Can Clemson make the ACC Championship Game? Closer look at Tigers' contention for title game

The Clemson Tigers entered Week 13 ranked 17th in the College Football Playoff rankings. They defeated the Citadel Bulldogs, who play at the FCS level, on Saturday, winning 51-14 as they improved to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play.

While the Tigers faced an opponent that was not much of a challenge, they stand to benefit from a week filled with upsets as six of the teams ranked ahead of them suffered losses this weekend. Additionally, just two of those losses came to ranked opponents. Although a path to the postseason without the ACC Championship Game has opened up, take a look at whether or not Clemson can still play for a conference title.

Can Clemson make the ACC Championship Game? Closer look at Tigers' contention for title game

The Clemson Tigers wrapped up their conference schedule in Week 12 as they beat the Pittsburgh Panthers 24-20 to finish 7-1 in ACC play. The Tigers remain in contention for an appearance in the ACC Championship Game. However, they will need help as they do not own tiebreakers over the SMU Mustangs or Miami (FL) Hurricanes, who are 7-0 and 6-1 in conference play, respectively.

While SMU has already clinched one of the two spots in the conference title game, there is one spot for grabs entering the final week of the regular season. The Hurricanes, who are 10-1 overall, will face the Syracuse Orange, who are 8-3 overall and 4-3 in ACC play. Miami will be on the road, however, their task remains simple as they can secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a victory.

Although Clemson's path to the conference title is not in their own hands, they stand to benefit from a Week 13 filled with upsets. The Tigers figure to be big risers in this week's updated College Football Playoff rankings. While it has no bearing on the postseason, they rose five spots to No. 12 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.

Additionally, their final game will come against the South Carolina Gamecocks who entered Week 13 ranked 18th in the College Football Playoff rankings and also figure to rise following a weekend of upsets. While they enter the week considered to be somewhat of an afterthought in the postseason mix, the Tigers could pick up a statement win late in the season.

It is unclear how voters would consider a two-loss Clemson team that did not reach the ACC Championship Game. Wrapping up the season with a strong showing against an SEC foe could solidify their postseason case.