It seems like one main motivation for the narrative to keep a one loss Clemson team out of the playoffs by the SEC and media is based on awareness that Clemson has and can win the big games when given the opportunity. So push a message that they must go undefeated to get in. Try to prevent them from even getting the chance to prove everyone wrong. It is easy to say who passes the eye test. Clemson has proven that the eye test and conference affiliation does not always accurately predict success on the field.
It is a possibility that Clemson may get a chance to beat 4 secheat teams this year. TA&M, usuc, and maybe, LSwho or ugay and AL. Wouldn't that be special? Doubt it will happen, but as bad as the bias is for the secheat, anything's possible, I guess.