Both Clemson and Louisville have survived close games this season, drawing some criticism for the way in which they have won.
But at this point in the race to make the College Football Playoff, there is a stark difference between Clemson winning a close game and Louisville winning a close game: The Tigers are undefeated, and the Cardinals are not.
All Clemson has to do is win out, and its spot in the playoff is guaranteed. Those games could go to overtime, end on a fluke, or finish 6-3 -- as long as Clemson is the winning team, no style points need to be scored.