldwell | Offensive Linemen Coach | 7th | Furman (1977) |
Mike Reed | Defensive backs coach | 5th | Boston College (1994) |
Brandon Streeter | Recruiting coordinator / quarterbacks Coach | 4th | Clemson (1999) |
Joey Batson | Director of strength and conditioning | 21st | Newberry College (1981) |
Mickey Conn | Co-defensive backs coach | 2nd | Alabama (1995) |
Kyle Richardson | Offensive Analyst | 2nd | Appalachian State (2001) |
Zac Alley | Graduate assistant | 7th | Clemson (2014) |
2017 Clemson Tigers Football | ||||||||||
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Placekicker
| Offensive lineman
Defensive lineman
Punter | Linebacker
Defensive back
Long snappers | ||||||||
US college sports recruiting information for 2017 recruits | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date | |
Hunter Johnson QB-DT | Brownsburg, Indiana | Brownsburg HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 201 lb (91 kg) | Dec 14, 2015 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Amari Rodgers WR | Knoxville, Tennessee | Knoxville Catholic HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 221 lb (100 kg) | Feb 14, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Tee Higgins WR | Oak Ridge, Tennessee | Oak Ridge HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 188 lb (85 kg) | Jul 4, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Noah DeHond OT | Hightstown, New Jersey | The Peddle School | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 320 lb (150 kg) | Aug 7, 2015 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Matt Bockhorst OG | Cincinnati, Ohio | St.Xavier HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 297 lb (135 kg) | Jan 30, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Jordan Williams DE | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Frank W. Cox HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 260 lb (120 kg) | Aug 6, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Justin Foster DE | Shelby, North Carolina | Crest HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 250 lb (110 kg) | Oct 10, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Logan Rudolph LB | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Northwestern HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 228 lb (103 kg) | May 6, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Baylon Spector S | Calhoun, Georgia | Calhoun HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | Aug 15, 2015 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Chase Brice QB-PP | Loganville, Georgia | Grayson HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 207 lb (94 kg) | Dec 16, 2015 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Travis Etienne RB | Jennings, Louisiana | Jennings HS | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | Jan 26, 2017 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
LeAnthony Williams Jr. CB | Roswell, Georgia | Roswell HS | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | Feb 22, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
A. J. Terrell CB | Atlanta, Georgia | Westlake HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | Aug 19, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Blake Vinson OT | Citra, Florida | North Marion HS | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 295 lb (134 kg) | Jan 31, 2016 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
Will Swinney WR | Central, South Carolina | D W Daniel HS | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | January 12, 2017 – Walk-On | |
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 26 Rivals: 22 247Sports: 13 ESPN: 8 | ||||||
Sources:
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Clemson lost six players due to transfer, running back Tyshon Dye, Offensive linemen Jake Fruhmorgen, cornerback Adrian Baker, defensive tackle Scott Pagano, Safety Korrin Wiggins and Defensive end LaSamuel Davis all announced they would transfer from the program. [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42]
Name | Number | Pos. | Height | Weight | Year | Hometown | College transferred to |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jake Fruhmorgen | 63 | OL | 6'5" | 290 | Junior | Tampa, Florida | Florida |
Tyshon Dye | 22 | RB | 5'11" | 220 | Senior | Elberton, Georgia | East Carolina |
Adrian Baker | 21 | CB | 5'11" | 180 | Senior | Hallandale, Florida | Oklahoma State |
Scott Pagano | 56 | DT | 6'3" | 295 | Senior | Honolulu, Hawaii | Oregon |
Korrin Wiggins | 15 | S | 6'0" | 200 | Senior | Durham, North Carolina | East Carolina |
LaSamuel Davis | 7 | DE | 6'4" | 205 | Freshman | Bamberg, South Carolina | SC State |
1st Team
Mitch Hyatt, Tackle
Justin Falcinelli, Center
Tyrone Crowder, Guard
Clelin Ferrell, Defensive End
Christian Wilkins, Defensive tackle
Dexter Lawrence, Defensive tackle
2nd Team
Austin Bryant, Defensive End
Dorian O'Daniel, Linebacker
3rd Team
Travis Etienne, Running Back
Hunter Renfrow, Wide Receiver
Deon Cain, Wide Receiver
Taylor Hearn, Guard
Kendall Joseph, Linebacker
Player | Team | Round | Pick # | Position |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dorian O'Daniel | Kansas City Chiefs | 3rd | 100 | LB |
Deon Cain | Indianapolis Colts | 6th | 185 | WR |
Ray-Ray McCloud | Buffalo Bills | 6th | 187 | WR |
Player | Team | Position | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
Ryan Carter | Buffalo Bills | CB | [44] |
Marcus Edmund | Los Angeles Chargers | CB | [45] |
Van Smith | Atlanta Falcons | Safety | [46] |
Taylor Hearn | Carolina Panthers | Offensive line | [47] |
The 2016 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy as an independent in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Black Knights were led by third-year head coach Jeff Monken and played their home games at Michie Stadium. They finished the season 8–5 and defeated Navy for the first time since 2001 in the Army–Navy Game. They were invited to the Heart of Dallas Bowl where they defeated North Texas in overtime.
