ORLANDO, Fla. — Clemson and Oklahoma expected this season to end much differently.

After handing Alabama a double-digit loss in the Sugar Bowl, the Sooners figured to be in the chase for the inaugural College Football Playoff after starting the season with a No. 4 ranking. Those hopes were quickly extinguished thanks to three losses.

Clemson entered to season looking to challenge national champion Florida State in the ACC. That, too, was dashed after a 1-2 stumble out of the gate.

Monday’s Russell Athletic Bowl is a chance to at least end on an upbeat note.

The No. 18 Tigers (9-3) bid for their fourth straight season with at least 10 victories. Only Alabama, Oregon and Northern Illinois have done so in the past four seasons.