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

Entering the 2017 season, Notre Dame was ranked No. 28 in the AP Top 25, slotted toward the top of those also receiving votes. They will probably leapfrog Utah and TCU into the Top 25 proper this week after taking down defending American Athletic Conference champion Temple by 33 in their home opener.

Brian Kelly’s team got the hot start it absolutely needed, as they held Tempe to 85 rushing yards in the 49-16 win. Logan Marchi was able to throw for 245 yards and two scores against the Fighting Irish secondary, though, which could be a concern with tougher opponents looming on the schedule.

Even then, Notre Dame is one of those national brands that is always prone to getting the bump. Considering the fact that other teams played FCS opponents, the win over a Group of Five league champ should give pollsters the justification to boost the Irish just a bit ahead of a couple of former BCS Busters.