re: A rational look at the Clemson Tigers - can we leave emotions out of this for a minute

Let's make the math simple for Clemson Here's the average ESPN end of season FPI's for each team's opponents. The FCS teams of each were dropped out and not considered in the average.

LSU
131.4 total / 10.10 average (of the 14 total games, LSU has played 9 teams with an FPI greater than 3.63)

Clemson
47.2 total / 3.63 average (of the 14 total games, Clemson has only played 3 teams with an FPI greater than 10.10)

I am not a fan of ESPN's FPI, but it does provide a good statistic for comparison of the relative strengths of each teams' opponents. Now, if you look at where each team's statistics over the year, you will see - through math - that LSU has better overall stats against statistically much better opponents.

BTW, Clemson's mascot looks like they bought the costume at Walgreen's the day before Halloween.