College Football Playoff Rankings 2019: Projected final Top 25
By Zach Bigalke
879. Pick Analysis. 2. player. Scouting Report. 13-0/ACC. won 62-17 vs. No. 23 Virginia (ACC CG in Charlotte). Clemson Tigers
Clemson had no intention of slipping up in the ACC championship game. The Tigers came out motivated to prove they were ranked too low at No. 3 in the College Football Playoff selection committee’s Top 25 rankings, obliterating No. 23 Virginia 62-17 in Charlotte to become the first ACC team win the conference outright for the fifth straight season.
(Florida State won at least a share of the crown every year between 1992 and 2000, but shared the title with Virginia in 1995 and with Georgia Tech in 1998.)
Trevor Lawrence looked dominant as he threw for 302 yards and tossed four touchdowns on 16-of-22 passing before earning an early rest in the title game. Tee Higgins had a huge day as Lawrence’s favorite target, finishing with nine catches for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Travis Etienne offered needed balance on the ground, churning out 114 rushing yards and a score on 14 carries.
Among Power Five teams, Clemson’s title game presented the lowest-ranked opponent. The fashion in which Clemson defeated the Cavaliers, coupled with Ohio State’s struggles, will be enough to push the Tigers up to No. 2 in the final College Football Playoff rankings.