WATCH: Stephen A. Smith defends Clemson, Swinney to Paul Finebaum

Brandon Rink · Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer · Wednesday, December 04 2019

ESPN's First Take hosted a panel discussion with Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum and David Pollack discussing Clemson's place in the Playoff picture on Wednesday.

Smith takes up the argument for Dabo Swinney, who Finebaum called the "most annoying winner" and in need of a timeout and pacifier earlier this week.

Finebaum joked that Smith needs a pacifier as well with a one-liner instead of really arguing back.

They debate later if Clemson can make the Playoff with a loss and both Finebaum and Pollack talk about a perceived weakness in the ACC. That said, Pollack favors Clemson over some possible one-loss conference champs.

"I don't see Clemson as being slighted," Pollack said. "If we're putting Clemson, LSU and Ohio State together, I think they're very comparable. They're all three comparable teams. Those other two teams have great resumes. They have four and three top-25 wins. They deserve to be ahead of Clemson. Ok, (potential) one-loss Clemson -- (potential) one-loss Oklahoma -- you're telling me Oklahoma is better than Clemson? They're not. They (Clemson) should still be in I think."

Watch the whole debate below: