Machine and excuse makers. What if the SEC doesn't make the championship game, what if Alabama isn't there? Can you really be called the best if you don't beat (who they say is) the best?
Another observation: when was the last time you had a serious discussion about whether Clemson is elite or not? Remember those? So if it's a discussion, maybe you are and maybe your not. But if it is no longer a discussion, you definitely are or you definitely are not.
We'll truly have abolished all any-sayers when the discussion stops and lil' ol' Clemson stands alone.