GLENDALE, Ariz. – Blaring from the Clemson Tigers’ locker room after yet another College Football Playoff victory was Aretha Franklin’s classic performance of “Respect.”
They have won two of the past three national titles, established a long winning streak and become the current gold standard for college football, yet coach Dabo Swinney and his team still often feel overlooked.
Doubted. Disrespected.
Sure, Clemson ran roughshod through the Atlantic Coast Conference again this season. But was it too easy?
Facing a serious challenger for the first time in months, No. 3 Clemson and its perfect sophomore quarterback had to tap into their championship DNA to advance to the four-team playoff’s title game for the fourth time in five years.