College Football Playoff 2017: Projected top 4 after Week 1

The Clemson Tigers begin this week’s College Football Playoff rankings. The defending national champions looked pretty impressive against the Kent State Golden Flashes in quarterback Kelly Bryant’s debut.

Bryant was 16-for-22 with 236 passing yards, a passing touchdown, 77 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. He found wide receiver Deon Cain on a 61-yard deep ball for the team’s second score of the game.

The Tigers also showcased their stable of running backs in Travis Etienne, Tavien Feaster, C.J. Fuller and Adam Choice. Etienne led the way with 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. Feaster finished with 69 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Fuller finished with 51 rushing yards and a game-high two rushing touchdowns. Choice was last in the group with 20 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The Clemson Tigers saw seven different players score a touchdown in the game, but next week the competition gets tougher when they face the 12th-ranked Auburn Tigers.

The Tigers won their season opener over the Georgia Southern Eagles, 41-7. They’ve got a much tougher defense, as they allowed just eight first downs while holding the Eagles to 0-for-15 on third down conversions.

So this spot certainly could change after next week, but for now, it belongs to Clemson. Francois’ injury puts the Tigers in the driver’s seat despite what the Louisville Cardinals will bring. Remember, defense wins championships and right now, the Tigers have the better defense.