Predicting the first loss for every college football top 25 team

No. 17 Louisville Cardinals: Sept. 16 vs. Clemson 

Defending Heisman Trophy champion Lamar Jackson gives the Cardinals a chance to beat any team in the country, but Louisville’s overall roster has a number of holes that could make life difficult in ACC play.

Jackson turned sky-high upside into production last year with over 5,000 total yards and 51 touchdowns, helping Louisville to a 9-1 start that included an obliteration of Florida State and narrow loss to Clemson. However, the offensive line fell apart down the stretch, as the Cardinals closed out the season with a three-game losing streak including a shocking home defeat to rival Kentucky.

Beyond Jackson and a good running back rotation, the offense is full of uncertainty, as his top three targets are gone, and every position on the line outside of Geron Christian at left tackle could change hands throughout the season. Stacey Thomas, James Hearns and a mostly intact secondary give the defense a solid base, although the Cardinals will need some more production from untested players in the trenches.

While Purdue made an intriguing hire in Jeff Brohm, the Boilermakers don’t have the talent to slow down Jackson in the opener. A trip to Chapel Hill in week two will be a little more challenging, but North Carolina is facing huge roster turnover everywhere, and its offense probably can’t keep up with Jackson.

Another crucial early-season matchup with Clemson will follow, and Louisville’s offensive line is going to need to show massive improvement to handle the likes of Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell up front. As dynamic as Jackson is in the open field, he can’t do everything, and the Tigers are a nightmare matchup for Louisville’s weaknesses.

The good news is the rest of Louisville’s schedule is fairly managable, outside of a daunting road date with Florida State on Oct. 21.