College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 3

Sep 17, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sacks Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) during the second half at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Florida State 63-20. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs for a touchdown as Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Drue Tranquill (23) defends in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

The Spartans traveled to South Bend and took care of business convincingly against Notre Dame. Gerald Holmes had 13 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns, Tyler O’Connor threw for 241 yards and two scores, and Michigan State fended off a fourth-quarter comeback by the Fighting Irish to survive with an eight-point win. The defense gave up 344 passing yards to DeShone Kizer, but Michigan State kept Notre Dame one-dimensional on offense as the Irish gained just 57 rushing yards on 2.3 yards per carry.

With teams losing above them, the Spartans should move up a slot in the Top 25 this week. Last year’s Big Ten champions are back on track to contend for the conference this season and possibly make their return to the College Football Playoff semifinals. A visit from Wisconsin next weekend gives the Spartans the opportunity to make another statement, this time in conference play, with a spot in the top 10 on the line.

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