College Football Rankings 2017: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 1

To be honest, this game really does not mean much in the grand scheme of things. A loss to No. 1 Alabama is probably going to knock Florida State three to five spots down the AP Top 25 this week. Pollsters will almost certainly be lenient on the Seminoles, who made their own mistakes against a team known for feasting on slip-ups by their opponents.

But then there is the big story that transpired in the opener. The loss of Deondre Francois for the season is about the only meaningful long-term impact of Florida State’s showdown in Atlanta, and it could cause them to fall a few spots further than they otherwise might have fallen for losing against the No. 1 team in the nation.

Related Story: SMQ: Why Florida State vs Alabama was most meaningless game of 2017

Jimbo Fisher and his crew cannot take much solace from the numbers they put up against Alabama. Jalen Hurts was held to just 10-of-18 passing for 96 yards, though the sophomore is never going to be called upon to be much more than a caretaker for the offense. The Crimson Tide were held to 4.1 yards per carry, but they also racked up 173 yards and controlled the time of possession.

The Seminoles will get a chance to rebound right away when they play Louisiana-Monroe next week. Look for a solid performance that gets the running game going again.