CLEMSON — I think Heather Dinich said it best on the College Sports Sunday show on Sirius XM Sunday morning.

She basically said, if No. 4 Clemson beats ninth-ranked LSU this coming Saturday night, it puts Clemson in a very good position to make the College Football Playoff even as an at-large team, especially if it knocks off No. 13 South Carolina at the end of the regular season.

A loss will not hurt the Bayou Tigers as much, especially if they find away to get to nine wins at the end of the year.

Clemson, however, cannot lose to LSU. A loss to LSU and considering the ACC Tigers will have fewer opportunities to beat ranked opponents, means they will have to win the ACC to get into the CFP.

It does not sound fair, but it is what is at this point. The strength of record metrics could go against Clemson if it does not have enough quality wins.

Dinich explained that a 9-3 team from the SEC will likely get into the playoff over a 10-2 team from the ACC or Big 12.

In other words, Clemson needs to take care of it business this Saturday and not put anything into the hands of the selection committee. As the great Al Davis used to say about his beloved Raiders – “Just win Baby!”

Winning cures all, and if Clemson just wins on Saturday, then all of its problems are solved.

But that is easier said than done. LSU has one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Garrett Nussmeier, who like Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is a legit frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.

Though LSU will practically have a brand new offensive line with four new starters, the offense is loaded with skill players, like wide receivers Aaron Anderson and transfer wideout Barion Brown.

Running back Caden Durham will be a weapon. On defense, Whit Weeks joins Harold Perkins and his brother at linebacker.

Winning the opener will not be easy, but if they do… I guess we will find out what happens next.