ACC Football Power Rankings 2017: Louisville trending up in Week 3

The 14th-ranked Louisville Cardinals looked great in their opening game of ACC football play. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was stellar as he put up 393 passing yards, 132 rushing yards, three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns.

The Louisville offense put up 705 total yards of offense in the game. Running back Malik Williams had 13 carries for 149 rushing yards as well.

The Cardinals defense allowed 401 total yards in the game, but held the Tar Heels to 17 rushing yards.

This week: No. 3 Clemson

The emergence of the Cardinals’ receivers was good to see in Week Two. All eyes will be on wide receivers Jaylen Smith (9 rec. for 183 rec. yards and a touchdown in Week 2) and Dez Fitzpatrick (4 rec. for 78 rec. yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 2) this week against the third-ranked Clemson Tigers.

The Clemson Tigers did enough on offense in Week Two to escape with a 14-6 victory over 15th-ranked Auburn. Quarterback Kelly Bryant looks ready to lead an offense after showing his toughness against an SEC opponent.

Bryant went out with an injury then returned to run for two touchdowns and lead the Tigers’ to their second win of 2017. He had 181 passing yards and 59 rushing yards to lead the way on offense.

The Auburn defense played them tough at every turn, but Bryant found a way to score when the team needed him.

Clemson overcame two turnovers and held Auburn to just six points on defense. The Clemson defense finished the game with 11 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, although it was recovered by Auburn.

This week: at Louisville

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

The third-ranked Clemson Tigers travel to the 14th-ranked Louisville Cardinals’ place in what should be a great game. The Tigers’ defense will have their hands full with quarterback Lamar Jackson. On the other hand, the Louisville defense will have their hands full with quarterback Kelly Bryant as well.