The Clemson Tigers are the nation's only undefeated team and they claimed the top seed in the College Football Playoff as a result. That might not be the most favorable position to be in for a title contender, however. Over the previous 10 seasons -- nine in the two-team BCS format and one in the four-team playoff format -- the No. 1 team heading into the postseason hoisted the trophy in January only three times.
Clemson ranks No. 2 overall in our Football Outsiders opponent-adjusted drive efficiency ratings, behind Alabama and just ahead of playoff semifinal opponent Oklahoma. But how do the Tigers compare with the No. 1 teams of the past 10 years? Not particularly well. That doesn't mean Clemson can't win the championship, but it does reinforce the fact that what the Tigers have already accomplished to date doesn't mean much heading into the playoff: