The Clemson Tigers entered Week 14, rivalry week in college football, knowing they had their work cut out for them to advance to the College Football Playoff. A victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks would have kept them in the driver’s seat for an at-large bid,

Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) breaks up the pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the first half of the Palmetto Bowl between South Carolina and Clemson at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Sam Wolfe Special To The State

Clemson (9-3, 7-1 ACC) dropped five spots to No. 17 after losing to the Gamecocks 17-14, while South Carolina (9-3, 5-3 SEC) moved up one spot to No. 14, despite finishing the regular season with six straight wins, including four over ranked opponents.