Clemson, FSU: Bottom 25’s Stark Reality

**ACC Powerhouses Grapple with Unfamiliar Territory: Clemson, Florida State Land in Bottom 25 Ahead of Critical Showdown**

**CLEMSON, SC / TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 10, 2021** – In a stark and sobering reflection of their current seasons, two of college football’s most decorated programs, Clemson and Florida State, have found themselves listed among the nation’s least successful teams in this week’s “Bottom 25” rankings. This unconventional system, which reverses the typical Top 25, highlights programs struggling the most, with lower numbers indicating greater futility.

Clemson, a program that hoisted National Championship trophies in 2016 and 2018, currently sits at No. 25 in the Bottom 25. Arch-rival Florida State, 2013 national champions, is positioned higher on the list at No. 16. While these rankings might seem grim, for both teams, their current spots actually represent a slight improvement from recent weeks, signaling a move *away* from the most challenging positions.

The Tigers (5-4 overall, 3-4 ACC), under long-time head coach Dabo Swinney, have endured an uncharacteristic season plagued by offensive inconsistencies and a lack of their usual dominance. Just weeks ago, following their 27-21 loss to NC State on October 30th (Week 9), Clemson was ranked No. 17 in the Bottom 25. Their nadir in this ranking system came after their 27-21 home defeat by Florida State on September 25th (Week 4), which saw them plunge to No. 10.

Meanwhile, Florida State (3-6 overall, 2-4 ACC) has faced its own share of struggles in coach Mike Norvell’s second season. The Seminoles also landed at No. 10 in the Bottom 25 after their 28-14 loss to NC State on October 30th (Week 9), mirroring Clemson’s low point from earlier in the season. Both programs are battling for bowl eligibility, a benchmark that was once a given for these perennial contenders.

The fall from grace is particularly striking for these programs, which have historically defined the upper echelons of the Atlantic Coast Conference and national championship contention. Clemson’s string of six consecutive ACC titles came to an end this year, while Florida State has been working to regain its footing since the departure of former coach Jimbo Fisher.

“We are who we are,” Coach Swinney candidly stated recently, acknowledging the reality of his team’s performance. “Our focus is purely on finding ways to secure victories.” His sentiment underscores the shift in priority from championship aspirations to simply winning games, a rare focus for a program accustomed to perennial College Football Playoff bids.

The gravity of their situations adds an unexpected layer of intrigue to their upcoming rivalry matchup. Clemson is set to host Florida State this Saturday, November 13th, at Memorial Stadium. What was once a marquee game with significant ACC title implications has transformed into a critical contest for pride, momentum, and the elusive goal of climbing out of college football’s basement. Both teams will be desperate for a win to salvage what’s left of their seasons and to avoid further descent into the Bottom 25.

(For detailed Bottom 25 rankings and methodology, consult prominent college football analysis sites.)