The 2016 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney in his eighth full year and ninth overall since taking over midway through 2008 season. They played their home games at Memorial Stadium, also known as "Death Valley", and competed in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tigers entered the 2016 season as the defending national runners-up after a 14–1 season that ended with a loss to Alabama in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship.
The 2017 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Razorbacks played their home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with one home game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Arkansas played as a member of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team was captained by quarterback Austin Allen, defensive backs Santos Ramirez and Kevin Richardson II, and offensive lineman Frank Ragnow. The Razorbacks were led by fifth-year head coach Bret Bielema. Bielema was fired after the final game of the season.
The 2018 Oklahoma Sooners football team represents the University of Oklahoma in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season, the 124th season for the Oklahoma Sooners. The team is led by Lincoln Riley, who is in his second year as head coach. They play their home games at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. They are a charter member of the Big 12 Conference.
The 2018 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This season marked the Gamecocks 125th overall season, 27th as a member of the SEC, and 3rd under head coach Will Muschamp. The Gamecocks played their home games at Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
The 2018 Texas A&M Aggies football team represents Texas A&M University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Aggies play their home games at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas and compete in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher.
The 2018 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University during the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers played their home games at Memorial Stadium, also known as "Death Valley," and competed in the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They were led by head coach Dabo Swinney in his tenth full year and 11th overall since taking over midway through 2008 season.
The 2018 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy as an independent in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Black Knights were led by fifth-year head coach Jeff Monken and played their home games at Michie Stadium. Following their 28–14 victory over Colgate in Week 12, Army entered the AP Poll at No. 23 and the Coaches' Poll at No. 24, the first time Army had entered the national rankings since finishing the 1996 season at No. 25 in the AP and No. 24 in the Coaches'. On December 2, Army accepted an invite to participate in the Armed Forces Bowl against the Houston Cougars of the American Athletic Conference. On December 8, Army defeated its archrival Navy by a score of 17–10, increasing their Army-Navy Game win streak to three in a row and winning the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the second straight year. With the win the Black Knights also secured their second straight 10-win season, the first time that had been accomplished in the Academy's long and storied history. In the Armed Forces Bowl, they defeated Houston by a score of 70–14 to tie NCAA bowl game records for points scored and margin of victory. Their 11 wins are the most in one season in program history. As a result of his team's 2018 accomplishments, Coach Monken was awarded the George Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year Award by the Maxwell Football Club, the Vince Lombardi College Football Coach of the Year Award by the Lombardi Foundation, and the President's Award by the Touchdown Club of Columbus. Army finished the season with a ranking of No. 19 in the AP Poll and No. 20 in the Coaches' Poll, their highest finish in both polls since Pete Dawkins's Heisman Trophy-winning season in 1958 where the Cadets finished No. 3 in both polls. Following the completion of the season, the Black Knights were awarded the 2018 Lambert Trophy by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Metropolitan New York Football Writers, signifying them as the best team in the East in Division I FBS. This was the eighth overall time the Lambert Trophy had been awarded to Army, and the first since 1958.
The 2019 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, in his 11th full year. The Tigers competed as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
The 2020 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers played their home games at Jordan–Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, and competed in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by eighth-year head coach Gus Malzahn until his dismissal at the end of the regular season. The team's spring game, originally intended to be played on April 11, 2020, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tigers' regular-season schedule was also impacted as all non-conference games were canceled and the SEC allowed teams to play 10 in-conference games only.
The 2020 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, in his 12th full year. The Tigers competed as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
The 2021 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers played their home games at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, and competed in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by second-year head coach Eliah Drinkwitz.
The 2021 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, in his 14th year. The Tigers competed as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
The 2021 UConn Huskies football team represented the University of Connecticut (UConn) in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Huskies competed as an independent, having left the American Athletic Conference following the 2019 season. They played their home games at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.
The 2022 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University during the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, in his 15th year. The Tigers competed as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
The 2023 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats were led by Mark Stoops in his 11th year as their head coach. The Kentucky football team played their home games at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
The 2023 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by Dabo Swinney, in his 16th year as Clemson's head coach. On the field, the team was led by sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik who was rated by Rivals.com as the No. 3 player in the 2022 college football recruiting class.
The 2023 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Yellow Jackets were led by Brent Key in his first full year as Georgia Tech's head coach. They played their home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.
The 2023 Florida Atlantic Owls football team represented Florida Atlantic University in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Owls played their home games at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, and competed in their first season as members of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). They were led by first-year head coach Tom Herman.
The 2023 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Green Wave were led by Willie Fritz in his eighth and final year as head coach. They played their home games at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. They entered this season as the defending AAC champions.