College Football Playoff 2020 projections heading into Week 11

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Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) throws in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Clemson Tigers (5-1)

Here is where the rankings get tricky in terms of projections. The Clemson Tigers looked to be a lock for the College Football Playoff before their 47-40 loss to Notre Dame. Most of the blame will be put on the loss of star quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the second game in a row.

Freshman quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was solid for the Tigers for the second game in a row. Against the Fighting Irish, he passed for 439 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 29-of-44 passes. Even without Lawrence, the Tigers have a bright spot of their future with Uiagalelei as their quarterback.

The Tigers found inefficiencies in the run game as they only accounted for 34 yards on the ground as well as two touchdowns on 33 carries. Travis Etienne rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

Their defense failed to make the stops needed against a Fighting Irish offense that accounted for 518 total yards.

No. 4 Clemson can still control its destiny as it will still play for the ACC title. The Tigers will most likely face No. 2 Notre Dame in the championship where they will be seeking revenge and will likely be the favorites. With a potential win against Notre Dame in the rematch, they will likely be the third-ranked team in the playoff field, at the very least.

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