College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Week 4 AP Top 25

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Quinton Flowers #9 of the South Florida Bulls is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against Illinois Fighting Illini at Raymond James Stadium on September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /

13 of 26

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Unlike last year, when the divisional showdown against Clemson went down to the wire, No. 14 Louisville was never really in the game this season against the defending national champions. The Cardinals defense allowed over 600 yards of offense to their visitors, turning a day that started with a visit by College GameDay into a nightmare for Louisville fans.

Lamar Jackson was never able to get things going on the ground. Though he passed for 317 yards and three touchdowns, the Clemson defense held the defending Heisman Trophy winner under 100 rushing yards. This was supposed to be another instant classic that served as a de facto ACC Atlantic decider. The result was a lopsided loss that probably puts Louisville out of the running for the conference crown yet again this season.

Louisville still has a chance to have a solid season, and Jackson will have more opportunities to build another Heisman resume. Given everything else that happened, they might even stay right at No. 14 in the AP Top 25 this week despite looking nowhere near a formidable challenger to Clemson in the ACC race.

Home/College Football News