Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 12

By Zach Bigalke

Nov 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tackled by Houston Cougars cornerback Jeremy Winchester (24) during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tackled by Houston Cougars cornerback Jeremy Winchester (24) during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 26
Next
Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs in for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs in for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

While Louisville fell to Houston on Thursday night, the fact that the Cardinals lost out of conference meant that Clemson still had to beat Wake Forest on Saturday to ensure a spot in the ACC championship game. The Tigers did exactly what was needed to book their trip to Orlando by mauling the Demon Deacons on Saturday. Wayne Gallman finished with 161 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Deshaun Watson had a pedestrian 202 passing yards (but three combined scores). Clemson held Wake Forest to just 197 total yards of offense to lock down their 10th win.

The Tigers were already fourth in the College Football Playoff rankings, but they will now solidify that spot in the AP Top 25 as well after one week below the benchmark. Dabo Swinney’s team can now look ahead to the Battle for the Palmetto State knowing that all they need to do is win two more games and they will return to the playoff for the second straight season. Clemson has become the type of perennial juggernaut that can lose a game and still remain high in the rankings.

Home/College Football Rankings