No. 9 Clemson is rolling as it contends for ACC title and a return to the College Football Playoff

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — A year ago, Dabo Swinney was sparring with a radio caller asking why he's paid so much at Clemson for mid-level results.

Hardly anyone's questioning Swinney this season with the ninth-ranked Tigers surging back into contention for an Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a return to the College Football Playoffs. The Tigers (6-1, 5-0) have this week off before starting the final stretch at home against Louisville.

“We've got a long ways to go, but we do have an opportunity to earn it,” Swinney said Monday. “And it is exciting.”