The standard for success around Clemson football -- or at least the outside perception of it -- has undoubtedly changed over Dabo Swinney’s tenure, particularly after College Football Playoff appearances became the norm in 2015.
Last year’s 10-3 campaign was a shock to the system of sorts to Tigers used to spending the postseason in cities like Miami, New Orleans, Dallas or Glendale, but the Cheez-It Bowl victory over Iowa State did ensure the extension of the double-digit win streak going back to 2011.
How Clemson’s season diverged to central Florida and not another CFP run has some easy explanations, and some more nuanced, while ascending back toward the top of college football has the same aspects.