The Future of Small-School Showdowns: Will Big Teams Keep Playing Little Guys?

College football is undergoing rapid changes. Major shifts are happening:

• Super Conferences forming
• Playoff expansion on the horizon
• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) changes affecting player transfers and compensation

The Big Question: Will Big Schools Continue to Play Small Schools?

Clemson vs. Furman: A Longstanding Rivalry

• 58th meeting between these programs
• Clemson's perspective: Valuable tune-up games against less competitive opponents
• Furman's benefit: $500,000 payout that supports their athletic programs

"These games are crucial for our budget and exposure." - Furman Athletic Director Jason Donnelly

The Debate

Arguments for Continuing the Practice

• Provides easy wins for power programs
• Offers financial and exposure benefits to smaller schools

Concerns About the Future

• Coach Dabo Swinney jokes about a potential future where only big schools play each other
• Smaller programs rely on these games for financial stability
• Uncertainty about the long-term impact of current changes

The Current Reality

For now, matchups like Clemson vs. Furman continue. Both sides recognize the value, but the future remains uncertain as college football evolves.