Fansided

5 reasons Clemson will still make the College Football Playoff

By Connor Learn

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates with fans after their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers won 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates with fans after their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers won 26-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Clemson should be able to surpass Louisville in the rankings

Louisville is coming off of a dominating 44-12 victory over Wake Forest. The Cardinals were trailing at halftime and rallied to outscore the Demon Deacons 41-0 after halftime. Lamar Jackson is so much of a Heisman front-runner that he’s lapping all of the other candidates. Bobby Petrino has brought the Cardinals to a better place than he ever had them during his first tenure. Even if they fall behind Clemson in the rankings, they could find a way to make the College Football Playoff but their loss to Clemson looms large.

9-1 Louisville is ranked third in the AP Poll, two spots ahead of 9-1 Clemson. They have been ranked behind the Tigers the entire season, but have been climbing the rankings since losing to them. The Cardinals will close out the regular season with Houston and Kentucky. Houston coach Tom Herman is one of the rising stars in America for good reason; Houston is one of the best non Power Five teams. He will be able to get any open job he wants if the 8-2 Cougars upset Louisville. Kentucky football is more competitive this year as coach Mark Stoops’ squad could be fighting for bowl eligibility in their rivalry game against Louisville. Louisville could possibly lose either game but will be an impressive 11-1 if they close out their season strong.

Clemson will close out the season at home against South Carolina. They have an in-state rivalry going back to 1896 and neither team will take the Palmetto Bowl lightly. It is fair to question just how good South Carolina is, however, with their only quality win coming over a reeling Tennessee program. The fact that the Tigers get to play this game in Death Valley makes an upset unlikely.

Louisville is currently ranked over Clemson because of their momentum, having not lost since October 1st. Clemson just took their first loss and naturally fell in the rankings. While it is true that Louisville has the more quality loss in this scenario, Clemson’s win over Louisville means everything.

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